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My beef and cheese stromboli is our family's go-to meal solution. It reminds me of a stuffed, rolled-up pizza that's packed with flavor. The combo of seasoned meat with slowly melting cheese inside that golden crust always wins everyone over. I typically make this on Sunday nights when my kids have friends over for movie watching.
A delightful sharing treat
What I really love about this stromboli is how it gives you all the pizza goodness but in a rolled-up form that's way easier to eat. You can throw it together quickly and tweak it however you want. Every bite delivers wonderful melted cheese and flavorful beef.
Shopping list
- Pizza dough: A ready-made roll to save time
- Ground beef: A nice fresh pound
- Egg: One large egg to bind the filling
- Italian herbs: 2 teaspoons of my favorite blend
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon for extra taste
- Salt and pepper: Added to taste
- Mozzarella: A big handful, shredded
- Parmesan: Quarter cup, freshly grated
- Olive oil: My top quality oil for brushing
Simple step-by-step guide
- The oven
- I heat my oven to 200°C and put a light coating of oil on my favorite baking sheet.
- The tasty filling
- I cook the beef in my pan with herbs, garlic and seasonings. After draining well, I let it cool slightly.
- Putting it together
- I unroll my dough onto my sheet. I quickly mix my beef with the egg and mozzarella, then spread this mixture over the dough.
- Rolling it up
- I roll the dough tightly, brush it with olive oil, and sprinkle parmesan on top.
- Baking time
- Into the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. I let it sit for 3 minutes before cutting.
- Serving suggestion
- I cut into 8 nice diagonal slices and serve while hot.
Perfect side dishes
I pair my stromboli with a crisp green salad or some homemade marinara sauce for dipping. Sometimes I add roasted veggies or garlic bread when we want a bigger meal.
Helpful tips
I always drain my beef thoroughly so the dough doesn't get soggy. Using parchment paper makes rolling much easier. For extra kick, I'll toss in some chili flakes into the filling or on top. When I want a change, I'll throw in some sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers with the filling.
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Storing and reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To warm them up, I put slices in the oven at 175°C for 5-7 minutes. You can freeze it for up to 2 months too, but I think it's best eaten fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is a stromboli?
A stromboli is an Italian dish like a rolled-up pizza. Ingredients are added, rolled like a cinnamon roll, and baked until golden brown.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can roll the stromboli a few hours before baking. Keep it chilled, then brush it with oil right before putting it in the oven.
- → What’s the trick to perfect baking?
Preheat the oven well and let the meat cool before mixing it with cheese. It’s done when the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- → Can I switch up the cheese?
Absolutely! Try blends of melty cheeses like provolone, Gruyère, or Swiss. Just make sure to include some mozzarella for that stretchy texture.
- → How do I store leftovers?
You can keep stromboli in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven to restore the crispy crust.