If you’re craving a dish that’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling is exactly what you need. Picture a golden, crispy crust wrapped around a hearty, savory filling of seasoned meat and melty cheese, baked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this stromboli delivers layers of deliciousness that everyone will love. Thanks to its straightforward ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring the irresistible taste of an Italian classic right into your own kitchen with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for an easy-to-prepare meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced: Combines savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy notes that create an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can tweak the filling or add your own favorite cheeses and spices with no fuss.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as impressive party finger food.
- Leftover Friendly: Makes fantastic leftovers and reheats beautifully without losing texture or taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in texture, flavor, and appearance. From seasoning your meat just right to selecting the perfect cheeses, these components come together for a mouthwatering stromboli you’ll want to make again and again.
- Pizza Dough: Fresh or store-bought dough that forms the crispy base and golden crust.
- Ground Meat: A blend of beef and pork adds rich flavor and juiciness to the filling.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Classic stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and balances the savory meat.
- Provolone Cheese: Adds a subtle sharpness that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- Garlic and Onion: Aromatics that deepen the flavor and enhance the savory profile.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that layers in classic Italian flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for those who love a hint of heat.
- Olive Oil: Used to brush the dough for a golden, crispy finish.
- Egg Wash: A beaten egg brushed on top to give your stromboli a beautiful shine.
Variations for Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling
This Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling is incredibly flexible, so feel free to customize it based on your taste, dietary preferences, or what’s available in your kitchen. Making it your own is part of the fun!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted peppers for a veggie-packed delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Try sharp cheddar, fontina, or gouda to change up the cheesy vibe.
- Herb Variations: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can replace Italian seasoning for a fresher taste.
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground meat until brown and cooked through. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let the mixture cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the cheese right away.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 12×16 inches. Maintaining an even thickness will help the stromboli cook uniformly and hold the filling nicely.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Meat
Evenly spread shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses across the dough, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges. Next, sprinkle the prepared meat mixture over the cheese layer, distributing it evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll the dough from one long edge to the other, tucking in the filling as you go. Pinch and seal the edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Transfer the rolled stromboli onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with olive oil and egg wash to achieve that irresistible golden brown crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until the crust is crisp and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let the stromboli sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice without spilling the cheesy meat goodness everywhere.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling
- Even Rolling: Roll the dough gently and evenly to avoid holes and thin spots that could leak filling during baking.
- Do Not Overfill: Keep the filling amount balanced so it cooks thoroughly without making the dough soggy.
- Use Cold Cheese: Adding cold shredded cheese helps keep layers distinct and melts perfectly inside.
- Rest Before Slicing: Letting the stromboli rest after baking ensures clean slices with no messy filling spills.
- Try a Pizza Stone: Baking on a preheated pizza stone can enhance crust crispness for that pizzeria-quality finish.
How to Serve Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the sliced stromboli for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can add an extra savory touch.
Side Dishes
This hearty stromboli pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, or a bowl of tomato soup that complements its Italian flavors. Garlic roasted vegetables can add a wonderful, earthy contrast as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the stromboli into finger-sized strips for party platters or serve as traditional slices for a cozy family dinner. Wrapping it in parchment paper tied with twine makes it charming for picnic lunches or gift-giving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stromboli in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, assemble and wrap the stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer without losing texture or taste.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until the crust is crisp and the filling is heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and works wonderfully, making it easy to whip up this stromboli without sacrificing any taste or texture.
What types of meat work best for the filling?
A classic combination of ground beef and pork offers great flavor and moisture, but you can also use all beef, turkey, or even a meat substitute to suit your preferences.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe is mildly spiced by default, with optional crushed red pepper flakes to add heat. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking or omit it altogether.
Can I prepare the stromboli in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it before baking, or freeze it for later use. Just be sure to thaw properly before baking if frozen.
What is the best way to get a crispy crust?
Brushing the dough with olive oil and egg wash before baking helps achieve a beautiful golden crust. Using a pizza stone can also enhance crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling from scratch—it’s like creating a cozy Italian feast right at home. With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless customization possibilities, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful process and delicious results. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)
Description
Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling features a golden, crispy pizza dough crust wrapped around a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and pork, melty mozzarella, and provolone cheese. This warm and comforting Italian dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep, offering a balanced flavor of savory meat, cheesy goodness, and subtle spices. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it easy to prepare, with plenty of options for customization and dietary adaptations.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 portion pizza dough (fresh or store-bought)
Meat Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (cold)
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (cold)
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef and pork until browned and cooked through. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to avoid melting the cheese too soon.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×16 inches, keeping an even thickness for uniform cooking and good filling support.
- Layer the Cheese and Meat: Evenly spread cold shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Distribute the prepared meat filling evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly over the filling. Pinch and seal the edges well to prevent any filling leakage during baking.
- Brush and Bake: Transfer the rolled stromboli to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with olive oil followed by egg wash for a golden, shiny crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, until crust is crisp and filling is hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Slice: Let the stromboli rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set. This helps achieve clean slices without spilling the cheesy meat filling.
Notes
- Roll the dough gently and evenly to avoid holes and thin spots that could leak filling.
- Do not overfill the stromboli to prevent soggy dough and uneven cooking.
- Use cold shredded cheese to maintain distinct layers and melt perfectly during baking.
- Allow the stromboli to rest after baking for clean slicing without messy filling spills.
- For an extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone if available.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg