Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fusion of Favorites: Merges the savory goodness of a cheesesteak with the portability of a stromboli.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with your preferred cheeses, vegetables, or even different meats.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready, making it ideal for gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
½ onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
1 (8-oz) package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (8-oz) bottle Parmesan-peppercorn dressing, divided

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Unroll the pizza dough onto a greased, rimmed baking sheet. Press it into a large rectangle.
Assemble the Stromboli:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Evenly spread the beef mixture over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and drizzle with ¼ cup of the Parmesan-peppercorn dressing.
Roll and Seal:
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll up the dough, pinching the ends to seal.
- Place the roll seam-side down on the baking sheet. Cut slits in the dough at 1-inch intervals to allow steam to escape.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stromboli is deep golden brown.
Serve:
- Let the stromboli stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with the remaining Parmesan-peppercorn dressing for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 to 6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes

Variations

Chicken Cheesesteak Stromboli:
- Substitute ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken. Season with garlic and onion powder for added flavor.
Vegetarian Stromboli:
- Replace meat with a medley of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
Spicy Kick:
- Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat.
Cheese Variations:
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
- Allow the stromboli to cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Wrap the cooled stromboli securely and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- For refrigerated stromboli, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- For frozen stromboli, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as above.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can substitute pizza dough with homemade bread dough or even crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.

2. What other sauces can I use for dipping?

Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli make excellent dipping sauces for stromboli.

3. Can I make the stromboli ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

4. How do I prevent the stromboli from getting soggy?

Ensure that the filling ingredients are not too wet. Sauté vegetables to remove excess moisture, and drain any fat from cooked meats.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to enhance the flavor.

6. Is it necessary to use the Parmesan-peppercorn dressing?

While it adds a unique flavor, you can omit it