Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli
Nothing beats the combination of warm, flaky pizza dough, gooey mozzarella, and savory grilled steak wrapped up in this irresistible Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a quick gathering with friends and family. The rich flavors of tender sirloin steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing bring a delicious twist to classic cheesesteak. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Stromboli is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients Overview
- Pillsbury Classic Pizza Dough (13.4 oz): This ready-to-use dough saves time and ensures a perfectly crisp yet chewy crust every time. You can find it in the refrigerated section.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Creamy and stretchy, mozzarella is the ideal cheese to melt into each bite of this Stromboli. Using part-skim mozzarella can help reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Grilled Sirloin Steak (1½ lb, roughly chopped): The heart of this dish, grilled sirloin offers a hearty, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese and soft veggies. Make sure it’s chopped finely so it’s easier to roll.
- Olive Oil (for sautéing): Enhances the flavor and adds moisture while cooking the vegetables.
- Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Adds a sweet, savory depth that contrasts beautifully with the tangy Parmesan dressing.
- Green Bell Pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced): Offers a crisp, slightly bitter flavor and balances out the richness of the cheese and steak.
- Italian Seasoning (1½ tsp, divided): A robust blend of herbs that brings out the flavors of the steak and veggies.
- Garlic Salt (1 tsp): Infuses the filling with subtle garlic flavor while keeping the salt content balanced.
- Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a kick of warmth to balance the rich ingredients.
- Parmesan-Peppercorn Salad Dressing (â…“ cup): This is the secret ingredient that brings a creamy, zesty punch to every bite. It marries all the flavors together.
- Butter (1 Tbsp, melted): Brushing the top of the Stromboli with butter creates a golden, crispy finish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 Tbsp): Adds a nutty, salty topping that bakes into the crust for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, drizzle a little olive oil and heat over medium-high. Sauté the sliced onion and bell pepper with 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper to taste. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a clean, floured surface, press the pizza dough into a 12 x 16-inch rectangle. This shape helps ensure you can roll the Stromboli properly without the filling spilling out.
Step 4: Layer the Cheese and Steak
Spread 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Layer the chopped steak evenly on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Dressing
Spread the sautéed onions and bell peppers over the steak. Drizzle with ⅓ cup of Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing for an added layer of flavor and moisture. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Step 6: Roll the Stromboli
Starting from the wider side of the dough, carefully roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling in. Place the rolled Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Brush with Butter and Season
Brush the top and sides of the Stromboli with the melted butter. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning and a pinch of garlic salt. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
Step 8: Bake
Place the Stromboli in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Let the Stromboli rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice into generous portions and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or more Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing.
Valuable Tips for the Perfect Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli
Helpful Tip: For an extra-crispy crust, brush the dough with a bit of egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and water) before baking.
Helpful Tip: Want to save time? You can use pre-cooked steak or leftover roast beef. Just make sure it’s sliced thinly for easy rolling.
Helpful Tip: Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling can give the Stromboli a slight spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftover Stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the Stromboli has completely cooled before storing.
- Freezing: Stromboli freezes exceptionally well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Stromboli slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also make your own if you prefer.
2. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses would work great in this recipe.
4. Can I make this Stromboli ahead of time?
You can assemble the Stromboli ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version of this dish.
6. Can I use leftover steak?
Yes! Leftover steak works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to chop it finely.
7. How do I prevent the Stromboli from getting soggy?
Ensure that the steak and veggies are not too watery. Draining excess moisture before adding them to the dough helps keep the crust crispy.
8. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and other hearty vegetables.
9. What dipping sauces go well with this Stromboli?
Marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or more Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing are all excellent choices.
10. Can I grill the Stromboli instead of baking it?
Yes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent the dough from burning. You may want to wrap it in foil.
20 Secrets to Culinary Perfection with Stromboli
- Use room-temperature dough to make rolling easier and prevent tearing.
- Don’t overfill—too much filling can make it difficult to roll and result in a messy bake.
- Brush with butter or egg wash to get that golden, crispy crust.
- Parchment paper helps ensure the Stromboli doesn’t stick to the baking sheet.
- Let it rest before slicing to keep the cheese from oozing out too much.
- Sauté the veggies first to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
- Season every layer to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to slice through the Stromboli cleanly without squashing it.
- Cook the steak to medium-rare before assembling to avoid overcooking it.
- Freeze leftovers individually for quick lunches.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the Stromboli—it melts more evenly.
- Use a pizza stone to bake the Stromboli for an extra-crispy crust.
- Reheat in the oven for best results—avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Try different dressings—Ranch or Caesar dressing can add unique flavors.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute butter or egg wash on the dough.
- Make mini Strombolis for a fun party appetizer.
