Name: Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin); 1 medium onion (thinly sliced); 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced (optional)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); 1 batch pizza dough (~1 lb); 1 egg (beaten (for egg wash)); 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese (optional)

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There’s something irresistible about a stromboli bursting with savory, melted cheese and tender, flavorful beef. This Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli brings together thinly sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and sautéed peppers wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, making it ideal for a satisfying lunch or a crowd-pleasing party snack.

Each bite offers a delightful combination of juicy meat, aromatic spices, and gooey mozzarella that melts perfectly inside the warm dough. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this handheld stromboli is sure to impress and satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melty mozzarella cheese creates a creamy, irresistible texture inside the stromboli.
The filling features tender, thinly sliced beef combined with sweet onions and colorful bell peppers.
Easy to make with store-bought or homemade dough for versatile preparation.
Perfect for meals or parties — portable and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Thinly sliced beef: Around 1 pound of ribeye or your preferred cut, thinly sliced for fast cooking and rich flavor.
Medium onion: Thinly sliced to add natural sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
Green bell pepper: Thinly sliced for a crisp, slightly bitter contrast to the beef and cheese.
Red bell pepper (optional): Adds vibrant color and subtle sweetness if you prefer a more colorful filling.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons to sauté vegetables and beef evenly, ensuring a tender and flavorful filling.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the filling ingredients.
Garlic powder (optional): A teaspoon for a mild garlicky aroma that complements the beef nicely.
Italian seasoning (optional): A teaspoon adds an herbaceous note to uplift the overall flavor profile.
Pizza dough: Approximately 1 pound (store-bought or homemade), rolled out to create the stromboli’s crispy, golden crust.
Egg: One beaten egg brushed on top to give the crust a shiny, appetizing golden finish.
Mozzarella cheese: 1 to 1½ cups shredded, providing the classic gooey, melty texture that binds the filling.
Provolone or cheddar cheese (optional): A quarter-cup added for extra creaminess and sharp cheese flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing them for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized. This softens the vegetables and enhances their sweetness.

Next, add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, if using. Cook just until the beef is browned but still tender, which preserves juiciness and flavor. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before mixing in the shredded mozzarella and optional provolone cheese. The cheese will begin to melt slightly, binding the filling together.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough

Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy, golden stromboli crust. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 12 by 16 inch (30 by 40 cm) rectangle. Rolling it evenly helps the stromboli bake uniformly and makes it easier to roll around the filling.

Assemble the Stromboli

Spread the prepared beef, onion, and pepper mixture evenly along one long side of the dough, leaving a clear 1 to 2 inch border along the edges to help seal the stromboli. Carefully roll the dough over the filling to form a tight log, tucking the edges inward as you go to prevent cheese and juices from leaking out during baking. Pinch the seam and the ends to securely seal the stromboli.

Apply the Egg Wash

Place the assembled stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid sticking. Brush the top gently with the beaten egg, which will create a beautiful glossy finish and enhance browning. Optionally, make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking and prevent sogginess inside.

Bake the Stromboli

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and fully cooked through. Baking time ensures the dough is crispy outside while the filling is hot and melty inside. Remove it carefully from the oven once done.

Serve Warm

Let the stromboli rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set slightly, which makes slicing easier and less messy. Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair it with marinara sauce or your favorite pizza dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

You Must Know

You can customize the cheese blend by mixing mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for varied flavor complexity.
Adding veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños can personalize the filling with extra color and nutrition.
The stromboli can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking, perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Both store-bought and homemade pizza dough work well, choose according to your schedule and preference.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover stromboli wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in an oven or toaster oven until warmed through to keep the crust crisp. For longer storage, freeze the stromboli wrapped well; thaw before baking or reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your stromboli with a side of fresh marinara or classic pizza sauce for dipping. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese and meat. For a party, serve sliced stromboli alongside olives and pickles for a complete appetizer spread.

Professional Tips

Use very thinly sliced beef and cook it quickly over medium heat to keep it tender and juicy inside the stromboli.
Allow the sautéed filling to cool slightly before mixing in cheese and assembling to prevent dough sogginess.
Seal the stromboli tightly to avoid leaks during baking, and use an egg wash for a beautiful golden crust.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat besides beef?: Yes, thinly sliced chicken or turkey can be used, but cooking times and seasoning might need adjustment.
Is it okay to freeze the assembled stromboli before baking?: Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and freeze; bake it from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s cooked through.
What if I don’t have pizza dough?: You can substitute with homemade bread dough or puff pastry, but results in texture and flavor may vary.
Can I prepare this stromboli dairy-free or vegan?: Replace mozzarella and other dairy cheese with vegan cheese alternatives, and use plant-based dough recipes.
How do I prevent the stromboli crust from becoming soggy?: Ensure the filling is not too wet and allow the cooked filling to cool before assembling. Adding a thin layer of grated cheese on the dough before the filling can also help form a moisture barrier.
What’s the best way to reheat stromboli leftovers?: Reheat in a conventional or toaster oven at medium heat to keep the crust crisp rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy.