If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, look no further than this Easy Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling. This dish brings together tender dough, flavorful seasoned meat, and gooey melted cheese to create a mouthwatering experience you can enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this homemade stromboli offers a satisfying, hearty bite that is as fun to make as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at Its Best: Uses easy, everyday ingredients that come together quickly without compromising flavor.
Perfectly Balanced: Combines juicy, savory meat with rich, stretchy cheese inside soft, golden crust.
Customizable Fun: Easily adapt fillings and spices to suit your taste or pantry availability.
Great for Sharing: Makes a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or game days.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and reheated with excellent results, saving time on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the secret to mastering Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of this dish.

Pizza Dough: Choose store-bought or homemade for a soft and chewy exterior.
Ground Meat: Beef, pork, turkey, or a blend adds juicy, savory goodness.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil brings authentic flavor notes.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, to provide that irresistible gooey melt.
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for a sharp, savory kick.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh and finely chopped, these add aromatic depth.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and crisp the crust slightly.
Egg Wash: For brushing the dough’s surface to achieve a golden finish.
Salt and Pepper: To season the filling perfectly.
Optional Red Pepper Flakes: To add a hint of heat if you like things spicy.

Variations for Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling

Feel free to personalize this Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling to suit your cravings or dietary needs. The recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing substitutions or additions that won’t compromise its deliciously satisfying outcome.

Vegetarian Option: Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted peppers to keep it hearty but meat-free.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with provolone, fontina, or sharp cheddar for unique, cheesy layers.
Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or thyme can replace Italian seasoning for a fragrant twist.
Gluten-Free Dough: Use a gluten-free pizza dough to make this dish friendly for those avoiding gluten.

Easy Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling

How to Make Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and soft. Add your ground meat, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, cooking until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and let the mixture cool slightly before assembling.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches. Make sure the dough is evenly stretched to avoid thin spots that might tear during rolling.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Evenly spread the cooled meat mixture across the dough rectangle, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan on top of the meat to ensure every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough over the filling, creating a tight log shape. Pinch the edges and ends firmly to seal the stromboli so the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

Transfer the rolled stromboli onto a parchment-lined baking sheet seam-side down. Brush the entire surface with a beaten egg to encourage a beautiful golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the stromboli to cool for 5 to 10 minutes after baking; this helps the cheese set slightly for easier slicing. Cut into thick slices and serve warm for the best melty experience.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling

Pre-cook Filling: Fully cook the meat mixture before assembly to avoid soggy dough from raw ingredients.
Don’t Overfill: Use a moderate amount of filling to prevent leaks during baking.
Chill Before Baking: Letting the shaped stromboli rest in the fridge for 20 minutes firms it up, making it easier to handle and slice.
Use Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and ease cleanup by baking on parchment paper.
Sharp Knife: Use a serrated knife when slicing to maintain clean cuts without squashing the bread.

How to Serve Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds vibrant color and an extra flavor punch that complements this hearty stromboli perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve with a simple green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette, or pair with a warm marinara dipping sauce to elevate the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the stromboli into bite-sized pinwheels for party platters, or serve alongside a bowl of Italian wedding soup for a comforting meal bundle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making for a great next-day snack or lunch.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the uncooked stromboli tightly and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to regain that crispy crust and melted interior. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough?

Absolutely! Pre-made pizza dough works wonderfully and saves time without sacrificing taste or texture.

What type of meat is best for this stromboli?

Ground beef is classic but ground pork, turkey, or even sausage can be used depending on your preference or what’s on hand.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the meat for your favorite veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Is it possible to prepare the stromboli in advance?

You can assemble the stromboli the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate; bake fresh the next day for convenience.

How do I prevent the stromboli from getting soggy?

Make sure to fully cook and cool the filling before filling the dough, and avoid overloading the filling to keep the crust crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling is a delightful way to bring warmth and flavor to your dining table. With its perfect blend of savory meat, melted cheese, and golden crust, it’s sure to become a regular favorite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to make something truly special!

Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling

Print Recipe

Easy Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling combines tender pizza dough, flavorful seasoned ground meat, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses to create a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Quick to prepare with everyday ingredients, this stromboli offers a golden, crispy crust encasing a juicy, cheesy interior that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free dough is used)

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough (enough to roll into a 12x16 inch rectangle)

Meat Filling

1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or blend)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, etc.)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Finishing

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground meat, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches, ensuring even thickness to prevent tears during rolling.
Layer the Filling: Spread the cooled meat mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan generously over the meat.
Roll and Seal: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough over the filling to form a tight log shape. Pinch the edges and ends firmly to seal and prevent filling from spilling out during baking.
Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Transfer the stromboli onto a parchment-lined baking sheet seam-side down. Brush the surface with the beaten egg to achieve a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until crust is crisp and golden.
Cool and Slice: Let the stromboli cool for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cheese to set. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm for the best melty cheese experience.

Notes

Pre-cook the meat filling fully to avoid soggy dough from raw ingredients.
Do not overfill the stromboli to prevent leaks while baking.
Chill the assembled stromboli in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before baking to help it firm up for easier handling and slicing.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Slice with a serrated knife to maintain clean cuts without squashing the bread.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of stromboli)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: stromboli, homemade stromboli, cheesy meat stromboli, ground meat stromboli, easy stromboli, Italian appetizer, baked stromboli, pizza dough stromboli