Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling
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)
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)
- 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