Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling
Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling is a comforting and savory baked dish featuring a golden, crispy crust filled with seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it is customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it perfect for family dinners, snacks, or casual gatherings.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Dough and Crust
- 1 package store-bought pizza dough (or homemade dough, about 12–16 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
For the Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- ¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce (for spreading or dipping)
- Prepare the Meat Filling: Cook ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper while cooking. Drain excess fat to keep the filling juicy but not greasy.
- Assemble the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle of even thickness, sized to your desired servings.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the cooked meat evenly over the dough leaving a small border along the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Optionally, spread a light layer of marinara sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, pressing firmly to avoid gaps. Pinch the edges to seal completely, optionally using water along the seams to help seal the dough and prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top lightly with olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Let It Rest and Slice: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to settle. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use cold dough for easier handling and better crust texture.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting or improper sealing.
- For a glossy finish, brush the crust with beaten egg instead of olive oil before baking.
- Make a few small slits on top to vent steam and prevent soggy dough.
- Enjoy stromboli fresh and warm for the best flavor and cheese pull.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of stromboli)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: stromboli, homemade stromboli, cheesy stromboli, meat stromboli, Italian appetizer, baked stromboli, savory stromboli