Get ready to experience the ultimate fusion of a classic Philly cheesesteak and a baked Italian stromboli! This Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves savory steak, gooey melted cheese, and tender peppers and onions, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy crust. Using a simple refrigerated pizza dough shortcut, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers an incredibly impressive and satisfying meal perfect for family dinner, game night, or a casual gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Stromboli is a personal favorite because it takes all the iconic flavors of a beloved cheesesteak and transforms them into a portable, sliceable, and utterly delicious baked roll. What I love most is the sheer convenience of using pre-made pizza dough – it cuts down on prep time significantly without sacrificing that homemade taste. The combination of tender, roughly chopped sirloin steak, sweet and savory sautéed onions and bell peppers, and a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese is pure perfection. And that Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing? It’s a secret weapon that adds an unexpected layer of creamy, zesty flavor that ties everything together. It’s comforting, satisfying, and always a huge hit!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli:
- 1 13.4 oz Pillsbury classic pizza dough, refrigerated
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1½ lb grilled sirloin steak, roughly chopped
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- Black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup prepared Parmesan-Peppercorn salad dressing (See Cook’s note below)
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Swaps and Notes
- Pillsbury Pizza Dough: This is the ultimate shortcut. Other brands of refrigerated pizza dough can work, but Pillsbury Classic tends to be a good size and texture.
- Grilled Sirloin Steak: Leftover grilled steak is perfect for this! If you don’t have leftover, quickly cook some thin-sliced sirloin or ribeye in a skillet, then chop it. You could also use thinly sliced deli roast beef or even cooked ground beef for a different twist.
- Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, a blend of provolone and mozzarella would be amazing for a more authentic cheesesteak flavor.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper (red, yellow, orange) would work well, adding varying degrees of sweetness.
- Italian Seasoning: A good quality blend is key. You can also use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of marjoram.
- Garlic Salt: Adjust to your taste. If using garlic powder and separate salt, use ½ tsp garlic powder and salt to taste.
- Parmesan-Peppercorn Dressing: This is a crucial flavor enhancer! Brands like Hidden Valley or Marzetti offer this. If you absolutely can’t find it, a creamy Caesar dressing with a pinch of extra black pepper could be a distant alternative, but the original is highly recommended for its unique zest.
- Butter & Parmesan (Topping): This creates a beautiful golden crust.
Instructions
Let’s get this incredibly delicious Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli baked!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C). Line a standard large sheet pan (baking sheet) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (like a Silpat). This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, heat a couple of drizzles of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and thinly sliced green bell pepper to the skillet. Season the vegetables with 1 teaspoon of the dried Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper to your taste. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but still have a slight bite. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated Pillsbury classic pizza dough onto your prepared sheet pan. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently press or roll the dough into a rough rectangle, approximately 12 x 16 inches.
- Layer the Filling: Evenly sprinkle half (1 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the prepared pizza dough, leaving a small border (about 1 inch) around the edges. Next, arrange the roughly chopped grilled sirloin steak over the cheese layer. Then, spoon the cooked onion and bell pepper mixture evenly over the steak.
- Add Dressing & More Cheese: Drizzle the ⅓ cup of Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing generously over the steak and vegetables. Finally, top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll the Stromboli: Starting with one of the longer (widest) edges of the rectangle, begin to tightly roll the dough over the filling to form a log shape. Roll it up completely, ensuring the seam ends up on the bottom. Carefully transfer the rolled stromboli to the center of your prepared sheet pan, seam side down.
- Brush & Season Top: In a small bowl, melt the 1 tablespoon of butter. Brush the top and sides of the stromboli generously with the melted butter. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning and additional garlic salt to your taste. Finally, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and crust.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan with the stromboli into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the cheese and filling to set slightly, making for cleaner slices. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting to add more, sticking to the recommended filling amounts helps the stromboli roll and bake properly without bursting.
- Roll Tightly: A tight roll ensures the filling stays put and the slices hold their shape.
- High Heat: The 425°F (220°C) oven helps the pizza dough cook through and brown beautifully, giving you a nice crispy crust.
- Resting is Key: Don’t skip the resting step! It’s crucial for the cheese to set and prevents the filling from spilling out when sliced.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other thinly sliced vegetables to your sauté, such as mushrooms or a different color of bell pepper.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is a hearty, complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Marinara Sauce: Serve with warm marinara sauce or extra Parmesan-Peppercorn dressing for dipping.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich stromboli.
- Potato Chips or Fries: For a casual, diner-style feel, serve with a side of potato chips or crispy French fries.
- For other incredibly popular cheesy, easy-to-make dishes, consider our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or our unique How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is fantastic!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover stromboli (sliced or whole) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat slices in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crust is re-crisped (about 10-15 minutes). You can also microwave it, but the crust won’t be as crispy.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked and cooled stromboli. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven as above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the cheesy, savory, and easy nature of this Stromboli, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, crowd-pleasing recipes:
- For another incredibly popular cheesy dip that disappears fast, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you’re a fan of super easy appetizers that feed a crowd fast, don’t miss These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast!
- And for another go-to cozy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, our These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners are a winner.
Final Thoughts
This Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is truly a culinary triumph – combining the best of two worlds into one satisfying, easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for a fun family dinner, a casual get-together, or when you just want to sink your teeth into something incredibly cheesy and flavorful. It proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something spectacular.
Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a new favorite! We’d love to hear what you think, so please share your feedback and any delicious variations you discover in the comments below. And as always, for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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