Mozzarella Cheese Steak Stromboli: The Ultimate Homemade Comfort Roll

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mozzarella Cheese Steak Stromboli brings together the indulgent flavors of a classic Philly-style steak sandwich and the warm, golden comfort of a freshly baked stromboli. It is a dish that feels both rustic and refined, ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you simply want a hand-held meal that delivers bold flavor in every slice. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability—whether you prefer homemade dough or store-bought, shaved ribeye or thin-sliced sirloin, this stromboli bakes into a melty, savory masterpiece. I once experimented by brushing the crust with garlic-infused butter instead of plain egg wash, and it added a wonderful depth of flavor. With minimal prep work and a straightforward construction, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something genuinely memorable.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pizza dough

A soft, stretchy dough forms the foundation of the stromboli. You can use fresh homemade dough or a high-quality store-bought version for convenience. The dough should be pliable enough to roll without tearing yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Shaved steak

Thinly sliced beef, such as shaved ribeye or sirloin, cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully. The tenderness of the meat is essential for achieving that classic cheese steak texture inside the stromboli roll.

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella melts into luscious ribbons that hold the filling together. Its mild flavor enhances the beef while giving the stromboli its signature stretch. I have tried part-skim and whole-milk mozzarella; both work, but whole-milk melts more luxuriously.

Onions

Sautéed onions bring sweetness and balance. Cooking them until they soften and slightly caramelize adds incredible depth and brings authenticity to the cheese steak taste.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers contribute color, crunch, and a mild sweetness. They complement the onions and steak without overpowering the stromboli’s flavor profile.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds aromatic richness. When sautéed alongside the vegetables, it infuses the filling with warmth and complexity.

Olive oil

Used for sautéing and adding moisture, olive oil ensures the steak and vegetables cook evenly without drying out.

Italian seasoning

A blend of herbs that ties the filling together, Italian seasoning gives the stromboli a savory backbone that enhances every bite.

Salt and black pepper

These basic seasonings heighten all the natural flavors in the beef and vegetables, ensuring the stromboli remains well balanced.

Egg wash

Brushing the dough with beaten egg before baking creates a beautifully glossy, golden brown crust that feels bakery-quality.

Directions

Start by preheating your oven to a steady baking temperature so the stromboli cooks evenly from edge to center. Begin preparing the filling by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shaved steak and cook it until browned, breaking it up gently as it cooks. Remove the beef once it has browned and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the onions and bell peppers. Sauté them slowly so they soften and develop a light caramelization. Add garlic during the last minute of cooking to prevent burning while still releasing its aroma. Return the cooked steak to the skillet, season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and allow everything to combine thoroughly.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Spread the steak mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a border along the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the top so it melts into the filling during baking. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, tucking in the sides as you go to prevent leakage. Transfer the stromboli seam-side down to a baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with egg wash to ensure a glossy finish. Bake until the crust is golden and firm, and the cheese inside is bubbly. Let it cool briefly before slicing to allow the filling to settle.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings, depending on slice size. Preparation typically takes 20 minutes, while baking averages 25–30 minutes. Allow an additional 5–10 minutes for cooling before slicing.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness, or use a skillet over low heat to warm gently without drying. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the crust.

Variations and Customizations

Mushroom Lovers Stromboli

Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth and added juiciness.

Spicy Steak Stromboli

Incorporate sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.

Four-Cheese Stromboli

Blend mozzarella with provolone, parmesan, and fontina for a richer, more layered cheese experience.

Garlic Butter Crust

Brush the dough with melted garlic butter instead of egg wash for an aromatic finish.

Veggie-Forward Stromboli

Replace steak with a mix of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms.

Marinara-Dipped Stromboli

Serve slices with warm marinara on the side for a pizza-style flavor boost.

Herb-Infused Dough

Mix dried herbs into the dough before rolling to add aromatic complexity.

Cheesesteak Deluxe

Add a smear of cheese sauce along the dough before spreading the filling for extra creaminess.

Caramelized Onion Upgrade

Cook the onions slowly for a deeper sweetness that elevates the entire stromboli.

Italian Deli Style

Include thin-sliced salami or pepperoni for a fusion of steak and classic deli flavors.

FAQs

How do I prevent my stromboli from becoming soggy?

Make sure the filling is cooked and drained of excess moisture before rolling.

Can I prepare the stromboli ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the stromboli?

Freeze unbaked or baked stromboli tightly wrapped; thaw before reheating or baking.

What cheese works best besides mozzarella?

Provolone or fontina both melt beautifully and complement steak.

Can I use pre-cooked steak?

Yes, but warm it with the vegetables so the flavors blend.

How do I keep the stromboli from opening while baking?

Seal the edges well and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Should I poke holes in the dough?

Small slits on top help steam escape and prevent splitting.

Can I use whole-wheat dough?

Yes, though it will produce a slightly denser texture.

Can I omit peppers?

Certainly, though they add sweetness and balance.

How thin should I roll the dough?

Aim for a rectangle about a quarter-inch thick for easy rolling and even baking.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Cheese Steak Stromboli is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that balances simplicity with bold flavor. Its tender steak, melty mozzarella, and golden crust create a satisfying roll that works as a main dish, appetizer, or party centerpiece. The recipe welcomes customization, making it as classic or creative as you prefer. With a few basic tools and a straightforward process, you can craft a homemade stromboli that rivals your favorite pizzeria version. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, share it with others, and make it your own through the variations that suit your tastes.

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