PHILLY CHEESESTEAK STROMBOLI

Philly cheesesteak stromboli brings a delicious twist to the classic Philly cheesesteak, wrapped in a savory, golden crust. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, bell peppers, and melted cheese with the convenience of pizza dough, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional cheesesteak or looking for a new way to enjoy this iconic sandwich, this stromboli is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 (8-oz) pkg shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (8-oz) bottle Parmesan-peppercorn dressing, divided

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic over medium heat. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat and return the mixture to the skillet. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

• Unroll the pizza dough onto a large greased rimmed baking sheet. Press the dough into a large rectangle. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.

3. Add the Beef Mixture:

• Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle with an additional cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and drizzle with ¼ cup of Parmesan-peppercorn dressing.

4. Roll and Shape:

• Starting from one long side, carefully roll up the dough, pinching the ends to seal. Place the rolled stromboli seam side down on the baking sheet. Cut slits in the dough at 1-inch intervals to allow steam to escape.

5. Bake and Serve:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the stromboli is deep golden brown. Allow it to stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining Parmesan-peppercorn dressing for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Allow to Cool Slightly:
   • After baking, let the stromboli cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set, making it easier to cut and serve without spilling.
2. Slice Properly:
   • Use a serrated knife to slice the stromboli into 1-inch pieces. This will give you clean cuts and help retain the filling inside.
3. Pair with Dipping Sauces:
   • Serve the stromboli with the remaining Parmesan-peppercorn dressing for dipping. You can also offer additional sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for variety.
4. Accompany with Sides:
   • Consider serving the stromboli with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or potato wedges to make a complete meal.
5. Warm Up Leftovers:
   • Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the crust. Place slices on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing:
   • To freeze, wrap the stromboli tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze individual slices for easier thawing.
3. Reheating Frozen Stromboli:
   • Thaw frozen stromboli in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
4. Preventing Sogginess:
   • To prevent the crust from becoming soggy when storing, make sure it has cooled completely before sealing it in a container. If reheating, use the oven or a toaster oven rather than the microwave to retain crispiness.
5. Avoid Over-Storing:
   • For the best taste and texture, enjoy stromboli within a few days of baking. While it can be stored longer, freshness and quality are best within the first few days.

These serving and storage tips will help ensure that your Philly cheesesteak stromboli remains delicious and enjoyable long after it comes out of the oven.

Variations:

1. Chicken Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Substitute the ground beef with 1 lb of cooked, shredded chicken. Use chicken seasoning or a bit of garlic and onion powder for flavor.
• Details: This variation is great for those who prefer chicken over beef. The chicken mixture can be seasoned with the same spices or adjusted to taste. It pairs wonderfully with the same cheese and dressing.

2. Vegetarian Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Replace the beef with 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms, 1 cup of diced zucchini, and 1 cup of diced red bell peppers.
• Details: For a meatless option, this veggie-filled stromboli is packed with flavor and texture. Sauté the vegetables until tender, then proceed with the recipe as usual. You can also add a layer of spinach or kale for extra greens.

3. BBQ Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Mix 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce into the beef mixture and use shredded cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Details: Adding barbecue sauce gives the stromboli a tangy, smoky flavor. The cheddar cheese complements the BBQ sauce, creating a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

4. Spicy Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Add 1-2 sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Details: For a spicy kick, incorporate sliced jalapeños into the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese. This variation adds heat and a bit of extra flavor.

5. Italian Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of sliced black olives and 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the beef mixture. Use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Details: This variation adds a Mediterranean flair with olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Provolone cheese complements these flavors well, creating a more Italian-inspired stromboli.

6. Buffalo Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Stir 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce into the beef mixture and use blue cheese crumbles instead of mozzarella.
• Details: The buffalo sauce adds a spicy, tangy flavor, while the blue cheese crumbles give a rich and bold taste. This variation is perfect for fans of buffalo wings.

7. Breakfast Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Substitute the beef with scrambled eggs, add 1/2 cup of cooked bacon or sausage, and use cheddar cheese.
• Details: Ideal for breakfast or brunch, this stromboli features eggs and bacon or sausage, providing a hearty and satisfying meal. The cheddar cheese enhances the breakfast flavors.

8. Loaded Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup of sautéed onions to the beef mixture. Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
• Details: For a more indulgent version, incorporate bacon and extra cheese. The bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the cheese mix provides a rich, gooey texture.

9. Southwest Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Mix 1/2 cup of salsa into the beef mixture and add 1/2 cup of corn and 1/2 cup of black beans. Use Monterey Jack cheese.
• Details: This variation introduces Southwest flavors with salsa, corn, and black beans. Monterey Jack cheese adds a mild and creamy touch, perfect for a southwestern twist.

10. Greek Cheesesteak Stromboli:

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of chopped kalamata olives and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the beef mixture. Use shredded mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and feta.
• Details: Incorporating kalamata olives and feta cheese gives the stromboli a Greek-inspired flavor. The tangy feta and briny olives complement the beef mixture beautifully.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

• Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even sausage. Just make sure to cook and season the meat appropriately before adding it to the stromboli.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can prepare the stromboli up to a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

3. How do I store leftover stromboli?

• Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

4. How do I reheat stromboli without making it soggy?

• To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the crust.

5. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?

• Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough. Roll it out to the same thickness as the refrigerated dough and follow the same instructions for assembly and baking.

6. What can I substitute for Parmesan-peppercorn dressing?

• If you don’t have Parmesan-peppercorn dressing, you can use ranch dressing, Italian dressing, or a simple mix of grated Parmesan and a bit of garlic powder.