Name: Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pizza dough, rolled into a rectangle; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup sliced beef pepperoni; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, a culinary hug in a perfectly baked package. There’s something undeniably magical about biting into that warm, pillowy dough, only to discover a molten core of gooey cheese, savory beef, and that signature spicy kick of pepperoni. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you to cozy family nights or lively gatherings with friends, where laughter and good food are the main events. What makes this Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli so special? It’s the incredible balance of textures and flavors – the slight crisp of the baked crust giving way to the yielding interior, the richness of the beef complementing the salty, slightly greasy perfection of the pepperoni, all bound together by a generous symphony of melted cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, and one that’s surprisingly easy to recreate in your own kitchen, bringing that restaurant-quality deliciousness right to your table.

Ingredients:

1 pizza dough, rolled into a rectangle
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Preparing Your Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli

This Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, perfect for a weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer. We’re going to build layers of flavor, ensuring each bite is a delightful combination of savory beef, spicy pepperoni, and gooey cheese, all encased in a perfectly baked crust.

Preheating and Dough Preparation

First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your stromboli bakes up golden brown and the cheese melts beautifully. While the oven heats, take your rolled-out pizza dough and place it on a lightly floured baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper. Rolling the dough into a rectangle, roughly 12×16 inches, is ideal for this recipe. This provides enough surface area to create a substantial, yet manageable, stromboli. If your dough is a bit sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour to your surface and rolling pin to prevent any sticking issues.

Building the Filling Layers

Now for the fun part: building the delicious filling! We’ll start with the cheese base. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over about two-thirds of the rolled-out pizza dough rectangle, leaving a border of approximately 2 inches on all sides. This mozzarella will create that irresistible cheesy pull we all love. Next, arrange the sliced pepperoni over the mozzarella. For an even distribution of flavor, try to overlap the pepperoni slices slightly. Now, for a salty, nutty kick, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni and mozzarella. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a fantastic cheesy blend that’s both creamy and sharp. Finally, sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the cheese and pepperoni. The Italian seasoning, with its blend of oregano, basil, and thyme, will infuse the entire stromboli with aromatic depth and complement the savory notes of the beef and pepperoni perfectly.

Rolling and Sealing the Stromboli

This step is crucial for achieving that signature stromboli shape and ensuring all the delicious filling stays inside. Starting from the edge of the dough with the filling (the longer side is usually easiest), carefully and tightly roll up the dough, enclosing the cheesy pepperoni mixture. Think of it like rolling up a jelly roll, but with more savory goodness. As you roll, try to keep the roll snug but avoid pressing down too hard, which could push the filling out. Once you’ve rolled the entire length, you should have a log-like shape. Now, we need to seal the ends. Gently pinch the seams together to create a tight seal. This prevents any of that precious cheesy filling from escaping during baking. Once the ends are sealed, you can gently tuck them underneath the stromboli log to create a neater finish.

Egg Wash and Scoring

For that beautiful, golden-brown crust that signals a perfectly baked stromboli, we’ll apply an egg wash. In a small bowl, lightly whisk the beaten egg. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire surface of the stromboli with the egg wash. This not only adds a lovely sheen but also helps the dough to brown beautifully and evenly in the oven. Before baking, it’s also a good idea to score the top of the stromboli. Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slits across the top of the stromboli. These slits allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the dough from puffing up unevenly and creating a more attractive final product. Don’t go too deep; just a few gentle cuts are all you need.

Baking to Perfection

Now it’s time to bake your masterpiece! Carefully transfer the prepared stromboli to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling through the vents. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes. You want a rich, deep golden color, indicating that the dough is cooked through and has a satisfying crispness. Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and preventing all the delicious fillings from oozing out when you serve it.

Serving Your Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli

While the stromboli is resting, warm up the marinara sauce if desired. The warm, tangy marinara sauce is the perfect accompaniment for dipping your Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli. Once the stromboli has rested sufficiently, slice it into generous portions using a sharp serrated knife. Serve immediately with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. This Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the incredible flavors and textures!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! You’ve now got the blueprint for creating a truly magnificent Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli. We’ve covered everything from the dough to the flavorful filling, and I’m confident that you’ll find this recipe both rewarding and incredibly delicious. The combination of savory ground beef, spicy pepperoni, and gooey melted cheese, all encased in a perfectly baked crust, makes this stromboli a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s for a family dinner, a game day snack, or even a packed lunch. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy with the dough; that’s part of the fun! Remember, the best part of cooking is making it your own.

For serving, I love to pair this Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli with a simple marinara dipping sauce for that extra burst of tomato flavor. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stromboli. When it comes to variations, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. You could also add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added depth. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and discover your own perfect stromboli!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pizza dough, including the dough for your stromboli, can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to use it, as cold dough can be difficult to work with.

What are some other filling ideas for a stromboli?

The possibilities are endless! Beyond our Cheesy Beef Pepperoni Stromboli, you could try a classic Italian sausage and bell pepper filling, a spinach and ricotta blend, or even a sweet dessert version with chocolate and fruit. Just ensure your fillings are cooked and cooled before assembling to prevent a soggy crust.