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Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling

Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling

Homemade Stromboli with Cheesy Meat Filling offers a perfect blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese combined with seasoned ground Italian sausage, wrapped in a soft and chewy pizza dough crust. This savory Italian-inspired dish is easy to prepare, customizable to dietary needs, and perfect for any meal occasion—from weeknight dinners to party appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 12 x 16 inches rolled out)

Meat Filling

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced or garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Cheeses

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Finishing

  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 egg (for egg wash, beaten)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Filling: Brown the ground Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat, then season the meat with garlic and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches, making sure the dough is evenly thick to ensure uniform cooking.
  3. Layer the Filling: Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving about a one-inch border around all edges. Distribute the cooked sausage evenly on top, followed by shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  4. Roll the Stromboli: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough tightly over the filling. Pinch and seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled stromboli onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with beaten egg wash to create a glossy, golden crust. Make a few small slits on the top to allow steam to escape while baking.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling hot.

Notes

  • Do not overfill the stromboli to avoid a messy roll and ensure even cooking.
  • Use fresh pizza dough for a lighter, fluffier crust that rises better.
  • Seal the dough edges tightly by pinching or crimping to prevent filling leaks.
  • Allow the stromboli to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing to help set the filling.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano inside before rolling for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers tightly wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze unbaked stromboli wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months and bake from frozen with additional baking time.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes; avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stromboli, Italian, Meat filling, Cheesy stromboli, Easy recipe, Homemade stromboli, Italian sausage, Pizza dough