Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the classic Philly cheesesteak and the savory Italian stromboli. This dish encapsulates a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, with tender beef, melted cheeses, sautéed vegetables, and a golden, flaky crust. As you slice into this irresistible creation, the rich aroma of sautéed onions and peppers wafts through the air, instantly evoking nostalgia for family gatherings and comforting meals. It’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends with family and friends. In this post, I’ll share a step-by-step recipe guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
To create your Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli, gather the following ingredients:
- 27 oz Steak-Umm sliced steak, thawed and chopped
- 1 to 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 refrigerated pizza crust
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- Melted butter for brushing
- Dried parsley for topping
- Sesame seeds for topping
- 1 packet au jus mix
- 1 cup water
These ingredients serve as the foundation of a dish that is not only tasty but also visually pleasing once plated.
Cooking Time & Tips For Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli
When preparing Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli, you have the option of quick or slow preparation methods. The quick method is perfect when time is of the essence. You can easily cook the meat and vegetables in one skillet while simultaneously prepping your dough. However, if you have a bit more time, allowing the flavors to meld in the filling can elevate your stromboli to new heights.
Practical tips to ensure success include:
- Always allow the filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent a soggy crust.
- Use parchment paper for rolling; it makes the process smoother and cleaner.
- Remember to brush the top with melted butter for that golden-brown finish.
Step-by-Step Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 6 to 7 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize, giving them a delightful, sweet flavor. For added taste, season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. After they reach your desired tenderness, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and increase the heat to medium-high. Next, add the chopped Steak-Umm and sprinkle with the steak seasoning. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and juicy.
To avoid a soggy stromboli, transfer the cooked meat to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Once drained, add the meat back into the skillet along with the sautéed peppers and onions. Stir well to combine everything, and allow it to cool completely before moving on to the next step. This is crucial; a hot filling will melt the cheese too quickly and could compromise the dough.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. On a sheet of parchment paper, roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle, aiming for dimensions of about 12 x 15 inches. This gives ample room to roll the stromboli and create the perfect shape.
Now it’s time to assemble! Start by arranging the provolone cheese slices evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border along all edges. This will help you seal the stromboli later on.
Carefully layer the cooled meat mixture over the provolone cheese, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the beef and veggies, creating a cheesy paradise.
With the help of the parchment paper, gently roll the dough into a tight log shape, starting from one long side. Be sure to pinch the seams and both ends tightly to seal in that cheesy goodness!
Transfer the stromboli (still on the parchment) to a baking sheet with the seam-side down. Brush the top generously with melted butter, and finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley and sesame seeds for an extra touch. To ensure steam escapes while baking, cut 3 to 4 diagonal slits across the top.
Bake your delicious creation for about 20 minutes or until it turns a beautiful golden brown and the dough is cooked through. While the stromboli is in the oven, prepare the au jus according to the package directions using 1 cup of water.
Once the baking time is up, let the stromboli rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve it up with the warm au jus for dipping; the flavors come together beautifully, creating an amazing culinary experience.
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is versatile, making it a wonderful choice for various occasions. Serve it at casual family gatherings, game days, or potluck parties! Pair it with a fresh salad and some crispy potato chips for a complete meal. You could also enjoy it with some roasted vegetables or a warm bowl of soup as the weather cools down.
Common Mistakes For Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli
When making your Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli, be cautious of a few common mistakes:
- Skipping the cooling step for the filling can lead to a soggy crust.
- Not draining excess grease from the cooked meat can ruin the texture.
- Failing to preheat your oven might result in uneven cooking.
- Overstuffing the stromboli can cause it to burst during baking.
Healthier Alternatives & Variations
You can easily modify the Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli to fit different dietary preferences. Consider using whole wheat or cauliflower-based pizza crust for a healthier option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, sauté mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach in place of the beef. Additionally, you could experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss, to create your unique flavor profile.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen sliced steak?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before using. -
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough. -
Can I prepared the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover stromboli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. -
Can I freeze stromboli?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked stromboli for a quick meal later. -
What can I serve instead of au jus for dipping?
You can serve it with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy and comfort to the table. With its robust flavors wrapped in a flaky crust, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to try this easy, step-by-step recipe today and savor each delicious bite. You’ll find yourself coming back for more!
Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli
Ingredients
Filling
- 27 oz Steak-Umm sliced steak, thawed and chopped
- 1-2 teaspoons steak seasoning
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 refrigerated pizza crust
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing
- to taste dried parsley for topping
- to taste sesame seeds for topping
- 1 packet au jus mix
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 6 to 7 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize.
- Season the vegetable mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, increase the heat to medium-high, and add the chopped Steak-Umm. Sprinkle with steak seasoning and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned.
- Drain any excess grease from the cooked meat using a paper towel-lined plate. Add the meat back to the skillet with the sautéed peppers and onions, then stir well to combine and allow it to cool completely.
Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle of 12 x 15 inches on a sheet of parchment paper.
- Arrange provolone cheese slices evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
- Layer the cooled meat mixture over the provolone cheese, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
- Using the parchment paper, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seams and ends to seal.
- Transfer the stromboli seam-side down onto a baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley and sesame seeds. Cut 3 to 4 diagonal slits across the top for steam to escape.
Baking
- Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare the au jus according to package directions using 1 cup of water.
- Allow the stromboli to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the warm au jus for dipping.
