Meat and Veggie Stromboli: A Delicious and Easy Dinner Recipe
Stromboli – that delightful Italian-American creation that’s essentially a pizza turned inside out, rolled up, and baked to golden perfection. Forget delivery; this Meat and Veggie Stromboli recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with savory meat, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese, all encased in a crispy, flavorful crust. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner winner, a party appetizer, or a portable lunch, this stromboli recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Customizable:** The beauty of stromboli lies in its adaptability. You can swap out the meats, cheeses, and vegetables to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Vegetarian? No problem! Just omit the meat and add more veggies.
* **Easy to Make:** Don’t be intimidated by the rolling process. With a few simple steps, you’ll be a stromboli master in no time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Stromboli is always a hit, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or a hungry game-day crowd.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the stromboli ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as a main course with a side salad, cut it into slices for appetizers, or pack it in a lunchbox. The possibilities are endless.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Meat and Veggie Stromboli:
**For the Dough:**
* **1 pound pizza dough:** You can use store-bought dough (refrigerated or frozen, thawed) or make your own. If using frozen dough, thaw it completely according to the package instructions. Homemade dough will give you the best flavor and texture, but store-bought dough is a convenient option.
* **All-purpose flour:** For dusting the work surface.
**For the Filling:**
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **1 small onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base flavor.
* **1 bell pepper (any color), chopped:** Adds sweetness and color.
* **1 cup sliced mushrooms:** Adds an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
* **1 teaspoon Italian seasoning:** A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Seasoning essentials.
* **1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage, crumbled:** Adds a rich, savory flavor. You can use sweet, mild, or hot sausage, depending on your preference. Remove the sausage from its casing before cooking.
* **1/4 pound pepperoni slices:** Adds a classic pizza flavor. You can use regular or turkey pepperoni.
* **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese:** Provides that classic gooey cheese pull. You can use pre-shredded or shred your own.
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional):** Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
**For the Egg Wash (Optional):**
* **1 egg, beaten:** Gives the stromboli a glossy, golden-brown crust.
* **1 tablespoon milk or water:** Thins the egg wash for easier application.
* **Sesame seeds or Italian seasoning (optional):** For sprinkling on top of the stromboli before baking.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large skillet:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Rolling pin:** For rolling out the pizza dough.
* **Baking sheet:** For baking the stromboli.
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mat:** To prevent the stromboli from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Pizza cutter or sharp knife:** For slicing the stromboli.
* **Pastry brush (optional):** For applying the egg wash.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Meat and Veggie Stromboli:
**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes more.
* Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
**2. Assemble the Stromboli:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
* Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
* Layer the cooked Italian sausage and pepperoni slices over the cheese.
* Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the meat.
* Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the vegetables.
* If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the cheese.
**3. Roll and Seal the Stromboli:**
* Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, like a jelly roll.
* Pinch the seam tightly to seal it closed. You can also brush the seam with a little water to help it stick together.
* Tuck the ends of the stromboli under to seal them as well.
* Carefully transfer the stromboli to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
**4. Score and Bake the Stromboli:**
* Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make several diagonal slits across the top of the stromboli. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the stromboli from bursting.
* If desired, brush the stromboli with the egg wash (beaten egg mixed with milk or water). This will give it a glossy, golden-brown crust.
* Sprinkle the top of the stromboli with sesame seeds or Italian seasoning, if desired.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**5. Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
* Slice the stromboli into 1-inch thick slices using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
* Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
## Tips and Variations
* **Dough:** Using fresh pizza dough, whether homemade or from a local pizzeria, will give you the best results. If using store-bought dough, make sure it’s not too cold, or it will be difficult to roll out. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling.
* **Meat:** Get creative with your meat choices! Try using cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, ham, or prosciutto. You can also use a combination of different meats.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your stromboli, such as spinach, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just make sure to cook any vegetables that need to be cooked before adding them to the filling.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses! Try using provolone, fontina, or mozzarella di bufala. You can also add a little ricotta cheese for a creamy texture.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture for a little heat.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to add flavor to your stromboli. Try using oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
* **Dipping Sauce:** Serve your stromboli with marinara sauce, pesto, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce you like.
* **Make-Ahead:** You can assemble the stromboli up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Add a couple more minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the stromboli before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the stromboli and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. To freeze after baking, let the stromboli cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Vegetarian Option:** For a vegetarian stromboli, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables. Some good vegetarian additions include roasted vegetables, spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add vegetarian sausage crumbles or tofu for a protein boost.
* **Vegan Option:** To make a vegan stromboli, use vegan pizza dough, vegan cheese, and vegan sausage crumbles. You can also add plenty of vegetables. Make sure to skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk for brushing the top.
## Serving Suggestions
* Serve the stromboli as a main course with a side salad.
* Cut it into slices for appetizers or party snacks.
* Pack it in a lunchbox for a delicious and portable meal.
* Serve it with a variety of dipping sauces.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a serving of Meat and Veggie Stromboli typically contains:
* Calories: 400-600
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-80mg
* Sodium: 800-1200mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-60g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 20-30g
## Conclusion
This Meat and Veggie Stromboli recipe is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian-American dish at home. With its customizable filling and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to roll! Enjoy your homemade stromboli!