Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli Bake

This Philly cheesesteak stromboli recipe brings all the savory, melty comforts of a classic cheesesteak sandwich straight to your kitchen, answering your search for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal in under one hour. With about 15 minutes of prep and only 30 to 45 minutes of bake time, this stromboli delivers hot, hearty flavor fast for busy weeknights, game day spreads, or family dinners everyone will love.

My family raves about this quick stromboli and it has become my go to recipe for casual get togethers, weeknight dinners, and football parties. The easy assembly and rich, savory filling always earn requests for seconds, and it is budget friendly enough to serve a crowd without stress. I love how simple swaps, like mixing different cheeses or throwing in mushrooms, make each version deliciously unique, ensuring no one ever tires of this cheesy classic.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 ounce tube): Provides the perfect foolproof base with no rising necessary, making assembly a breeze. Choose fresh dough from the refrigerated section for best texture, or swap with gluten free dough if needed.
• Thinly sliced beef (1 pound): Use high quality deli roast beef or pre-sliced steak strips for tender, authentic flavor. Look for slices with good marbling and avoid too thick cuts, or swap in shredded rotisserie chicken for a twist.
• Green bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds signature Philly flavor, crunch, and vibrant color. Pick heavy, glossy peppers free of blemishes for the best results, or try roasted red pepper for a slightly sweeter profile.
• Small onion (1, thinly sliced): Classic for adding sweetness and depth. Yellow onions work best, but red onions will give the stromboli an extra pop of color and a mild bite.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and shredded provolone cheese (1 cup): These melt together for the ultimate gooey, stretchy bite. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or dairy free blends can be swapped for a personalized touch.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for sautéing peppers and onions, lending depth and helping everything caramelize. Use extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor, or substitute canola oil if preferred.
• Garlic powder (half teaspoon): Adds subtle savory notes, or use 2 minced fresh garlic cloves for bolder flavor. Adjust to taste if you love more garlic kick.
• Kosher salt (half teaspoon): Seasoning that draws out flavor in every layer. Fine sea salt may be used in place of kosher if needed.
• Black pepper (quarter teaspoon): Offers gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning, with freshly cracked pepper adding more aroma.
• Egg (1, beaten): Creates a shiny, golden crust when brushed over the dough. For dairy free and vegan needs, use milk or omit entirely for a softer finish.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease it for quick cleanup and even browning. Ensuring the oven is hot and ready is the key for that crispy, golden stromboli crust.

Sauté Onion and Bell Pepper:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion, then sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. You want the vegetables to become softened and lightly golden, with the onions turning translucent and the peppers glossy for the best crunch and flavor.

Cook the Beef and Season:

Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet with peppers and onions. Cook, tossing gently, for 3 to 4 minutes until the beef is just heated through but still juicy. Stir in the garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in the last minute to let the flavors bloom. Remove from heat as soon as beef is no longer pink to avoid dryness.

Roll Out the Pizza Dough:

Dust a clean surface with flour and unroll your refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle (approximately 10 inches by 14 inches). Keep the thickness even for uniform baking. If the dough is resisting, cover and let it relax for a couple of minutes before continuing.

Pile On the Filling:

Spread the warm beef, onion, and pepper blend down the center of the dough, keeping about a one inch border on all edges. This prevents leaks and makes a secure roll. Do not overstuff, as too much filling escapes during baking.

Add the Cheese:

Scatter both shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese evenly over the beef and veggies. This ensures gooey cheese in every bite and helps glue the filling together.

Roll and Seal the Stromboli:

Starting from a long edge, carefully roll the dough around the filling into a tight log. Pinch seams and tuck both ends underneath to lock in the filling. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down to keep it sealed during baking.

Brush With Egg Wash and Vent:

Brush the outside of the stromboli with beaten egg for a glossy, golden crust. With a sharp knife, cut three or four small slits on top for steam to escape, preventing the crust from bursting in the oven.

Bake Until Golden:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden brown and the crust feels crisp. If it browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes. A perfectly baked stromboli will sound hollow when gently tapped.

Rest and Slice:

Let the stromboli cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the cheese to set, resulting in neat, ooze free slices. Cut into thick or thin pieces depending on the occasion, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.

One of my favorite discoveries was swapping half of the cheese for spicy pepper Jack to add a gentle kick while still honoring the cheesy Philly flavors. The stromboli was the star of our last game day party, disappearing almost instantly. Baking up a warm, cheesy loaf always brings everyone running to the kitchen with big smiles.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Turn this Philly cheesesteak stromboli into your personal signature dish with easy swaps. Use shredded cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or leftover turkey for a lighter or vegetarian twist while still delivering delicious results. Swap in your cheeses of choice, such as Monterey Jack for extra melt or smoked Gouda for depth, and add sliced jalapeños or banana peppers if you prefer heat. For special diets, opt for gluten free dough or vegan cheese to make the recipe work for everyone, without sacrificing taste or texture.

How to Store and Reheat Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli

Let the stromboli cool to room temperature after baking before storing to keep the crust from getting soggy. Wrap slices in foil or use an air tight container and refrigerate for up to four days for best freshness. For freezing, double wrap the whole or sliced stromboli tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months for easy future meals. When reheating, bake covered in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven: whole strombolis need fifteen to twenty minutes, while slices reheat in just five to ten minutes for perfect results.

What to Serve with Philly Cheesesteak Stromboli

Pair your stromboli with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or a classic Caesar for a fresh contrast to the hearty filling. Serve alongside baked potato wedges or seasoned sweet potato fries to round out a cozy dinner. Offer small bowls of marinara, ranch, or cheese sauce for dipping, and garnish with chopped parsley for color, making this dish perfect for game day spreads or fun family dinners.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe offers balanced nutrition with high quality protein from beef and cheese, plus vitamins and fiber from bell peppers and onions. The dish can be made gluten free or dairy free with ingredient swaps, accommodating most dietary needs. Each generous slice contains about 500 calories, 25 grams protein, 30 grams carbohydrates, and 18 grams fat, while staying naturally nut free for allergy friendly enjoyment.

Recipe Success Tips

If the dough tears while rolling, gently pinch and smooth to seal, preventing cheese leakage. Avoid overfilling so the roll bakes evenly and slices cleanly without soggy centers. Always preheat your oven fully for a restaurant style crust, and let the finished stromboli rest before slicing so the gooey cheese doesn’t run. Use a serrated bread knife for the cleanest cuts and serve warm with napkins for easy eating.

This easy Philly cheesesteak stromboli brings big flavor and comfort to any table with minimal fuss. Try it for your next family meal and discover your favorite filling twist for a delicious upgrade on classic comfort food.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use different meats for this stromboli?

Absolutely, feel free to substitute roast beef with steak slices, turkey, or even chicken strips for variation.

→ What cheese varieties work best?

Mozzarella and provolone melt beautifully, but you can use cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different twist.

→ How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

Make sure to sauté ingredients to remove excess moisture and don't overload the dough with filling.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve for best texture.

→ Is dipping sauce recommended?

Many enjoy serving with marinara or a creamy cheese sauce, but it's delicious on its own as well.

→ How to reheat leftovers?

Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp and cheese melty.