We love transforming classic comfort foods, and our Cheeseburger Stromboli recipe is a crowd-pleasing twist that fuses Italian-inspired baking with juicy burger vibes.
It’s a hearty roll-up packed with melted cheese, savory beef, and tangy pickles, offering all the nostalgia of a cheeseburger in one easy-to-make package.
We’ll show you how to create this fun fusion that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or parties, proving that bold flavors never go out of style.
Ingredients
In crafting our Cheeseburger Stromboli—a hearty fusion of classic burger flavors and baked Italian style—we start by assembling these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for seamless preparation.
Dough and Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade; let it rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before use)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing; use extra-virgin for enhanced flavor)
Meat and Proteins
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean; brown it first to remove excess fat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp, based on preference; shred fresh for better melt)
Vegetables and Add-Ins
- 1 medium onion (diced; finely chop for even distribution)
- 1 cup dill pickles (sliced; drain well to avoid sogginess)
- 1/2 cup ketchup (use a quality brand like Heinz; mix with other sauces for the filling)
Seasonings and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon; adjust to taste for tang)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (freshly ground for potency)
- Salt and pepper (to taste; season the beef mixture generously)
This selection ensures our Cheeseburger Stromboli delivers bold, nostalgic flavors while keeping the recipe straightforward and adaptable.
Tools and Equipment
Having gathered our key ingredients for the Cheeseburger Stromboli, we now focus on the essential tools and equipment that make preparation straightforward and efficient. Selecting the right items ensures smooth execution from mixing and cooking to baking and serving, allowing us to achieve that perfect, golden-brown roll-up every time.
Must-Have Tools
To prepare this hearty dish, we’ll need the following tools, listed in the order they are typically used:
- Mixing Bowl: A large, sturdy bowl for combining ground beef with seasonings and other ingredients. We recommend one that’s at least 2 quarts to avoid spills.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A 10- to 12-inch non-stick skillet for browning the ground beef evenly. This ensures our beef mixture develops rich, savory flavors without sticking.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: A durable cutting board paired with a sharp chef’s knife for dicing onions and slicing pickles. These tools help us achieve precise, uniform cuts for better texture in the filling.
- Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the pizza dough into a thin, even rectangle. Opt for a wooden or silicone version to prevent tearing and ensure the dough is easy to handle.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate sets for measuring ingredients like shredded cheese and seasonings. We rely on these to maintain the recipe’s balance of flavors.
- Baking Sheet or Tray: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for assembling and baking the stromboli. This prevents messes and promotes even heat distribution for a crispy exterior.
- Spatula or Tongs: A heat-resistant spatula for flipping beef in the skillet or tongs for handling the stromboli during baking, ensuring safe and easy maneuvering.
- Oven: A standard preheated oven set to 375°F for baking. We suggest using one with a timer to monitor the 20-25 minute cook time accurately.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the preparation steps, transforming our ingredients into a delicious, cheeseburger-inspired masterpiece.
Instructions
We’re excited to guide you through preparing our Cheeseburger Stromboli, transforming simple ingredients and tools into a crispy, flavorful roll-up that captures the juicy essence of a classic burger. Follow these steps closely for a seamless process that delivers bold, nostalgic tastes in every bite.
Prep
First, we gather and prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for assembly. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of your favorite seasoning—such as salt and pepper—to create a savory base that infuses the filling with robust flavor.
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned ground beef for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked through; this step releases the meat’s rich aromas, making your kitchen smell like a bustling diner. While the beef cooks, use a cutting board and chef’s knife to dice 1 small onion and slice ½ cup of dill pickles into thin, tangy pieces that add the perfect crunch.
Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the beef and mix in 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of mustard directly in the skillet; stir for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is evenly coated, creating a glossy, zesty filling that evokes the classic cheeseburger experience. Set aside 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to melt beautifully inside the stromboli, ensuring our dish becomes irresistibly gooey and satisfying.
Assemble
We move to assembling the stromboli, layering flavors for a hearty, cheeseburger-inspired roll. On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 pound of pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches using a rolling pin, aiming for a thin, even sheet that will encase the fillings perfectly.
Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to prevent leakage during baking. Top with the diced onion, sliced dill pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese, arranging them in a single layer for balanced bites that deliver tangy crispness from the pickles and creamy melt from the cheese.
Finally, fold the dough over the fillings: start by folding the longer sides inward, then roll it up tightly like a burrito to form a log; pinch the seams and ends to seal, creating a golden, stuffed masterpiece that’s ready for the oven and promises a satisfying crispy exterior with every slice.
Bake
With assembly complete, we bake the stromboli to achieve a golden, bubbling finish that locks in all the flavors. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place the assembled stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet and Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of toasted dough and savory beef.
After baking, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle, ensuring clean slices that reveal the ooey-gooey cheeseburger layers inside.
Make-Ahead Tips
To make our Cheeseburger Stromboli even more convenient for busy schedules we often prepare components in advance without sacrificing those bold cheesy flavors. Here’s how we streamline the process while ensuring the dish remains fresh and delicious when you’re ready to bake.
Preparing the Filling Ahead
We recommend prepping the beef filling up to 24 hours in advance for a head start on weeknight meals. Cook the seasoned ground beef with diced onion ketchup and mustard as outlined in the preparation steps then let it cool completely. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld creating a more robust taste that evokes the nostalgia of a classic cheeseburger.
Assembling the Stromboli in Advance
For effortless assembly assemble the entire Cheeseburger Stromboli up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. Roll out the pizza dough add the cooled beef mixture shredded cheddar cheese dill pickles and any other fillings then roll and seal as described earlier. Cover the assembled stromboli loosely with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge. Make-ahead assembly keeps the dough from becoming soggy while preserving the tangy pickle crunch and savory beef layers for a satisfying bake later.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If you want to extend the make-ahead options freeze the assembled Cheeseburger Stromboli for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy thaw it overnight in the refrigerator then bake at 375°F until golden brown and bubbly just like in the original instructions. Below is a quick reference table for freezing times and thawing methods to help you plan:
| Storage Method | Duration | Thawing Instructions | Baking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 8 hours | No thawing needed; bake directly | Add 5-10 minutes to bake time |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight in fridge | Bake from thawed state only |
Reheating Baked Stromboli
If you’ve baked the Cheeseburger Stromboli ahead reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore that crispy golden exterior and melted cheese interior. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough tough. In our experience this method keeps the hearty roll-up feeling just-baked ensuring every bite delivers the perfect balance of savory beef tangy pickles and gooey cheddar.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Cheeseburger Stromboli recipe as it’s a fresh twist on comfort food that’ll become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for quick dinners or fun gatherings and delivers those crave-worthy flavors every time.
Pull it together with ease and enjoy the smiles around the table—it’s one dish we’ll keep coming back to for its simplicity and taste. Give it a try and make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheeseburger Stromboli?
Cheeseburger Stromboli is a fun twist on classic comfort foods, blending cheeseburger flavors with Italian-inspired baking. It’s a hearty roll-up filled with melted cheese, savory ground beef, tangy pickles, and seasonings, baked to golden perfection. This dish captures nostalgic tastes in an easy-to-make format, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, keeping bold flavors timeless and satisfying.
What ingredients are needed for Cheeseburger Stromboli?
To make Cheeseburger Stromboli, you’ll need 1 pound of pizza dough, 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, and basic seasonings. These straightforward ingredients deliver bold, nostalgic flavors while being adaptable for home cooks, ensuring a delicious result with minimal effort.
What tools are required to prepare Cheeseburger Stromboli?
Essential tools include a mixing bowl for ingredients, a skillet for cooking beef, a cutting board and chef’s knife for prep, a rolling pin to flatten dough, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a baking sheet for cooking, spatula or tongs for handling, and a preheated oven. These items make the process efficient and help achieve a perfectly baked dish.
How do I make Cheeseburger Stromboli?
Start by cooking seasoned ground beef with ketchup and mustard in a skillet. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface, add the beef mixture, diced onion, pickles, and cheese, then roll and seal. Bake at 375°F until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to reveal the flavorful layers inside.
Can I make Cheeseburger Stromboli ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beef filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it to enhance flavors. Assemble the full stromboli up to 8 hours ahead and keep it chilled unbaked, or freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen ones in the fridge overnight before baking. This makes it convenient for busy schedules without compromising taste or texture.
How should I store and reheat Cheeseburger Stromboli?
Store baked stromboli in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, use an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crispy exterior and gooey interior intact—avoid microwaving. For frozen stromboli, thaw first in the fridge, then bake as directed for the best results.