You can use store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough to save time. But if you have the time and want to take your rolls to the next level, why not try making your dough from scratch? It’s easier than you think, and the result is well worth the effort.
How to Make Homemade Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy—this means your yeast is alive and kicking.
- Form the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and the olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should bounce back when poked.
- Rest: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
While the dough is rising, let’s focus on the star of the show—the savory beef filling.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Make sure there are no pink bits left.
- Season it Up: Once the beef is browned, stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. If you’re using bell pepper, toss it in now for extra texture.
- Simmer with Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the beef mixture and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will reduce and soak into the beef, making it deliciously rich.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella (or cheddar), and mix until it melts into the beef. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Now comes the fun part—assembling these cheesy beefy rolls!
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you’re using pizza dough, or follow the package instructions for crescent roll dough.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Try to get it into a rectangular shape, but don’t worry about it being perfect.
- Add the Filling: Spoon the cooled beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll it Up: Starting from the longer side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a log, keeping the filling tucked inside. Pinch the seams to seal it.
- Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into even rolls, about 1.5 inches thick. You should get about 12 rolls.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Place the Rolls in a Pan: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to expand.
- Bake: Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes (or until the dough is golden and cooked through).
- Cheese Finish: For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle more shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the rolls are golden brown and oozing with cheesy goodness, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce or even a garlic-butter dipping sauce to elevate the experience.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Beefy Rolls are the ultimate comfort food. The soft, warm dough combined with the rich, flavorful beef and melted cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just need a cozy meal for yourself, these rolls are perfect for any occasion.
You can even get creative by swapping out ingredients—try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick or incorporating some crumbled bacon for extra flavor. The options are endless, and the result is always irresistible.
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re about to create a dish that will stay in your memory and on your menu for a long time to come. These rolls are not just a recipe—they’re an experience.