Cheesy Meat Roll Recipe

Introduction:

The Cheesy Meat Roll is a delightful baked dish that fuses flavors from European and Middle Eastern cuisines. With roots in comfort food traditions, this rolled delight is known for its savory ground meat filling and a crispy, cheesy crust. Often served as a main dish or at festive gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser for meat and cheese lovers alike.

Ingredients:

For the Dough (or Crust):

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
2 tbsp olive oil
1 egg (optional, for richness)

For the Meat Filling:

500g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small bell pepper, finely diced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Filling:

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (or cheese blend of your choice)
½ cup grated cheddar (for a sharper taste)

Topping:

1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Extra cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Add salt, oil, and flour gradually.
Knead into a smooth, elastic dough.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Meat Filling:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion until soft, add garlic and bell pepper.
Add ground meat, cook until browned.
Stir in spices, tomato paste, and parsley.
Let cool slightly.

3. Roll & Assemble:

Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
Evenly spread the meat mixture across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Sprinkle cheese over the meat layer.
Roll the dough tightly from one end to form a log.
Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the top with egg wash.
Optionally sprinkle extra cheese and parsley on top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Slice & Serve:

Let it cool slightly before slicing into pinwheels. Serve warm with dipping sauces or salad.

Formation:

The dish is formed similarly to a Swiss roll. The concept of filling a dough with meat is ancient, seen in Turkish börek, Russian pirozhki, and Italian stromboli. This cheesy roll is a contemporary evolution that reflects global culinary fusion.

History:

Stuffed bread rolls have been made since ancient civilizations discovered yeast-leavened doughs. This particular variation likely draws influence from Turkish and Mediterranean meat pastries, with a modern Western twist — incorporating cheese and a golden, glossy finish.

Lovers of the Dish:

Cheesy Meat Rolls are beloved by:

Kids (cheesy + meaty = ultimate combo!)
Meat lovers
Foodies who enjoy fusion cuisine
Home cooks looking for impressive, yet easy dishes
Party hosts wanting to serve a hearty finger food

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Slice from 8):

Calories: 290
Protein: 16g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 2.5mg

Note: Values may vary depending on meat and cheese types used.

Benefits:

High Protein: From meat and cheese.
Rich in Calcium: Supports bone health.
Versatile: You can swap fillings or cheeses based on dietary needs.
Meal Prep Friendly: Freezes well after baking.

Methods (Alternative Options):

Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or spicy sausage.
Cheesy Explosion: Mix in cream cheese or ricotta.
Puff Pastry Shortcut: Use store-bought puff pastry for a flakier finish.

Conclusion:

The Cheesy Meat Roll is the ultimate combination of flavor, convenience, and visual appeal. Whether served as a dinner centerpiece or sliced for parties, it brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Lovers’ Delight:

This dish has even made its way into date-night menus and cozy dinners. It’s perfect for sharing, and its rich aroma and gooey texture make it a warm, comforting meal for couples and families alike.