Fluffy Pan Bread with Beef is a delicious twist on the classic steak sandwich, featuring soft, homemade rolls filled with spiced beef and melted cheese. These semolina-dusted rolls are perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or as appetizers at parties. The combination of tender, flavorful beef and light, fluffy bread makes each bite a satisfying experience. Plus, they are easy to make and fully customizable with your choice of spices and veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Soft, fluffy rolls that are perfect for filling with savory beef
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Customizable filling — add your favorite spices, veggies, and cheese
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Quick to make — ready in just 50 minutes
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Great for any occasion — ideal for dinners, parties, or even meal prep
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Leftovers taste amazing the next day!
ingredients
(Tip: You can adjust the quantities using the scale if you want to make more servings.)
For the bread:
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200 ml milk (lukewarm)
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7 g instant yeast
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20 g honey
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400 g flour
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1 egg, beaten
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40 g butter, softened
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8 g salt
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50 g fine semolina (for dusting)
For the beef filling:
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25 g butter
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20 ml olive oil
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450 g steak (cut into thin strips)
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5 g salt
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3 g cayenne powder
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3 g red bell pepper powder
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3 g onion powder
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2 g garlic powder
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1 g dried parsley
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80 g red onion, diced
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75 g red bell pepper, diced
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Grated cheese (optional)
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Slices of cheddar (optional)
directions
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Make the dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk, instant yeast, and honey. Stir until well combined.
Add flour, beaten egg, butter, and salt to the mixture. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. -
Shape the rolls:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly.
Dust each flattened piece with semolina and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes. -
Cook the rolls:
While the dough is rising, preheat a heavy skillet over medium heat.
Bake the rolls in the skillet until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside. -
Make the beef filling:
Heat 25 g butter and 20 ml olive oil in another skillet over medium heat. Add the steak and cook until browned.
Stir in the spices: salt, cayenne powder, red bell pepper powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
Add the diced red onion and red bell pepper, and cook until tender. If using, melt cheese over the beef mixture. -
Assemble the rolls:
Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, slice them open.
Fill each roll with the beef mixture and top with cheese slices, if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Makes 16 rolls
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Prep time: 30 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Use ground beef instead of steak for a different texture.
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Add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Cheese alternatives — try mozzarella, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack for a different cheese option.
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Spice it up with more cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls without the filling. To reheat, warm them in the oven and then fill them with the beef mixture.
2. What other fillings can I use?
You can use chicken, lamb, or even a vegetarian filling like roasted vegetables or tofu.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before. Let it rise, punch it down, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls.
4. Can I make these rolls in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes, bake the rolls in the oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Can I make this recipe without semolina?
Yes, semolina is for dusting the rolls, but you can substitute with flour if you prefer.
6. What can I serve with these rolls?
These rolls pair perfectly with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of soup.
Conclusion
Fluffy Pan Bread with Beef combines tender, spiced beef with soft, semolina-dusted rolls for an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as party appetizers, they’ll be a hit every time.
Print
Fluffy Pan Bread With Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Fluffy Pan Bread with Beef is a delicious and hearty dish that combines soft, fluffy homemade bread with savory beef filling. This comforting meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, providing both the warmth of fresh bread and the richness of seasoned beef. The fluffy bread complements the savory beef filling, creating a satisfying and flavorful experience in every bite. Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for family meals or serving at casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Fluffy Pan Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon milk (optional, for extra softness)
For the Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir to combine. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size. - Cook the beef filling:
While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. - Shape the pan bread:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2 equal portions. Roll out one portion into a round shape on a lightly floured surface.
Place the beef mixture in the center of the dough, then fold the edges over to seal the filling inside. Place the bread on a greased baking sheet and repeat with the second portion of dough. - Bake the bread:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool slightly before cutting. - Serve and garnish:
Slice the fluffy pan bread and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm.
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian filling.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the beef filling based on your taste preferences. Add a pinch of paprika or oregano for extra flavor.
- Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the beef filling before sealing the bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: beef
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean