Fluffy Pan Bread With Beef

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

These homemade beef filled rolls bring together fresh bread and savory meat in perfect individual portions. The enriched dough becomes incredibly tender thanks to milk, honey, and butter, while a semolina coating adds delightful crunch to the exterior. Inside, perfectly seasoned steak mingles with sweet peppers and onions before meeting pockets of melted cheese. The preparation creates rolls that feel special while staying totally approachable. Each component adds something important to the final result, from the golden crust to the juicy filling.
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:45:13 GMT
Two hearty sandwiches filled with tender beef and fried potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley, are served on a wooden board alongside a small bowl of sauce and a portion of fries. Pin it
Two hearty sandwiches filled with tender beef and fried potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley, are served on a wooden board alongside a small bowl of sauce and a portion of fries. | tasteofcook.com

I discovered these amazing Fluffy Pan Bread rolls during my quest to recreate the perfect steak sandwich. Now they've become my family's favorite weekend treat. The combination of soft semolina-dusted bread fresh off the pan stuffed with juicy spiced beef and melty cheese just brings everyone to the table. Best part? They're easier to make than you'd think.

Why You'll Keep Making These

Every time I make these rolls the kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma of fresh bread and sizzling spiced beef. I love how the warm rolls soak up all those savory juices making each bite absolutely perfect. These have become my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let's Gather Everything We Need

  • For Those Perfect Rolls:
    • Flour: Regular all-purpose gives you that cloud-like texture.
    • Milk: Just warm enough to wake up the yeast.
    • Honey: A touch makes the dough happy.
    • Yeast: Instant is my favorite here.
    • Egg: Makes everything rich and tender.
    • Butter: For that golden delicious finish.
    • Salt: Don't skip it it makes everything pop.
    • Semolina: Creates that amazing crispy crust.
  • For Our Filling:
    • Beef: Get it nice and tender.
    • Cheese: I love using both mozzarella and cheddar.
    • Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color.
    • Red Onion: My secret flavor booster.
    • Spices: A blend that makes everything sing.
    • Butter and Olive Oil: For that perfect sear.

Let's Make Some Magic

First Up The Dough
Mix your warm milk honey and yeast in a bowl. Then add everything else and knead until smooth about 10 minutes. Let it rest and rise until puffy about an hour.
Shape Those Beauties
Split your dough into 16 pieces roll them into balls and stack them in pairs. Roll them out dust with semolina and let them rest again for 30 minutes.
Time to Cook
Get your pan nice and hot over medium heat. Cook each piece until golden and puffy turning as needed.
For That Amazing Filling
Heat up your butter and oil toss in your seasoned beef and let it get all browned and delicious. Add those veggies and let them get tender.
Putting It All Together
Sprinkle your cheese over that hot filling let it melt then stuff your warm rolls. Pure heaven.
A close-up of a soft bun filled with tender meat and potatoes, garnished with parsley, alongside bowls of salad and dipping sauce. Pin it
A close-up of a soft bun filled with tender meat and potatoes, garnished with parsley, alongside bowls of salad and dipping sauce. | tasteofcook.com

My Kitchen Secrets

  • Perfect Rising: I put my dough near the warm stove it loves the cozy spot.
  • Don't Skimp: Be generous with that semolina it makes the most amazing crust.
  • Make It Yours: Play with the spices until you find your perfect blend.
  • Watch The Heat: Keep it medium your rolls will thank you.

Saving Some For Later

Keep your leftover rolls separate from the filling they'll both stay fresher that way. A quick warm-up in the pan brings back that fresh-made magic. I wouldn't freeze these the texture just isn't the same after.

Perfect Partners

These stuffed rolls love a good sauce I make a quick yogurt-garlic dip that's perfect with them. A crisp salad on the side keeps things fresh and light. When I'm feeling extra cozy I serve them with my homemade tomato soup.

Questions From My Kitchen

  • Store bought rolls okay? They work but homemade is so worth it.
  • What else can I stuff them with? Try chicken spiced lentils or mushrooms.
  • Can I freeze the dough? Sure just thaw overnight before using.
  • Best cheese options? Mozzarella melts beautifully but mix it up.
  • Need more heat? Add some chili flakes to your filling.

Why These Win Every Time

These rolls have never let me down whether I'm feeding my family or hosting friends. The combination of soft bread spicy beef and melty cheese just works. It's become one of those recipes everyone asks for and I love sharing it because it brings so much joy to the table.

A close-up of two soft buns filled with seasoned meat, topped with chopped herbs and accompanied by slices of potatoes on a wooden plate. Pin it
A close-up of two soft buns filled with seasoned meat, topped with chopped herbs and accompanied by slices of potatoes on a wooden plate. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does the milk need to be lukewarm?
Lukewarm milk (37-40°C) creates the ideal environment for yeast activation. If the milk is too hot it will kill the yeast, and if too cold, the yeast won't activate properly.
→ What's the best way to know if my dough is properly kneaded?
The dough should feel smooth and elastic when properly kneaded. If you stretch a small piece, it should form a thin window without tearing, known as the windowpane test.
→ What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Tender cuts like filet or sirloin work best as they stay tender when cooked. Make sure to cut the pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and filling.
→ Why coat the bread in semolina?
Semolina adds a pleasant texture to the outside of the bread and helps prevent sticking during cooking. It also gives a nice golden color when cooked.

Fluffy Pan Bread With Beef

Soft, homemade pan bread stuffed with tender spiced steak, vibrant peppers, and melted cheese, making a hearty and satisfying meal.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
120 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 6 Servings (6 filled breads)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 200 ml milk, lukewarm.
02 7 grams instant yeast.
03 20 grams honey.
04 400 grams all-purpose flour.
05 1 large egg.
06 40 grams butter, softened.
07 8 grams salt.
08 50 grams fine semolina for coating.
09 25 grams butter for beef.
10 20 ml olive oil.
11 450 grams tender steak, cut into pieces.
12 5 grams salt for beef.
13 3 grams cayenne powder.
14 3 grams red bell pepper powder.
15 3 grams onion powder.
16 2 grams garlic powder.
17 1 gram dried parsley.
18 80 grams red onion, chopped.
19 75 grams red bell pepper, chopped.
20 Grated cheddar cheese to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix lukewarm milk with yeast and honey. Add flour, egg, butter and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic.

Step 02

Let dough rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 03

Season beef with spices. Cook with butter and oil until browned. Add onions and peppers.

Step 04

Divide dough into portions. Roll out, coat with semolina.

Step 05

Cook bread in preheated skillet until golden on both sides.

Step 06

Fill bread with beef mixture and cheese while still warm.

Notes

  1. Use lukewarm milk for proper yeast activation.
  2. Choose tender cuts of beef.
  3. Can adjust spice level to taste.
  4. Best served warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer or large bowl.
  • Large skillet.
  • Rolling pin.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, butter, cheese).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 25 g