Savory Beef & Spinach Calzones with Cheesy Delight
These Savory Beef & Spinach Calzones are the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, they are filled with a delicious mixture of seasoned ground beef, nutrient-rich spinach, and melted cheese. This quick and easy recipe takes minimal time to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings. Whether you're feeding the family or enjoying a cozy night in, these calzones are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full. Pair them with a side of warm tomato sauce for a perfect finishing touch, elevating your meal to a delightful culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pillsbury Pizza Dough
1 (10 ounce) package (Refrigerated, opened, and cut into portions)
Ground Beef
1/2 lb (Cooked and seasoned)
Onion Powder
to taste (Seasoning)
Garlic Powder
to taste (Seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (Seasoning)
Frozen Spinach
1 cup (Thawed and drained)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (For filling)
Tomato Sauce
as needed (For dipping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, season the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3
While the beef is cooking, open the package of pizza crust and divide the dough into 2 or 3 equal sections, depending on your hunger levels.
4
Carefully stretch each section of dough to make it slightly thinner, allowing for more filling and ease of wrapping.
5
Assembling the calzones: on one side of each dough section, layer the cooked beef, thawed spinach, and shredded cheese. Be careful not to overfill them.
6
Wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal each calzone securely. For extra security, you can fold the edges over and make sure all four sides overlap on top.
7
Place the calzones seam-side down on a greased cookie sheet. This helps keep them from opening during baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown.
9
Once baked, serve the calzones warm with a side of your favorite tomato sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Beef & Spinach Calzones?
They are golden and crispy dough pockets filled with a seasoned mixture of ground beef, spinach, and melted cheese.
What type of dough is recommended for this recipe?
A 10-ounce package of refrigerated Pillsbury Pizza Dough is used for convenience.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.
How much ground beef do I need?
This recipe requires 1/2 lb of ground beef.
How should I season the beef?
Season the beef with onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste while browning it in a skillet.
How many calzones does one package of dough make?
You can divide the dough into 2 or 3 equal sections depending on your preference.
Should the spinach be fresh or frozen?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
What kind of cheese works best in these calzones?
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese are both excellent options.
How do I prepare the dough for filling?
Carefully stretch each dough section to make it thinner, which allows for more filling and easier wrapping.
How do I assemble the calzones?
Layer the cooked beef, thawed spinach, and shredded cheese on one side of each dough section.
What is the best way to seal the dough?
Wrap the dough over the filling and pinch the edges securely, or fold them over so the sides overlap on top.
How should I place them on the baking sheet?
Place the calzones seam-side down on a greased cookie sheet to prevent them from opening during baking.
How long do the calzones need to bake?
Bake them for 10-15 minutes until they reach a golden brown color.
What is the best dipping sauce for beef calzones?
A warm tomato sauce is highly recommended for dipping.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 26g of protein.
What is the fat content?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these calzones?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
Can I use different seasonings for the beef?
Yes, while onion and garlic powder are suggested, you can customize the seasoning to your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and easy meal with minimal preparation time.
Should the spinach be drained?
Yes, ensure the thawed spinach is well-drained to prevent the calzones from becoming soggy.
What if I overfill the dough?
Overfilling may make it difficult to seal the edges properly and could cause the calzone to burst during baking.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While this recipe uses beef, you could substitute it with ground turkey or sausage if preferred.
Is a greased cookie sheet necessary?
Yes, greasing the sheet helps ensure the calzones do not stick and facilitates easy removal.
How do I know the beef is ready for the filling?
The beef should be browned and fully cooked, broken apart into small pieces with a spatula.
Are these calzones family-friendly?
Yes, they are a fantastic, kid-friendly option that satisfies comfort food cravings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe utilizes 8 main ingredients, including seasonings.
Can I make the dough sections larger?
Yes, you can divide the dough into just 2 sections for larger, heartier portions.
Does the recipe include instructions for homemade sauce?
The recipe suggests serving with your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce as needed.
What makes the exterior crispy?
Baking at a high temperature of 400 degrees F ensures the pizza dough turns golden and crispy.