Savory Stuffed Calzones
These Savory Stuffed Calzones are a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite. Perfect for a family meal, these calzones are not only kid-approved, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to use up leftovers from your fridge. The hearty filling of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melty mozzarella cheese is enveloped in a golden-brown crust, making them a deliciously satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Customize the fillings according to your taste and pantry staples to create a unique meal every time. Quick to prepare and bake, these calzones are bound to become a staple in your household!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
8 ounces (Cooked and drained)
Fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup (Sliced)
Green sweet pepper
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
Pizza sauce
1/3 cup (Prepared)
Prepared pizza crust
1 (10 ounce) package (Unrolled)
Milk
1 tablespoon (For brushing)
Grated parmesan cheese
To taste (Optional, for sprinkling)
Pizza sauce
For serving (Warmed, optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
2
In a medium frying pan, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and chopped green pepper, continue to cook until the vegetables are tender and the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
3
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup of pizza sauce until well combined.
4
Unroll the prepared pizza crust on a lightly floured surface and roll or stretch it into a rectangle measuring approximately 10 by 15 inches in size.
5
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 6 squares, each measuring 5 inches.
6
On one half of each square, spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
7
Brush the edges of each dough square with water to ensure a good seal.
8
Fold each calzone over to create a pocket, stretching the dough slightly to cover the filling.
9
Seal the edges of the calzones by pressing down with your fingers or using a fork to crimp them closed.
10
Arrange the calzones on a greased baking sheet, making sure to space them out to allow for expansion.
11
Lightly prick the tops of each calzone with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
12
Brush the tops with milk for a golden finish, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
14
Remove from the oven and let the calzones cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
15
Serve warm, alongside warmed pizza sauce for dipping if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Stuffed Calzones?
Savory Stuffed Calzones are a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, featuring a hearty filling of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and mozzarella cheese inside a golden-brown crust.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to cook the ground beef?
The lean ground beef should be cooked over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes until browned.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms and 1/4 cup of chopped green sweet pepper.
When do I add the cheese to the meat mixture?
Remove the pan from the heat first, then stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce until well combined.
How do I prepare the pizza dough for the calzones?
Unroll the prepared pizza crust on a lightly floured surface and roll or stretch it into a rectangle measuring approximately 10 by 15 inches.
How many calzones does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 calzones by cutting the dough into 5-inch squares.
What is the best way to seal the calzone edges?
Brush the edges with water to ensure a good seal, then fold the dough over and press down with your fingers or a fork to crimp them closed.
Why should I prick the tops of the calzones with a fork?
Pricking the tops allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the dough from bursting.
What provides the golden finish on the crust?
Brushing the tops with milk before baking helps the calzones achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
How long do the calzones need to bake?
Bake them in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Should the calzones cool before serving?
Yes, let the calzones cool for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven to allow the filling to set.
What can I serve with these calzones?
They are best served warm, alongside extra warmed pizza sauce for dipping if desired.
Is it necessary to drain the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess grease after cooking the beef and vegetables to prevent a soggy filling.
Can I customize the fillings?
Absolutely! You can customize the fillings according to your taste and whatever leftovers you have in your pantry or fridge.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for the filling.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, these calzones are kid-approved and considered an easy, family-friendly meal.
Can I use leftovers for this recipe?
Yes, one of the benefits of this recipe is that it offers a fantastic opportunity to use up leftovers from your fridge.
What type of meat is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of lean ground beef.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
Yes, arrange the calzones on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
How much pizza sauce goes inside the calzones?
The filling includes 1/3 cup of prepared pizza sauce.
Is Parmesan cheese required?
Grated Parmesan cheese is optional and can be sprinkled on top of the calzones before baking.
How should I arrange the calzones for baking?
Space them out on the baking sheet to allow for expansion as the dough cooks.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients total, including the optional Parmesan and extra dipping sauce.
What should the dough surface be like?
You should roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking.
What shape are the dough pieces cut into?
The dough is cut into 6 squares, each measuring 5 inches.
How do I distribute the meat mixture?
Spoon a generous amount of the mixture onto one half of each dough square, leaving a small border around the edges.
What is the origin of this dish style?
This dish is an Italian-style recipe, based on the classic calzone.
How long does the entire baking process take?
The baking process is quick, taking only 8 to 10 minutes in a hot oven.
What kind of pizza crust should I use?
The recipe specifies a 10-ounce package of prepared pizza crust.