Beef Calzone

These delicious homemade beef calzones are filled with savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for an Italian-inspired meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or serving them to guests, these calzones will impress with their irresistible flavor and comforting texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade calzones are a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a portable, easy-to-eat package. The rich and savory filling of ground beef, mozzarella, and tomatoes is perfectly complemented by the crispy, golden crust. Plus, the egg wash on top gives the calzones a beautiful, glossy finish. This recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking—whether you prefer adding extra veggies, different meats, or a variety of cheeses. It’s a fun and flavorful meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• ½ lb ground beef

• ½ white onion, diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• ¼ teaspoon dried basil

• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese

• 2 tomatoes, sliced (Campari tomatoes are recommended)

For the Dough:

• 1 12″ pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7-9 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, basil, oregano, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).

Prepare the Dough:

1. Cut the pizza dough in half and roll each piece into 7″-9″ circles. Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Assemble the Calzones:

1. Sprinkle ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese on one half of each calzone.

2. Top with sliced tomatoes and ½-¾ cup of the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture.

3. Gently fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges together and fold them to seal. Repeat with the second calzone.

Egg Wash:

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg.

2. Brush the egg wash over the top of each calzone.

Bake the Calzones:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Serve:

1. Remove the calzones from the oven and serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

• Servings: 2 large calzones (6 servings)

Variations

• Veggie Calzone: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or olives to the filling for a veggie-packed version.

• Chicken or Sausage: Swap the ground beef for cooked chicken or sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese for a creamier filling.

• Spicy Calzone: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling for some extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen calzones, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these calzones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the calzones ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply brush them with the egg wash and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different dough for the calzones?

Yes, you can use store-bought crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even whole wheat pizza dough for a different take on the classic calzone.

Can I make this recipe with a vegetarian filling?

Absolutely! You can use a mix of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, or even sautéed spinach and ricotta for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I ensure the calzones stay sealed while baking?

To make sure your calzones stay sealed, make sure to pinch the edges well and fold them over. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for an extra tight seal.

Can I freeze the calzones before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled calzones before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours to flash freeze them, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the freezer and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These homemade calzones are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy filling and crispy, golden crust. The ground beef, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes create a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, with the option to customize the filling to your taste, you can make these calzones exactly how you like them! Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a fun appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit every time. Enjoy!

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