Description
These Delicious Beef and Cheese Calzones are the ultimate comfort food, featuring a flaky golden crust filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey mozzarella, and ricotta cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick grab-and-go meal, these homemade calzones are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy a classic Italian-inspired treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix in the cooled beef mixture.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Calzones:
- Divide the pizza dough into 4-6 equal portions and roll each piece into a circle.
- Spoon the beef and cheese filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal, and crimp with a fork for extra security.
- Bake the Calzones:
- Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to the filling for extra flavor.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or plant-based meat for variations.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Keywords
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course