Meatball Calzones

These Meatball Calzones are a fun and savory twist on the classic pizza, combining flavorful meatballs with gooey mozzarella cheese and tangy marinara sauce, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy crust. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for the family or a fun dinner with friends, these calzones are guaranteed to impress.

With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade, comforting dish in no time. The combination of beef or turkey meatballs, melted mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce creates the perfect bite in every piece. Serve with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy a warm, filling meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Olive oil for brushing
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Roll the meat mixture into 12 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter each.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Roll out the pizza dough into 12 equal-sized circles on a lightly floured surface.
Place 1-2 meatballs in the center of each dough circle. Spoon a little marinara sauce on top of the meatballs and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges to seal the calzone.
Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why Meatball Calzones Are a Family Favorite

What makes meatball calzones so special? For starters, they’re a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen. The process of rolling out dough, stuffing it with meatballs and cheese, and folding it into a perfect pocket of deliciousness makes for a hands-on, interactive cooking experience. Plus, they’re easy to eat, making them a fantastic choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. You can make them in advance, store them in the fridge, and pop them into the oven when you’re ready to eat, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy families.

Meatball calzones are also incredibly versatile, meaning you can tailor them to your preferences. If you prefer beef, turkey, or even a plant-based protein for the meatballs, you can make adjustments without sacrificing flavor. You can experiment with different cheeses, sauces, or even add vegetables to the filling. These calzones can be personalized to fit dietary restrictions, whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option or want to keep them dairy-free.

A Twist on Traditional Pizza

While pizza is a universally loved dish, there’s something extra satisfying about biting into a meatball calzone. This is essentially a pizza, but in a portable, handheld form. You still get the familiar flavors of pizza, like gooey cheese and savory marinara sauce, but the meatball stuffing elevates the dish to something unique and special.

One of the key features of a meatball calzone is the dough. Whether you opt for store-bought pizza dough or make your own, the dough forms the perfect vessel for the meaty, cheesy filling. When baked, the dough becomes golden and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains soft and tender, creating the ideal balance of textures.

How to Make Meatball Calzones Your Own

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can change up the meatball filling, cheese, and even the sauce to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to take your meatball calzones to the next level:

Meatball Variations: While beef is a traditional choice for meatballs, you can use turkey, chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian substitute. If you’re going for a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based meatballs made from lentils, tofu, or soy protein.
Cheese Options: Mozzarella is the classic choice for calzones, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or ricotta can add a unique flavor profile. Mixing different cheeses creates a richer, creamier filling.
Sauce Variations: Marinara sauce is the go-to for meatball calzones, but you can also try pesto, alfredo, or barbecue sauce to give the calzones a different twist. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to your sauce.
Vegetable Add-ins: If you want to sneak in some extra vegetables, consider adding chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to the meatball mixture. These ingredients add more color and flavor to your calzones.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can elevate the flavor of the meatballs and add freshness to the dish. You can also experiment with different spice blends to give the calzones a unique flair.

Why Meatball Calzones Make the Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

Meatball calzones are the ultimate comfort food that fits into almost any meal plan or occasion. They are perfect for:

Family Dinners: Meatball calzones are simple to make in large batches, making them an excellent choice for feeding a family. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying and filling meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the customizable nature of the calzones means you can cater to everyone’s individual tastes.
Game Day: Calzones are the perfect finger food for a game day spread. Whether you’re watching a big game with friends or hosting a sports-themed party, meatball calzones are sure to be a hit. You can even serve them alongside a variety of dipping sauces to keep things interesting.
Casual Gatherings: If you’re hosting a casual dinner party or a night in with friends, meatball calzones are a fun and interactive way to serve dinner. Guests can customize their own calzone, choosing their preferred filling and toppings for a personalized experience.
Meal Prep: Meatball calzones are also fantastic for meal prepping. You can make the meatballs ahead of time, assemble the calzones, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This makes them a great option for busy weeks when you want to have an easy, comforting dinner ready in a flash.
Potlucks: Bringing a batch of meatball calzones to a potluck is a guaranteed way to impress. They’re easy to transport, and everyone loves a dish that combines meatballs and cheese wrapped in a warm, crispy crust. You can even make a few different versions with varying fillings to cater to different tastes.

Tips for Perfect Meatball Calzones

While making meatball calzones is relatively easy, there are a few tips that can help ensure they turn out perfectly:

Don’t Overstuff the Calzones: While it’s tempting to pile in as many meatballs and cheese as possible, overstuffing can cause the calzone to burst open while baking. Stick to a moderate amount of filling to ensure the dough seals properly and doesn’t leak.
Seal the Edges Well: Use your fingers to pinch and fold the dough edges tightly to prevent any filling from escaping. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to create a stronger seal.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Make sure to bake the calzones until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. This ensures the dough is fully cooked and the filling is hot and melted inside.
Serve with Extra Sauce: While the marinara sauce inside the calzone adds flavor, serving additional sauce on the side for dipping can take the dish to the next level. You can also offer a variety of sauces for guests to dip their calzones into, such as ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Meatball Calzones

Meatball calzones are a delicious, comforting, and versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. With their gooey cheese, savory meatball filling, and crispy dough, these calzones are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight meal, a casual gathering, or a game day celebration, meatball calzones are the perfect way to enjoy a warm, satisfying, and delicious meal. So, why not give this recipe a try and see how it becomes your new go-to comfort food?