Meatball Calzones are a deliciously savory twist on the classic pizza, combining hearty meatballs with melted cheese and marinara sauce, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy pizza dough. These portable, pocket-sized treats are perfect for a family dinner, game day, or a quick weeknight meal. The juicy, flavorful meatballs are the star of the calzone, but they’re complemented perfectly by the gooey mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce. With every bite, you get a satisfying blend of rich flavors and textures, making these Meatball Calzones a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 store-bought pizza dough balls (or homemade dough)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Make the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Prepare the Dough: While the meatballs bake, roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into two 10-inch rounds. Place each round on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Assemble the Calzones: Once the meatballs are done, let them cool slightly. On one half of each dough circle, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce. Add 4-5 meatballs on top of the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Use a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
- Bake the Calzones: Brush the tops of the calzones with a light coating of olive oil and make a small slit in the top of each to allow steam to escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the calzones cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
These Meatball Calzones are the perfect handheld meal, offering a satisfying combination of flavors in every bite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
