Italian Calzones
Delicious Italian calzones filled with savory meats, melted cheeses, and rich sauce, perfect for satisfying hearty appetites and sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef, hot pork sausage, and sliced mushrooms.
- Drain the cooked mixture to remove excess fat.
- Stir in half a jar of Ragu traditional pizza quick sauce and the sliced pepperoni.
- Allow the filling to cool slightly before using.
- Prepare pizza dough, divide into portions, and roll each into a circle.
- Place a portion of the filling onto half of each dough circle.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and mild cheddar cheese over the filling.
- Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and seal the edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the filling. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with cooked spinach, ricotta, and extra mushrooms. You can also use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or try whole wheat dough for a healthier twist. To enhance flavor, mix in Italian herbs like oregano or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these calzones with extra Ragu traditional pizza quick sauce for dipping. A side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly, and for a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside Baked Spaghetti (Reduced Fat) or a classic Italian pasta dish. They also make great game day snacks or appetizers.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover calzones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven method ensures a crispier crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Calzones contains roughly 973 calories, with 64g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (127% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (126% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1523mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze calzones?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked calzones before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
If you want a different flavor, try substituting pepperoni with diced ham, cooked bacon, or even sliced olives for a vegetarian option. You could also use salami for a unique twist that complements the other ingredients well.
How do I prevent the calzones from leaking?
To prevent leaks, ensure the filling is not too wet and seal the edges of the dough well by crimping them with a fork or your fingers. Allowing the filling to cool slightly before assembling also helps reduce moisture, making for a neater calzone.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).