Meaty Calzones: A Delicious and Quick Lunch Snack
Description:
This delightful recipe for Meaty Calzones, sourced from meals.com, makes use of pre-made dough, significantly reducing preparation time while delivering a scrumptious meal that is perfect for lunch or a hearty snack. These calzones can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients, but below, you will find the original recipe that has become a favorite in my kitchen. With a flavorful meat filling enveloped in golden, flaky crust, these calzones are not only satisfying but also simple to prepare, making them ideal for busy days.
Recipe Information
| Category | Lunch/Snacks |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per Serving | 341 |
| Keywords | Meat, < 60 Mins |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 21.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 127.7 mg |
| Sodium | 658.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 24.8 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3/4 | Ground beef |
| 1 | Salt |
| 1 | Pepper |
| 1/4 | Mozzarella cheese |
| 1/4 | Egg |
| 1 | Water |
| 1 | Marinara sauce |
| 1 | Italian seasoning |
| 1 | Pre-made dough |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your calzones will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray to prevent the calzones from sticking during the baking process.
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Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
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Combine Ingredients: To the bowl of cooked meat, add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Mix together well to ensure the meat is thoroughly coated with the sauce and spices.
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Season: Add the salt and pepper to the meat mixture, adjusting to taste. This step enhances the flavors of the filling.
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Prepare the Dough: Take the pre-made dough and roll it out slightly if necessary. Divide the dough into four equal portions, shaping each portion into a circle approximately 8 inches in diameter.
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Fill the Calzones: Place the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon one-fourth of the meat mixture onto the center of each circle, taking care to leave a generous border around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
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Add Cheese: Top each meat-filled circle with a quarter of the mozzarella cheese, ensuring an even distribution for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
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Seal the Calzones: Fold over one edge of each circle to cover the filling, then press down firmly to seal. You can use your fingers or an oiled wooden spoon handle to help create a tight seal.
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Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the top of each calzone with this mixture, which will give them a beautiful, shiny finish when baked.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the calzones for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious meaty calzones warm, accompanied by additional marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
These Meaty Calzones are a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted mozzarella, and a crisp dough creates a flavorful experience that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option or a delightful snack, these calzones are perfect for any occasion. Customize the filling to your liking, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits!
