As seen in our latest Instagram reel
These Golden Cheesy Beef & Mozzarella Calzones blew up in our latest reel on @homecookingbymadison — crispy golden pockets filled with juicy seasoned beef and stretchy, melted mozzarella. The kind of homemade goodness that makes every bite worth savoring.
Savory beef, gooey cheese, and rich Italian-inspired flavors are wrapped in soft dough and baked until beautifully golden with a warm, cheesy center. Dip them in marinara sauce for that extra delicious touch — perfect for family dinners, game nights, or sharing straight from the oven.
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Why you’ll love them
- Stretchy mozzarella pull in every single bite
- Handheld, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable
- Baked golden — all the comfort, no fryer needed
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza or calzone dough
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir in the marinara and let cool slightly.
- Heat the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Shape the dough. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into a 7-inch round.
- Fill and seal. Spoon beef and a generous handful of mozzarella onto one half of each round, leaving a border. Fold the dough over, press the edges, and crimp with a fork to seal tightly.
- Bake. Brush with olive oil, cut a small steam vent in each, and bake 18–20 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Serve. Rest 5 minutes, then serve warm with marinara for dipping.
Tips
- Let the beef cool a bit before filling — hot filling melts the cheese early and soggy-seals the dough.
- Don’t skip the steam vent; it keeps the calzones from bursting.
- Freeze baked calzones individually and reheat in the air fryer for a crispy revival.
Nutrition
Estimated per calzone: ~430 kcal | ~28g protein | ~20g fat | ~35g carbs
Would you dip these in marinara or ranch? Follow @homecookingbymadison on Instagram for the reel and more easy recipes.
