Better Mini Calzone

Mini Calzones

Whether your looking for an holiday starter or complete meal this  Better Mini Calzone recipe can be both. Store bought pizza dough filled  with juicy ground beef, full of Italian flavors will leave family and friends wanting more. It’s pizzeria style food from your own kitchen.

Sure homemade is better but at this time of year there’s no shame in semi homemade. And your family and friends would know the difference, unless you tell them!!!

You can also use store bought marinara sauce, but if you want to make your own  here is the link to my Real Easy Marinara Sauce

What Makes These Mini Calzones Better

Although it’s hard to believe you can make these Better Mini Calzones, heavenly pillows of deliciousness any  better, you can. Serve them along  side marinara sauce and pesto for a flavor boost that takes this recipe over the top.

You can also make this recipe better by making it ahead of time and then reheating in the oven for a few minutes,

my toaster oven/ air fryer is prefect for small reheats like this.

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it my toaster oven/ air fryer is my most used small kitchen appliance.

At this time of year it’s good to keep food simple, good and if it can be made ahead of time, that’s a triple win!!! Another better idea double the recipe  it and freeze it, you can do that with this recipe. 

If you make this recipe please leave me a comment and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you, and hope you are well. Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

  • 1 Lb. prepared pizza dough
  • ! cup prepared marinara
  • 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 chopped onion
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped garlic
  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • 1 cup each graded parmesan and shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tablespoon  chopped Italian parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Knead pizza dough to form a smooth ball let rest covered for 30 minutes
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  3. Meal while in a  medium skillet saute the onions and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until tender and just beginning to brown
  4. Add the ground and saute until golden brown
  5. Add haft the marinara, spinach,  herbs, and cheeses simmer for 5 minutes longer
  6. Form the dough into 8 balls, with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into 8 flat disks
  7. Fill each disk with filling
  8. Form into half moons pinching ends together to seal
  9. Brush tops with mixture of 1 tablespoon  olive oil and 1 tablespoon melted butter, sprinkle with additional grated cheese
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes at 400, lower the temperature to 350and bake 1o minutes longer