Beef & Pork

Beef And Spinach Calzone

Name: Beef And Spinach Calzone
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 cups (200g) fresh spinach leaves; 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1 lb (450g) pizza dough; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil

By Odette Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Beef & Pork

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had a calzone - it was love at first bite. The combination of the crispy crust, the gooey cheese, and the savory fillings was absolute perfection. As I grew older, I began to experiment with different fillings, and one of my favorites is the Beef And Spinach Calzone. It's a protein-forward meal that's easy to make and delicious to eat, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

The key to a great calzone is in the balance of flavors and textures. You want a crust that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, fillings that are savory and satisfying, and a presentation that's appealing to the eye. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a Beef And Spinach Calzone that's sure to become a favorite in your household.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can use different types of cheese, add other fillings such as ham or mushrooms, and even use different types of meat. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to experiment and find your favorite combinations.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Beef And Spinach Calzone. From the preparation of the ingredients to the cooking of the calzone, I'll provide you with detailed instructions and tips to ensure that your calzone turns out perfect every time.

So, if you're looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving this Beef And Spinach Calzone a try. It's a recipe that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, and it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The calzone is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite fillings and toppings.
The calzone is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and vegetables.
The recipe is perfect for meal prep, as the calzones can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great calzone is in the balance of flavors and textures. The crust needs to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the fillings need to be savory and satisfying. In this recipe, we achieve this balance by using a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, which provides a rich and creamy flavor.

The beef and spinach filling is also carefully balanced to provide a savory and slightly sweet flavor. The beef is cooked until it's browned and crispy, while the spinach is wilted and flavorful. The combination of the two is absolute perfection, and it's what sets this calzone apart from others.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. We use a combination of high heat and low heat to cook the calzone, which helps to achieve a crispy crust and a cooked filling. The high heat helps to brown the crust, while the low heat helps to cook the filling through.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great calzone, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. In this recipe, we use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, ground beef, spinach, and pizza dough to create a delicious and satisfying meal. The key is to use high-quality ingredients that are fresh and flavorful, as this will make all the difference in the final product.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the pizza dough. You can either make your own dough from scratch or use store-bought dough. If you're using store-bought dough, make sure to follow the instructions on the package for thawing and rising.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for ground beef that is 80/20 or 85/15, as this will provide the best flavor and texture. You can also use other types of meat, such as ground turkey or pork, if you prefer.
2 cups (200g) fresh spinach leavesFresh spinach is essential in this recipe, as it provides a bright and fresh flavor. Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels before using.
1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheeseMozzarella cheese is a must-have in any calzone recipe, as it provides a creamy and melty texture. Look for whole-milk mozzarella for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the calzone, which complements the beef and spinach perfectly. Look for high-quality parmesan cheese that is freshly grated.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano adds a subtle earthy flavor to the calzone, which complements the other ingredients perfectly. Make sure to use high-quality dried oregano for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the calzone, which complements the beef and spinach perfectly. Make sure to use high-quality garlic powder for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt is essential in any recipe, as it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Make sure to use high-quality salt for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle kick to the calzone, which complements the other ingredients perfectly. Make sure to use high-quality black pepper for the best flavor.
1 lb (450g) pizza doughPizza dough is the foundation of any calzone recipe, as it provides the crust and structure for the filling. You can either make your own dough from scratch or use store-bought dough.
1 egg, beatenThe beaten egg is used to brush the crust of the calzone, which helps to create a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Make sure to use a high-quality egg for the best flavor.
1 tbsp (15g) olive oilOlive oil is used to brush the crust of the calzone, which helps to create a crispy texture and a golden brown color. Make sure to use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Beef And Spinach Calzone

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerPizza stone or baking sheetSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Beef And Spinach Calzone

1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. If you don't have a pizza stone, you can use a regular baking sheet.
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3
Once the beef is browned, add the spinach, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted, stirring occasionally.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and spinach mixture, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut out circles of dough that are about 6 inches in diameter.
6
Place a tablespoon or two of the beef and spinach mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
7
Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal the calzone. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
8
Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg and sprinkle with a little bit of parmesan cheese.
9
Place the calzones on the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each calzone.
10
Bake the calzones for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
12
To check if the calzones are done, look for a golden brown crust and a melted and bubbly cheese. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).
13
Let the calzones rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which will help the cheese to set and the filling to cool down slightly.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese, for the best flavor.
Don't overfill the calzones, as this can cause them to burst open during baking.
Use a pizza stone or baking sheet to bake the calzones, as this will help to create a crispy crust and a well-cooked filling.
Let the calzones rest for a few minutes before serving, which will help the cheese to set and the filling to cool down slightly.
Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique calzone recipes.
Consider making a batch of calzones ahead of time and freezing them for later use. Simply thaw and bake as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the calzones, which can cause them to burst open during baking.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the calzones.
Not letting the calzones rest for a few minutes before serving, which can cause the cheese to be too runny and the filling to be too hot.
Not using a pizza stone or baking sheet, which can affect the crust and the cooking of the filling.
Not checking the internal temperature of the filling, which can cause the calzones to be undercooked or overcooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding other ingredients to the filling, such as diced ham or mushrooms, to create a unique flavor combination.
Using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, to create a different flavor profile.
Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
Using a different type of meat, such as ground turkey or pork, to create a different flavor and texture.
Adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the filling for a fresh and bright flavor.

What to Serve With Beef And Spinach Calzone

The Beef And Spinach Calzone is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be served on its own or with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving the calzone include serving it with a side of sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, or serving it with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Serve with a side of marinara sauceServe with a side of garlic breadServe with a green saladServe with a side of sautéed vegetablesServe with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Beef And Spinach Calzone can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store in the fridge, simply place the calzones in an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze, place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

To reheat the calzones, simply bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to become too runny.

Consider making a batch of calzones ahead of time and freezing them for later use. Simply thaw and bake as needed, and you'll have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best to use in the calzone?

Mozzarella cheese is the best type of cheese to use in the calzone, as it provides a creamy and melty texture. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, to create a different flavor profile.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Simply thaw the spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible before using.

How do I know when the calzones are done?

The calzones are done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the calzones ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can make the calzones ahead of time and freeze them. Simply place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

How do I reheat the calzones?

Can I use a different type of meat in the calzone?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat in the calzone, such as ground turkey or pork. Simply cook the meat according to the recipe instructions and use it in place of the ground beef.

How do I prevent the calzones from bursting open during baking?

To prevent the calzones from bursting open during baking, make sure to not overfill them and to seal the edges well. You can also use a little bit of water to help seal the edges.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as diced ham or mushrooms, to create a unique flavor combination. Simply cook the ingredients according to the recipe instructions and add them to the filling.

The Full Recipe

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