Beef Meatball Calzone

How to Make Beef Calzones

Made with meatballs for a super simple preparation, this beef calzone recipe is simple as can be. The full recipe directions can be found below, but here are the basics:

Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 450°F. This ensures that it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your calzone, resulting in a golden, crispy crust.

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine Bisquick and hot water. Stir until a soft dough forms—it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the dough become more pliable, making it easier to roll out.

Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Aim for an even thickness throughout to ensure it bakes uniformly. Once rolled, carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!

Add the Toppings

On one half of the dough, evenly spread marinara sauce. This will be the base of your filling. Next, scatter the meatball pieces over the sauce, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding richness to your calzone.

Seal the Calzone

Fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to form a semicircle. Press the edges firmly to seal the calzone, ensuring no filling leaks out during baking. For an extra touch, brush the top with olive oil to promote a golden color.

Bake and Cool

Place the calzone in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it's golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer it to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. This cooling step allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade Italian beef calzones.

Variations for Beef Calzones

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, this beef calzone recipe is easy to customize. If you’re not a fan of meatballs, you can easily make the calzones with 1/2 pound ground beef, ground or sliced chicken, ground turkey, or turkey sausage. These options are a little on the lighter side but still pack in tons of flavor. If you're a fan of pepperoni, go ahead and throw that in for a pizza-inspired, crowd-pleasing twist.

For a cheesy change, swap the mozzarella with shredded cheddar. Cheddar brings a bolder, sharper flavor to the mix and melts just as beautifully. You could even try mixing mozzarella and cheddar together for the best of both cheesy worlds!

Feel free to experiment with the fillings too—add some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. These simple swaps make it easy to experiment and make this calzone your own!

What Can I Serve with Beef Calzones?

Beef calzones are hearty on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. A crisp Caesar salad is a great option—fresh romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy calzone. Plus, the classic flavors of Caesar salad complement the savory beef and mozzarella perfectly. Try this classic Caesar Salad recipe for the ultimate pairing.

For dipping, you can’t go wrong with Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing. If you love a little heat, Buffalo sauce adds a tangy kick that pairs nicely with the meaty filling. For something milder, ranch dressing offers a cool, creamy balance to the calzone’s warm, cheesy goodness. And if you want to try your hand at homemade ranch, our DIY Ranch recipe has you covered.

These sides give you a variety of flavors and textures that make your meal feel more complete, whether you're making this beef calzone recipe for dinner or serving them up for a game day spread.

How to Store Beef Calzones

In the unlikely event of leftovers, it’s easy to store your beef calzones and reheat them later. To keep leftovers fresh, make sure you let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Once sealed, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain their flavor while keeping the crust from getting soggy.

When you’re ready to dig in again, there are a few reheating options. For the best results, reheat the calzones in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the filling perfectly melty.

Your air fryer is another great reheating option. Place Italian beef calzones on a piece of foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This method crisps the crust nicely while making sure the inside stays warm and delicious. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust chewy instead of crispy.