Best 4 Italian Meatball Calzones Recipes

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Indulge in the irresistible Italian Meatball Calzones, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. These delightful pockets of dough are filled with a savory combination of juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and a vibrant tomato sauce, all enveloped in a golden-brown, crispy crust. Each bite offers a burst of savory goodness, with the tender meatballs taking center stage, complemented by the rich cheese and tangy sauce. These calzones are not just a meal; they are an experience that will transport you to the heart of Italy.

The comprehensive guide provided in this article offers two delectable variations of Italian Meatball Calzones, catering to various preferences and dietary restrictions. The classic recipe features a traditional meatball filling, while the vegetarian alternative presents a flavorful combination of vegetables, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delectable treats. Both recipes provide step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and beautiful images to guide you through the process of creating these culinary masterpieces.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as you discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect Italian Meatball Calzones. Learn how to make the meatballs from scratch, ensuring they are tender and packed with flavor. Explore the art of creating a rich and flavorful tomato sauce that complements the meatballs perfectly. Master the technique of folding and sealing the calzones, ensuring they are cooked to golden perfection.

Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will empower you to create these delectable calzones in the comfort of your own home. Impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and let's embark on this culinary adventure together.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

MEATBALL PARMESAN CALZONES RECIPE BY TASTY



Meatball Parmesan Calzones Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: pizza dough, marinara sauce, frozen party sized meatballs, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, black pepper, egg, water

Provided by Pierce Abernathy

Categories     Appetizers

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

16 oz pizza dough
8 tablespoons marinara sauce
16 frozen party sized meatballs, thawed
4 slices mozzarella cheese, cut in half
4 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
fresh basil
black pepper, for topping
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
  • Cut pizza dough into 8 sections on a floured surface.
  • Cut pizza dough into 8 sections on a floured surface.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon of marinara on flattened dough. Wrap up two meatballs in a slice of mozzarella and place them in the center of the dough. Sprinkle with ½ tablespoon parmesan cheese and some fresh basil.
  • With one section, roll out dough until flat and circular.
  • Fold one side of dough up and over ingredients, and seal calzone by crimping the edges together.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon of marinara on flattened dough. Wrap up two meatballs in a slice of mozzarella and place them in the center of the dough. Sprinkle with ½ tablespoon parmesan cheese and some fresh basil.
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Apply egg wash to outside of calzone and sprinkle with black pepper.
  • Fold one side of dough up and over ingredients, and seal calzone by crimping the edges together.
  • Bake calzones at 400°F/200°C for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Apply egg wash to outside of calzone and sprinkle with black pepper.
  • Enjoy!
  • Bake calzones for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 321 calories, Carbohydrate 30 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 15 grams, Sugar 3 grams

REAL ITALIAN CALZONES



Real Italian Calzones image

This is real calzone, because there is no tomato sauce INSIDE of it! We eat it at least once a week. Have a bowl of tomato or spaghetti sauce on the table for people to top their calzone with, if desired.

Provided by Jenny

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup diced pepperoni
½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 egg, beaten

Steps:

  • To Make Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the oil, sugar and salt; mix in 1 cup of the flour until smooth. Gradually stir in the rest of the flour, until dough is smooth and workable. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is elastic. Lay dough in a bowl containing 1 teaspoon olive oil, then flip the dough, cover and let rise for 40 minutes, or until almost doubled.
  • To Make Filling: While dough is rising, combine the ricotta cheese, Cheddar cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms and basil leaves in a large bowl. Mix well, cover bowl and refrigerate to chill.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • When dough is ready, punch it down and separate it into 2 equal parts. Roll parts out into thin circles on a lightly floured surface. Fill each circle with 1/2 of the cheese/meat filling and fold over, securing edges by folding in and pressing with a fork. Brush the top of each calzone with egg and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.6 calories, Carbohydrate 31.6 g, Cholesterol 63.6 mg, Fat 16.7 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 13.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 667 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

MEATBALL CALZONES



Meatball Calzones image

My family can't get enough of this savory entree. We have to have it at least once a month, or everyone goes through withdrawal. Leftovers freeze well for a quick meal later. -Cori Cooper Flagstaff, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h55m

Yield 3 calzones (4 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 pounds ground beef
3 loaves (1 pound each) frozen bread dough, thawed
3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
Additional Italian seasoning
1 jar (14 ounces) spaghetti sauce, warmed

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. , Place meatballs on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 10-15 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain on paper towels. Reduce heat to 350°., On a floured surface, roll each portion of dough into an 18x12-in. rectangle. Spoon a third of the meatballs and mozzarella cheese down the center of each rectangle. Fold dough over filling; press edges firmly to seal. , Place on greased baking sheets. Brush tops with egg white; sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Let stand for 15-30 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with spaghetti sauce.

Nutrition Facts :

ROASTED ITALIAN MEATBALLS



Roasted Italian Meatballs image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 10 servings (30 to 32 meatballs)

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 pound ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
1 3/4 cups dry seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly ground Italian Pecorino cheese (2 ounces)
1/2 cup freshly ground Italian Parmesan cheese (2 ounces), plus extra for serving
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup dry red wine, such as Chianti
1/4 cup good olive oil
2 (32-ounce) jars good marinara sauce, such as Rao's
Creamy Parmesan Polenta (recipe follows) or cooked spaghetti, for serving
4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
1 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1/2 cup creme fraiche
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
  • Place the sirloin, pork, and veal in a large mixing bowl and lightly break up the meats with a fork and your fingertips. Add the bread crumbs, Pecorino, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the eggs, wine, and 3/4 cup water and combine lightly but thoroughly.
  • Measure out 2-ounce portions of the mixture (I use a rounded 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop) and roll each lightly into a ball. Place one inch apart on the prepared sheet pans. Brush the meatballs with the olive oil.
  • Bake the meatballs for 25 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned. Pour the marinara into a large pot and bring to a simmer. Carefully add the meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes, until heated through.
  • To serve with polenta, spoon a puddle of creamy Parmesan polenta on one side of each dinner plate. Spoon 1 or 2 meatballs plus a puddle of tomato sauce on the other side, allowing them to combine in the center of the plate. To serve with spaghetti, distribute among shallow pasta bowls. Spoon the meatballs and sauce onto the pasta. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and serve hot.
  • Place the chicken stock in a large saucepan. Add the garlic and cook over medium-high heat until the stock comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and very slowly whisk in the cornmeal, whisking constantly to make sure there are no lumps. Switch to a wooden spoon, add the salt and pepper, and simmer, stirring almost constantly, for 10 minutes, until thick. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan thoroughly while you're stirring. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan, creme fraiche, and butter. Taste for seasonings and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your calzones.
  • Make sure your meatballs are cooked through before adding them to the calzones. Otherwise, they will continue to cook in the oven and could make your calzones soggy.
  • Don't overstuff the calzones. They should be filled, but not so full that they're difficult to close.
  • Bake the calzones until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
  • Serve the calzones hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or ranch dressing are all good choices.

Conclusion:

Italian meatball calzones are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. They're also a great way to use up leftover meatballs. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

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