Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/9 checked
4
servings
0.5 lb

lean ground beef

browned and drained

3 tbsp

taco seasoning mix

divided

0.75 cup

hot water

divided

6.5 unit

dry pizza crust mix

1.33 cup

shredded cheddar cheese

divided

4 tsp

fresh cilantro

chopped, divided

1 cup

shredded lettuce

shredded

1 unit

tomato

chopped

2 tbsp

sour cream

Step 1
~3 min

Line a small baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 2
~3 min

Cook ground beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned.

Step 3
~3 min

Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4
~3 min

Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of hot water into the cooked beef.

Step 5
~3 min

Continue to cook the beef mixture for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6
~3 min

Remove the skillet from the heat and set the beef mixture aside.

Step 7
~3 min

In a small bowl, combine the dry pizza crust mix, 1/3 cup of cheddar cheese, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning.

Step 8
~3 min

Stir the dry ingredients together to mix well.

Step 9
~3 min

Add the remaining 1/2 cup of hot water to the dry mixture.

Step 10
~3 min

Stir until the dough is moistened and begins to come together.

Step 11
~3 min

Cover the bowl and let the dough stand for 5 minutes.

Step 12
~3 min

Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.

Step 13
~3 min

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a 6-inch circle.

Step 14
~3 min

Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture on the bottom half of each circle of dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border.

Step 15
~3 min

Top the beef mixture with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 16
~3 min

Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a calzone shape.

Step 17
~3 min

Press the edges of the dough firmly to seal the calzone.

Step 18
~3 min

Place each calzone onto the prepared baking sheet.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 19
~3 min

Freeze the calzones for 30 minutes, or until they are set.

Step 20
~3 min

Remove the calzones from the freezer.

Step 21
~3 min

Wrap each calzone individually in plastic food wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil.

Step 22
~3 min

Store the wrapped calzones in a freezer container or resealable plastic freezer bag.

Step 23
~3 min

Freeze for at least 8 hours, or up to 3 months.

Step 24
~3 min

To thaw, place the desired number of calzones in the refrigerator for 24 hours, or until completely thawed.

Step 25
~3 min

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 26
~3 min

Unwrap the thawed calzones.

Step 27
~3 min

Place the calzones onto a greased baking sheet.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 28
~3 min

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is light golden brown.

Step 29
~3 min

Serve the baked calzones topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sour cream.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Make sure to seal the edges of the calzones well to prevent filling from leaking out.

Brush the tops of the calzones with egg wash before baking for a golden-brown crust.

Add other toppings like olives, onions, or bell peppers to the filling.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made ahead and frozen

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa.

Pair with a Mexican-style salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Mexican Rice
Refried Beans
Guacamole

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Mexican-Italian Fusion

Cultural Significance

A playful combination of two popular cuisines.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Cinco de Mayo
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

Weeknight Dinner
Game Day
Party Food

Popularity Score

70/100

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