There’s just something irresistible about mashing up two of your favorite comfort foods into one glorious, cheesy, golden-brown package—and that’s exactly what these Pizza Burger Calzones with Ground Beef Filling are. This recipe takes all the best parts of a cheeseburger and a slice of pizza and wraps them up in a fluffy calzone shell. Think juicy seasoned beef, melted cheddar and mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and classic burger toppings like pickles and onions—all baked inside a soft, golden crust. Whether you’re nostalgic for old school pizza burgers or just looking for a new twist on dinner, this one’s got you covered.
Pizza Burger Calzones with Ground Beef Filling
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large skillet To brown the beef and sauté the onions
Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring the filling
Rolling Pin To roll out the pizza dough
Baking sheet Preferably lined with parchment or lightly greased
Pastry Brush For brushing olive oil over the calzones
Mixing bowls For combining the dipping sauce and ingredients
Pizza cutter or sharp knife To cut the calzones once baked
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 is ideal for flavor and juiciness
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup dill pickles chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough store-bought or homemade
- Flour for rolling out dough
- Olive oil for brushing
Optional Toppings (for inside or on the side)
- Cooked bacon pieces
- Jalapeños
- Sliced tomatoes
- Extra pickles
For the Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks—about 7-8 minutes. Drain off excess fat if needed. Add the diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
Stir in the ketchup and mustard. These bring the classic cheeseburger flavor to the forefront and also help bind the filling. Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped pickles. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then mix in the shredded cheeses. This filling is reminiscent of what you’d find in old school pizza burgers or a beloved diner-style pizza burger recipe.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your work surface with flour. Divide the dough into four equal portions and roll each one into a circle about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. If the dough shrinks back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Place about 1/2 cup of the beef and cheese mixture on one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Bake the Calzones
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the calzones to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil. Use a sharp knife to cut a couple of small slits in each calzone to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly through the slits.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the calzones bake, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and paprika in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the calzones rest for a few minutes before cutting. Serve with dipping sauce on the side, and maybe a few extra pickles for the ultimate experience. These taste like the best parts of a cheese burger pizza wrapped in a hand-held crust.
Pairings in Detail
To keep with the burger-meets-pizza theme, pair your pizza burger calzones with:
- Fries or Tater Tots: The obvious sidekick. Season them with a dash of paprika and garlic powder for a flavor boost.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch to balance the richness.
- Craft Soda or Lager: A root beer or light craft lager cuts through the richness and keeps things nostalgic.
- Pickle Chips or Spears: Play up the pickle notes inside the calzone with crunchy spears or chips on the side.
If you’re making this into a party snack, serve calzones halved or quartered, alongside a slider tray for variety. You could even riff on the idea with mini pizza sandwich recipes using soft dinner rolls.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef offers that classic cheeseburger vibe, ground turkey or ground pork work great too. For a leaner option, go with ground chicken—but be sure to add a splash of olive oil so the filling stays juicy. This kind of flexibility makes it a great option for anyone exploring burger recipes easy enough to customize.
Q2: Can I make these with Spam instead of ground beef?
Yes, and it’s surprisingly delicious. Dice the Spam into small cubes and fry until crispy. Fold into the cheese mixture instead of ground beef. It’s a fun throwback nod to pizza burgers with spam and offers a salty, savory punch.
Q3: Can I make the calzone dough from scratch?
You can! A simple homemade pizza dough recipe of flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt will do the trick. You can even make it in advance and freeze it. If you're used to making your own homemade burgers recipe, tackling dough won’t feel intimidating.
Q4: What if I don’t want a calzone? Can I make this as a pizza or burger?
Totally. Press the dough into a sheet pan, layer on the filling, and bake like a pizza—call it a cheese burger pizza or even a pizza burger pie. You could also spoon the filling onto toasted hamburger buns for a super satisfying hamburger bun pizza.
Q5: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled calzones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispness. They can also be frozen and reheated straight from frozen—just add a few more minutes to the bake time.
