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Pizza Burger Calzones with Ground Beef filling

Pizza Burger Calzones with Ground Beef Filling

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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Calzones

Equipment

  • 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

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly through the slits.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

  1. 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

  1. 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.