Meatball Calzone Recipe

Have you ever made a pizza that looks like a giant pocket? That’s kind of what a Meatball Calzone is! It’s like a pizza, but instead of toppings spread out, everything is folded inside. Think of it as a big, warm hug for meatballs! We take yummy meatballs, like the ones you put in spaghetti, and put them inside pizza dough with cheese and sauce. Then, we fold it up and bake it until it’s golden brown. It’s like a secret hiding place for delicious food! Let’s find out how to make this fun and tasty meal.

Method

Make the Tomato Sauce

To start, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is warm, toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about two minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften the onion without browning it too much. Next, add the minced garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—this enhances the flavor without burning the garlic.

Now, pour in the chopped tomatoes, followed by the Italian herbs, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for around 10 minutes. As it cooks, the sauce will thicken, deepening in flavor and creating that rich tomato base we want. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once the sauce reaches a thick consistency, turn off the heat and set a small portion aside to use as a topping later.

Cook the Meatballs

While the sauce is simmering, it’s time to cook the meatballs. If using store-bought plant-based meatballs, follow the instructions on the package—most will require either baking in the oven or pan-frying. If pan-frying, heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning them every few minutes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. If baking, place them on a lined baking tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for around 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them straight into the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Stir them gently, coating them evenly with the sauce so they absorb all those delicious flavors. Allow them to sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes to enhance the taste.

Assemble the Calzone

Now, take a large wrap and lay it flat on a clean plate or surface. Spoon a generous amount of the meatball and sauce mixture onto one half of the wrap, ensuring there’s an even distribution. Try not to overfill it, as this will make it difficult to fold and could lead to a messy spill when grilling.

Once you’ve added the filling, fold the empty half of the wrap over the filled side, creating a half-moon shape. Press it down lightly to keep everything in place. Next, take the reserved tomato sauce and spread a thin layer over the top of the folded wrap. This adds an extra punch of flavor and helps the cheese stick better. Finally, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over the top, covering the sauce evenly for that perfect melted topping.

Grill It!

Carefully transfer the assembled calzone onto a baking tray or a grill-safe plate. Place it under a preheated grill on medium-high heat and let it cook for around 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly. The wrap should turn slightly crispy on the edges, and the cheese should be gooey and golden on top.

Once the cheese has melted to perfection, carefully remove the calzone from the grill using tongs or a spatula. Let it sit for a minute before serving—this helps the cheese settle and prevents any burning-hot bites. Slice it in half, plate it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy your delicious homemade Meatball Calzone!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crispy potato wedges for a hearty meal.
• A side of tenderstem broccoli or a simple green salad pairs perfectly!
• Drizzle with a bit of garlic mayo or chili oil for an extra kick.

Fun Fact

Did you know the word calzone means “trouser leg” in Italian? It’s named this way because it’s a folded pizza—easy to eat on the go, just like a handheld snack!

Conclusion

This Meatball Calzone proves that comfort food can be easy, meat-free, and satisfying. The crispy wrap, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce make every bite worth it. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner!

Let me know if you try this recipe—I’d love to hear what you think!