Beef And Spinach Calzone
I still remember the first time I made a Beef And Spinach Calzone in my tiny kitchen. The combination of tender beef, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese all wrapped up in a crispy, golden crust was love at first bite. As a home cook who's passionate about low-carb keto cooking, I've perfected this recipe over the years to bring you a dish that's not only delicious but also easy to make and satisfying.
One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of a fat-forward approach to cooking. By using high-heat searing in butter to build flavor and then binding the ingredients together with cheese and egg, we create a crust that's both crispy and rich. This technique is a staple of keto cooking and allows us to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional calzone without the carbs.
This Beef And Spinach Calzone is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a great option for anyone looking for a low-carb keto meal that's both satisfying and delicious. And the best part? It's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
In this recipe, we'll take you through the steps to make a delicious Beef And Spinach Calzone from scratch. From the initial prep work to the final presentation, we'll cover everything you need to know to make this dish a success. So let's get started and make some delicious keto Beef And Spinach Calzones!
As we cook, we'll be using a combination of ground beef, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese to create a filling that's both flavorful and nutritious. We'll also be using a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour to create a crust that's both crispy and low in carbs. By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to create a delicious Beef And Spinach Calzone that's sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- The Beef And Spinach Calzone is a great option for a weeknight dinner or special occasion
- The dish is low in carbs and rich in flavor, making it perfect for keto dieters
- The combination of ground beef, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese creates a filling that's both savory and satisfying
- The use of a fat-forward approach to cooking allows us to build flavor and texture into the dish without adding extra carbs
- The recipe is customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or spices to the filling
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making a great Beef And Spinach Calzone is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the filling and crust separately before assembling the calzone. This allows us to achieve a crispy crust and a tender, flavorful filling. By using a fat-forward approach to cooking, we're able to build flavor and texture into the dish without adding extra carbs.
Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of cheese and egg as binders. These ingredients help to hold the filling together and create a crust that's both crispy and golden. By using a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, we're able to add flavor and texture to the dish without adding extra carbs.
Finally, the use of fresh spinach and ground beef adds a burst of flavor and nutrition to the dish. By cooking the spinach and beef together with some garlic and onion, we're able to create a filling that's both savory and satisfying. And by using a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour to create the crust, we're able to keep the dish low in carbs and rich in flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making a delicious Beef And Spinach Calzone, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of ground beef, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese to create a filling that's both flavorful and nutritious. We'll also be using a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour to create a crust that's both crispy and low in carbs.
To make this recipe, you'll need to have the following ingredients on hand: ground beef, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, almond flour, coconut flour, egg, butter, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores or online.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for ground beef that is 80/20 or 70/30 lean to fat ratio for the best flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork as a substitute.
- 2 cups (200g) fresh spinach, choppedFresh spinach is essential for this recipe, as it adds a burst of flavor and nutrients to the dish. You can also use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible.
- 1 cup (115g) mozzarella cheese, shreddedMozzarella cheese is a must-have for this recipe, as it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the filling. You can also use other types of cheese, such as parmesan or cheddar, but mozzarella is the best choice.
- 1/2 cup (60g) almond flourAlmond flour is a low-carb alternative to traditional flour and is essential for creating a crispy crust. You can find almond flour at most health food stores or online.
- 1/4 cup (30g) coconut flourCoconut flour is another low-carb alternative to traditional flour and helps to add structure and texture to the crust. You can find coconut flour at most health food stores or online.
- 1 large eggThe egg is used as a binder to hold the filling together and create a crispy crust. You can also use egg whites or egg yolks as a substitute.
- 2 tbsp (30g) butterButter is used to add flavor and moisture to the filling and crust. You can also use other types of fat, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, as a substitute.
- 2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a burst of flavor to the filling and is essential for creating a savory and satisfying dish. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute.
- 1 small onion, choppedOnion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the filling and is essential for creating a balanced and delicious dish. You can also use shallots or scallions as a substitute.
- 1 tsp (5g) saltSalt is used to enhance the flavor of the filling and crust. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, as a substitute.
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper is used to add a burst of flavor to the filling and crust. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or cayenne pepper, as a substitute.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Beef And Spinach Calzone
- 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- 3Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- 4Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it is wilted and the liquid has evaporated.
- 5In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and spinach mixture, mozzarella cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- 6In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour and coconut flour. Add the melted butter to the bowl and mix until the flour is well coated.
- 7Add the flour mixture to the beef and spinach mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- 8Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on the size of calzone you prefer.
- 9Roll out each piece of dough into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- 10Place a spoonful of the beef and spinach mixture onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- 11Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling and press the edges together to seal the calzone.
- 12Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 13Remove the calzones from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to cook the beef and spinach mixture until it is fully browned and the liquid has evaporated, as this will help to create a crispy crust.
- Use a high-quality mozzarella cheese that melts well and has a good flavor.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can cause it to become tough and dense.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the calzone well, as this will help to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
- If you want to add some extra flavor to the calzone, you can sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of the crust before baking.
- You can also add some other ingredients to the filling, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to give it some extra flavor and texture.
- To make the calzone more crispy, you can brush the crust with some melted butter or olive oil before baking.
- You can also make the calzone ahead of time and freeze it, then bake it in the oven when you're ready to serve it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not cooking the beef and spinach mixture until it is fully browned and the liquid has evaporated, which can cause the crust to be soggy.
- Overmixing the dough, which can cause it to become tough and dense.
- Not sealing the edges of the calzone well, which can cause the filling to escape during baking.
- Not using a high-quality mozzarella cheese, which can cause the crust to be bland and unappetizing.
- Not baking the calzone at a high enough temperature, which can cause the crust to be pale and unappetizing.
- Not letting the calzone rest for long enough before serving, which can cause the filling to be too hot and the crust to be soggy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as parmesan or cheddar, for a unique flavor.
- Add some spices or herbs, such as oregano or basil, to the filling for extra flavor.
- Use a different type of meat, such as ground turkey or ground pork, for a unique flavor.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the filling for extra flavor.
- Use a different type of flour, such as coconut flour or almond flour, for a unique texture.
- Add some grated vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
What to Serve With Beef And Spinach Calzone
The Beef And Spinach Calzone is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be served on its own or with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a well-rounded meal.
Some other options for serving the calzone include serving it with a side of sautéed spinach or garlic bread, or using it as a filling for a sandwich or wrap. You can also serve it as an appetizer or snack, either on its own or with a side of dipping sauce.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
The Beef And Spinach Calzone can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
To freeze the calzone, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer until it is frozen solid. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
To reheat the calzone, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through and the crust is crispy. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.
It's also important to note that the calzone can be made ahead of time and frozen, then baked in the oven when you're ready to serve it. This can be a great option for meal prep or for making a large batch of calzones for a party or special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook the Beef And Spinach Calzone?
The best way to cook the Beef And Spinach Calzone is to bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make the Beef And Spinach Calzone ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can make the Beef And Spinach Calzone ahead of time and freeze it. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
What is the best type of cheese to use in the Beef And Spinach Calzone?
The best type of cheese to use in the Beef And Spinach Calzone is mozzarella cheese. It melts well and has a good flavor, making it perfect for this dish.
Can I use different types of meat in the Beef And Spinach Calzone?
Yes, you can use different types of meat in the Beef And Spinach Calzone. Some options include ground turkey, ground pork, or even sausage.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, make sure to cook the beef and spinach mixture until it is fully browned and the liquid has evaporated. You can also try brushing the crust with some melted butter or olive oil before baking to help it crisp up.
Can I make the Beef And Spinach Calzone in a skillet on the stovetop?
Yes, you can make the Beef And Spinach Calzone in a skillet on the stovetop. Simply cook it over medium-high heat until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How do I reheat the Beef And Spinach Calzone?
To reheat the Beef And Spinach Calzone, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through and the crust is crispy. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.
Can I freeze the Beef And Spinach Calzone after it has been baked?
Yes, you can freeze the Beef And Spinach Calzone after it has been baked. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups (200g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (115g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (60g) almond flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) coconut flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it is wilted and the liquid has evaporated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and spinach mixture, mozzarella cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour and coconut flour. Add the melted butter to the bowl and mix until the flour is well coated.
- Add the flour mixture to the beef and spinach mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces, depending on the size of calzone you prefer.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place a spoonful of the beef and spinach mixture onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling and press the edges together to seal the calzone.
- Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the calzones from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.