Bean & Cheese Burrito Calzone
A warm, golden calzone stuffed with refried beans, cheese, and zesty tomatoes for the ultimate comfort food twist. Easy to make, filling, and family-approved, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a fun appetizer.
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 Pizza Pan or Stone
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 16 ounces refried beans 1 can
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chilies 1 can
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with mild peppers 1 can, e.g., Rotel mild
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 10 ounces green enchilada sauce 1 can
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to preheat fully while you get the dough and filling ready. Preparing the oven early ensures an even baking environment and prevents undercooking. While waiting, lightly grease or line a pizza pan or baking stone to prevent sticking and to give the calzone a crisp bottom.
- Shape the Pizza Dough Base: On a lightly floured surface, place your 1 pound of pizza dough and gently stretch or roll it into a 12-inch round. Aim for even thickness across the dough so it bakes uniformly without thin spots tearing or thick patches remaining doughy. Transfer the shaped dough onto your prepared pan or stone.
- Mix the Flavorful Bean Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the refried beans (16 ounces), chopped green chilies (4.5 ounces), and diced tomatoes with peppers (10 ounces). Stir well until everything is evenly blended into a creamy yet slightly chunky mixture. This filling provides the calzone with protein, fiber, and a mildly spicy kick.
- Layer the Filling on the Dough: Spoon half of the bean mixture onto one half of the dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. This empty border is essential—it allows room for sealing later and prevents the filling from oozing out during baking. Spread the filling evenly so every bite will have the same rich flavor.
- Add a Generous Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the bean filling. The cheese not only melts into gooey perfection but also helps bind the filling, keeping it from spilling out when sliced. Be sure to distribute the cheese all the way to the edges of the filling layer.
- Fold and Seal the Calzone: Carefully lift the uncovered half of the dough and fold it over the filling, aligning the edges with the opposite side to form a half-moon shape. Press down firmly along the edges, then pinch or crimp with your fingers to seal tightly. A strong seal keeps the filling intact while baking and ensures a classic calzone look.
- Brush with Oil and Seasoning: Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top of the folded dough with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the crust bake to a golden color and adds a subtle richness. Next, sprinkle ¼ teaspoon garlic salt across the surface for extra flavor and aroma.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the prepared calzone in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and feels firm to the touch. If you prefer a deeper golden finish, you can switch the oven to broil mode for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely during this stage, as broiling works quickly and can cause burning if unattended.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the calzone from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Cooling allows the filling to set slightly, preventing hot cheese and beans from spilling out when sliced. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut into individual portions.
- Serve with Enchilada Sauce: Warm the 10-ounce can of green enchilada sauce separately and serve it as a dipping sauce or drizzle it directly over the sliced calzone. The tangy, mildly spicy sauce perfectly complements the cheesy bean filling, making every bite flavorful and complete.
Notes
- A fun and easy twist on classic burritos and calzones, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Combines creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and mild spices inside golden, crisp pizza dough for a satisfying bite.
- Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it both filling and nourishing.
- Contains good fats from olive oil and cheese, with relatively low saturated fat compared to heavier comfort foods.
- Quick to assemble and bake, making it ideal for busy evenings or meal prep.
- Versatile: can be served as a main course, appetizer, or snack.
- Freezes well and reheats easily without losing texture or flavor, perfect for batch cooking.
- Customizable: add veggies, spices, or different cheese blends to suit personal tastes.
