59 minutes ago
1
This is such a simple, pickiest-eater-approved dinner idea! It’s a staple during baseball season at our house as it’s a recipe that can be eaten on the go and it travels well. Whether you’re rushing out the door to practice or just want a quick budget-friendly meal, you’ll love adding these easy Mini Calzones to your meal rotation!
I can often get Pillsbury canned biscuits for less than a dollar at Publix (by combining sales, coupons and rebate apps), and I love using them in this dinner idea. You can also make your own biscuit dough, of course, if you prefer that.
As far as the filling goes, your imagination is the limit! that’s one of the best things about this Mini Calzone recipe — it’s endlessly customizable. Tonight I used ground venison sausage (my husband is a hunter so we always have venison!) and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Mini pepperoni (instead of venison sausage) is another favorite of ours in this recipe. Other great filling ideas include cooked Italian sausage, spinach and Ricotta, or even just classic cheese. You really can’t go wrong!
I served the Mini Calzones with Roasted Parmesan Broccoli and of course pizza sauce on the side for dipping!
This post is part of our $10 Dinner Ideas series, brought to you by Brigette on our team! Each week, she shares easy, delicious, and affordable family-friendly dinner ideas that cost less than $10 to make, use everyday ingredients, and are super quick meals.
Mini Calzones Menu:
- Mini Calzones
- Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
- Pizza Sauce for dipping
Ingredients for Mini Calzones:
- 2 cans biscuits (Publix – sales, coupons and rebates) — $2
- 3/4 lb ground sausage, cooked (I used ground venison sausage but this price is based on Aldi prices) — $3
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Aldi) — $1.23
- 1-2 cups pizza sauce for dipping (Aldi) — $0.69
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter (Aldi – $2.99 for 1lb) — $0.19
- Parmesan cheese
Total for Calzones: $7.11 (makes 16 calzones)
Ingredients for Roasted Parmesan Broccoli:
- 1 pound broccoli crowns, cut into bite-size pieces (Aldi) — $2.39
- Drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, Parmesan cheese
Total for Dinner: $2.39 + seasonings (serves 6)
Total for Dinner: $9.50 (plus cost of seasonings) (makes 6 servings)
How to Make Mini Calzones with Roasted Parmesan Broccoli:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 3 baking pans with parchment paper. In one of the pans, spread the broccoli pieces in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until browned.
2. Roll out each biscuit until 1/4 inch thick. Top each biscuit with a small amount of cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
3. Fold biscuits in half to create a half moon shape. Use a fork to seal the edges of each calzone. Cut two slits in each calzone.
4. Bake 12-15 minutes or until browned. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve with pizza sauce for dipping.
Mini Calzones and Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
Ingredients
Ingredients for Mini Calzones:
- 2 cans biscuits Publix – sales, coupons and rebates — $2
- 3/4 lb ground sausage cooked (I used ground venison sausage but this price is based on Aldi prices) — $3
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese Aldi — $1.23
- 1-2 cups pizza sauce for dipping Aldi — $0.69
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter Aldi – $2.99 for 1lb — $0.19
- Parmesan cheese
Ingredients for Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
- 1 pound broccoli crowns cut into bite-size pieces (Aldi) — $2.39
- Drizzle olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 3 baking pans with parchment paper. In one of the pans, spread the broccoli pieces in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until browned.
- While the broccoli bakes, roll out each biscuit until 1/4 inch thick. Top each biscuit with a small amount of cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
- Fold biscuits in half to create a half moon shape. Use a fork to seal the edges of each calzone. Cut two slits in each calzone.
- Bake 12-15 minutes or until browned. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve with pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs about Mini Calzones and Roasted Parmesan Broccoli:
This recipe uses Pillsbury biscuit dough, but you could also use their pizza dough, or make your own!
Cook these Mini Calzones for 12-15 minutes or until browned.
To avoid a soggy crust, calzones don’t have sauce inside. Instead, you can dip Mini Calzones in sauce when eating.
Yes, to let the steam escape, cut two slits in the top of each Mini Calzone.
Bake this Roasted Parmesan Broccoli recipe in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Our family loves adding a drizzle of olive oil with shakes of salt, garlic, and Parmesan. You could also squeeze fresh lemon juice on top when done cooking.
More Ideas for Family Dinners Under $10:
- Mexican Lasagna
- Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta Skillet
- Chicken Alfredo Pizza
- Chicken Burgers and Baked Fries
- Spaghetti Pizza
- Cheesy Potato Soup and Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
- Homemade Chipotle Chicken Bowls
- Crustless Spinach Quiche and Whole Wheat Bread
- Easy Chicken Pot Pie
- Baked Chicken Chimichangas and Cilantro Rice
- Baked Potato Bar
And, be sure to check out all our easy dinner recipes here!
If you make this easy Mini Calzones recipe, we’d love for you to leave a review and let us know how it turned out!
FREE DOWNLOAD: 60 Meals To Help You Avoid Takeout!
Meal time just got so much easier!
Send me my FREE list of meal ideas!
