✨ Recipe Ingredients
2 pounds of Ground Beef (lean)
1 Egg (large)
4.5 oz Pepperoni
Mozzarella String Cheese
1 tablespoon BBQ Spice Rub
1/4 cup Pork Rind Breadcrumbs (use these pork rinds– amazon link)to add on top
Recipe makes 3 calzones.
Step 1
Combine the ground beef, pork rind crumbs, half of the BBQ rub, and the egg. Mix well and divide the meat mixture into 3 equal parts.
Step 2
Place one portion on a sheet of parchment paper. Fold in half and press. You should get a thin rectangle (about 1/3 inch in thickness. You don’t want it thinner or thicker than that).
Step 3
In the center of this rectangle, place a layer of pepperoni and the mozzarella sticks. Fold the meat over the filling to form a tube (use the parchment paper). Then seal the calzone by pressing the sides. Repeat for all the calzones.
Step 4
Wrap each calzone in parchment paper and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
Step 5
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300°F.
Step 6
Remove the calzones from the parchment paper and place them on a lined baking sheet. Season with the remaining rub and bake in the oven for about 50 minutes. Optional: add shredded mozzarella on top. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Experiment with Cheese Options
While the recipe calls for mozzarella string cheese, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of cheese that melt well.
Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmesan can add a nice sharp flavor, while softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert can create a creamy, indulgent filling. You could even try a mix of cheeses.
2. Cheese Topping
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding shredded cheese (I recommend Mozzarella) to the top of your calzones during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This technique, often called “cheese crust” can take your carnivore calzones to the next level.
