Stuffed Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Calzone
Handheld pockets filled with spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and melted cheese, baked until crisp and golden. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 90 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (110°F) warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb, cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup, sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet active dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 3/4 cup warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until dough forms, then knead 5-7 minutes on floured surface until smooth. Cover and rise 1 hour.
- Step 2: Cook 1/2 lb crumbled Italian sausage and 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until peppers soften. Cool slightly.
- Step 3: Roll dough into 12x16 inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce over dough, leaving 1-inch border. Top with sausage-pepper mixture, then 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Step 4: Fold dough over filling, seal edges with a fork, and place seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut 2-3 slits in top. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stuffed Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Calzone take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (60 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stuffed Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Calzone?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stuffed Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Calzone?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stuffed Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Calzone for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stuffed Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Calzone?
Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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Equipment for this recipe
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