Cowboy Calzones/Pizza

Can I say just say AMAZING!!! Especially when my husband gives them a two thumbs up and tells me I have to make them again when family comes out in June to see us. I found this recipe over at Your home based Mom. She has a great little site so go over and check Leigh Anne out. After making the calzones. I decided to put the filling on a pizza and see how that would taste and it was just as good if not better. So try it out whichever way you want.

Cowboy Calzone/Pizza adapted from YOur home Based Mom
Crust:
3 cups warm water
4 T. oil
8 -81/2 cups flour
2 tsp salt
6 T. sugar
2 T. instant yeast

Mix the instant yeast with one cup of flour and set aside. (Or if using regular yeast mix the yeast with the warm water in Mixing bowl and let set until bubbly about 10 minutes then add the rest of ingredients until well combined and Knead till smooth) Combine the water, salt, oil, sugar and half of flour. Mix until well combined. Add the yeast flour mixture and mix for about 2 minutes. Then add the rest of the flour one cup at a time until forms a smooth soft dough. Set in a oiled bowl and let rest 15 minutes-1 hour. Depending on how much time I have determines how long I let it raise. Roll the dough out for pizza or for Calzone and fill with desired toppings. Bake in 400-450 degree oven.

Filling:
1 lb. ground sausage
1/2 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1/2 of a green pepper, chopped (i needed to use so you can use it or leave it out)
2 T. minced garlic
1/2-1 cup chopped pepperoni
1 (10 oz) can Rotel (I used extra hot and it was great for us but use mild if you like)
8 oz. ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (but you can use monterey jack or pepper jack)
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

In large skillet, cook the beef, sausage, onion, green pepper and garlic until browned. Drain off the grease. Add the pepperoni and cook for a few minutes. Pour in the Rotel. Stir to combine and cook for 2 -5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. In a bowl combine the three cheeses, egg, salt and pepper. Mix well then add the cooled meat mixture and stir gently to combine. Let cool for a little bit before putting it on the pizza or Calzone.

For the Calzone:
Roll a piece of dough into a 6-8 inch circle. Place some of the meat cheese mixture on one side. pull the top piece of dough over the top and press with a fork or fingers to seal the edge. Palce on a greased cookie sheet and brush top of pizza with olive oil. Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

For the pizza:
Roll desired size of dough in a circle and place on pizza pan or stone. Spread some pizza sauce on the dough. Sprinkle with a little bit of Mozzarella cheese and then spread desired amount of meat mixture onto pizza. Bake at 400-450 degrees until crust is golden brown and toppings bubbly and cheese melted.

So yummy!!!