Mexican Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
-1 lb ground beef
-1 package taco seasoning
-1/2 cup water
-1 (14.5 ounce) can refried beans
-1 (9-inch) prepared pizza crust
-1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
-2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
-1/2 cup sliced black olives
-1/2 cup sliced jalapeno peppers
-sour cream, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a medium skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain fat.
3. Add taco seasoning and water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Spread refried beans over pizza crust.
5. Top with cooked beef, diced tomatoes and green chiles, Mexican cheese blend, black olives and jalapeno peppers.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Slice and serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!
A Mexican Pizza is a layered dish of tortillas, meat, cheese, and various toppings, often incorporating fresh vegetables and/or beans, popularized in the United States. The layered topping combinations can vary widely and can be tailor-made with whatever ingredients you’d like.
History
The origin of the Mexican Pizza can be traced back to the home kitchens of Central Mexico, where cooks would layer food items with whichever ingredients were available. This layered dish was passed down from generation to generation and eventually arrived in the United States. The first appearance of the dish as we know it today, however, came from Taco Bell. They introduced the Mexican Pizza in the late 1980s and it has since become an enduring staple on their menu.
Tips and Techniques
When creating a Mexican Pizza, start by choosing a sturdy, slightly-crispy tortilla. This will serve as the foundation of your dish and determine how everything else comes together. Over the tortilla, layer your favorite ingredients—refried beans, beef or chicken, peppers and onions, and other vegetables of your choice. For spicy flavors, add some cayenne or jalapeños. To top off, add some grated cheese and pop your creation in the oven, allowing it to bake until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortilla are slightly browned.
To switch things up, consider adding a runny-yolk egg to the top of your Mexican Pizza just before baking. The egg adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs nicely with the rest of the ingredients. Similarly, if you’d like to make your dish a bit sweeter, consider adding a layer of diced mango or a scoop of your favorite salsa. With a few simple tweaks, you can create an entirely new flavor profile for your Mexican Pizza.