Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza

Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza Recipe - Delicious Homemade Recipe

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza recipe is a unique twist on traditional pizza, combining the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a pizza. The combination of rice, beans, sausage, and cheese creates a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

History

This recipe is a fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines, combining the flavors of beans and rice commonly found in Mexican dishes with the concept of a pizza. It offers a creative and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of both cuisines in one dish.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked rice
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups of grated monterey jack cheese, divided
8 oz (227 g) of ground pork sausage
1 cup of chopped onion
3.33 cups of well-drained cooked or canned pinto beans
1 tsp of garlic salt
1 tbsp of finely chopped jalapeno peppers or 0.5 cup of diced green chilis
0.25 cup of garlic flavor barbecue sauce
sliced pimiento-stuffed green pepper strips and/or jalapeno slices for garnish, as desired

How to prepare

Combine rice, eggs, and 1 cup of cheese. Press firmly into a greased 12-inch pizza pan. Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 20 minutes.
While the crust is baking, cook sausage and onion in a medium-sized skillet until the sausage is done and the onion is soft but not brown. Stir to crumble the meat. Set aside.
Thoroughly drain the beans. Remove 0.5 cup of whole beans and reserve; mash the remainder.
Add garlic salt, jalapenos, and barbecue sauce to the mashed beans.
Spread the bean mixture evenly over the baked rice crust. Cover with the sausage mixture. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, reserved whole beans, and desired garnish.
Bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Variations

Swap out the ground pork sausage for ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to the topping mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the rice mixture firmly into the pizza pan to create a sturdy crust.

- Be sure to thoroughly drain the beans to prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding extra jalapenos for a spicier kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza pairs well with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the sausage and onion until the sausage is fully cooked and the onion is soft but not browned.

- Press the rice mixture firmly into the pizza pan to create a sturdy crust that holds up well during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cooked rice for this recipe, such as white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa.

- Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice crust and sausage mixture ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking for a quick and easy meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished pizza with sliced jalapenos for a pop of color and added heat, or sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza pairs well with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a fun and festive meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice and beans providing a healthy dose of complex carbs to fuel your body.

Fats

The cheese and sausage in this recipe contribute to the fat content, providing a rich and indulgent flavor profile.

Proteins

The ground pork sausage in this recipe is a good source of protein, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the beans and vegetables used in the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Overall, this Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza is a balanced and nutritious meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza is a delicious and satisfying meal option that combines the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a pizza. With a hearty rice crust, flavorful bean and sausage topping, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza. It was many years ago, when I was a young woman just starting out on my own. I had moved to a new city and was looking for ways to make new friends and learn new skills.

One day, I was browsing through a local bookstore when I came across a cookbook titled "Mexican Delights." The colorful cover caught my eye, and as I flipped through the pages, I was instantly drawn to a recipe for Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza. It sounded like a unique and delicious combination of flavors, and I knew I had to try it.

I purchased the cookbook and set out to gather the ingredients for the recipe. I visited a local market that specialized in Mexican ingredients and spent hours selecting the perfect beans, rice, and spices. As I cooked the dish in my tiny apartment kitchen, the aroma of cumin, garlic, and onions filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the pizza came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the creamy beans, the fluffy rice, the tangy salsa, and the melted cheese all combined to create a symphony of taste. I knew I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe, one that would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I continued to make the Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza for friends and family, who all raved about its unique and delicious flavor. I even entered it in a local cooking competition and won first prize, much to my delight and surprise.

As time passed, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. I tried different types of beans, swapped out the rice for quinoa, and even added a sprinkle of cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Each time I made the pizza, it was a hit, and I loved watching the smiles on my loved ones' faces as they enjoyed every bite.

One day, as I was visiting my friend Maria, who was a talented cook in her own right, I shared the recipe for Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza with her. She was intrigued by the combination of ingredients and asked if she could try making it herself. I happily agreed, and we spent a fun afternoon in her kitchen, chopping, sautéing, and assembling the pizza together.

When the pizza came out of the oven, Maria's eyes lit up with excitement. She took a bite and closed her eyes in bliss, savoring the flavors. "This is amazing!" she exclaimed. "I have to make this for my family tonight!"

From that day on, Maria also began to make the Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza for her loved ones, sharing the recipe with others who were equally impressed by its unique and delicious taste. The recipe began to spread like wildfire, with friends, neighbors, and even strangers asking for the secret to creating such a mouthwatering dish.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza for special occasions, family gatherings, and impromptu dinner parties. It became a beloved tradition in my household, a dish that brought joy, laughter, and full bellies to all who tasted it.

And now, as I sit reminiscing about the first time I came across this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey it has taken me on. From that fateful day in the bookstore to the countless times I have cooked and shared the dish with others, the Mexican Bean and Rice Pizza has become more than just a recipe - it is a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of sharing delicious food with those we care about.