Southwestern Pizza

Southwestern Pizza Recipe - Spicy and Cheesy Pizza with Ground Beef, Corn, and Black Beans

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Southwestern Pizza is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with the comfort of a classic pizza. This recipe features a cornmeal crust topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, salsa, and plenty of cheese. It's a perfect meal for a casual dinner or a fun party with friends.

History

Southwestern Pizza is a fusion of traditional pizza and Southwestern flavors. The combination of ingredients like taco seasoning, beans, and corn gives this dish a unique and delicious taste that is sure to please any crowd. This recipe has become a popular choice for those looking to add a little spice to their pizza night.

Ingredients

Crust

1.25 cup all-purpose flour
0.75 cup cornmeal
0.25 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup milk
0.25 cup vegetable oil
1 beaten egg
0.75 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
0.75 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded

Topping

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
0.67 cup water
2 (1.25 oz (35 g)) envelopes taco seasoning, divided
2 cup sour cream
1.75 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1.75 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup salsa

How to prepare

Combine the dry ingredients for the crust in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, oil, and egg; stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened.
Stir in the cheeses.
Spread the mixture into a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cook the beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink, about 10 minutes; drain off the fat.
Stir in the water and 1 envelope of taco seasoning.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
Set it aside.
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and the second package of taco seasoning; mix well.
Spread the sour cream mixture over the crust.
Sprinkle the beef mixture over the top, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
Combine the corn, beans, and salsa in a small bowl; spoon it over the pizza top, followed by the other half of the cheese mixture.
Broil the pizza 5-6 inches from the heat for 5–10 minutes or until the cheeses are melted.
Watch carefully!

Variations

Add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat your oven before baking the crust to ensure even cooking.

- Be sure to drain the corn and beans well before adding them to the pizza to prevent a soggy crust.

- Watch the pizza carefully while broiling to prevent burning the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Southwestern Pizza with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a cold beer or a margarita for a fun and festive dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the beef thoroughly before adding it to the pizza.

- Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the crust to ensure a creamy base for the toppings.

- Broil the pizza at the end to melt the cheese and create a crispy crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour and cornmeal for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter topping.

- Use vegan cheese and plant-based protein for a vegetarian or vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the crust and toppings ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking. Store the components separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished pizza with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of salsa for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Southwestern Pizza pairs well with a variety of beverages, including beer, margaritas, or a fruity sangria. It also goes well with a side of guacamole or chips and salsa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza 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 Southwestern Pizza contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Southwestern Pizza contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Southwestern Pizza contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Southwestern Pizza contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Southwestern Pizza is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, milk, sour cream) and wheat (flour) allergens.

Summary

Southwestern Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also offers essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Southwestern Pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of the Southwest with the convenience of a classic pizza. With a flavorful cornmeal crust, seasoned beef, beans, corn, salsa, and plenty of cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for pizza night or any casual gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Southwestern Pizza. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1985, and I had just finished hosting a backyard barbecue with friends and family. As we were cleaning up, one of my dear friends, Maria, handed me a piece of paper with a handwritten recipe on it. She told me that she had recently tried this new pizza recipe and thought I would love it.

I looked down at the paper and saw the list of ingredients: pizza dough, refried beans, salsa, red onions, green peppers, black olives, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and cilantro. My mouth watered just reading the list. I had never heard of a Southwestern Pizza before, but the combination of flavors sounded absolutely delicious.

Maria must have noticed the spark in my eye because she smiled and said, "You're going to love this recipe, I promise. It's a bit different from your traditional pizzas, but I think it's right up your alley." I thanked her profusely and tucked the recipe into my recipe binder, eager to give it a try.

The next evening, I decided to test out the Southwestern Pizza recipe for dinner. I rolled out the pizza dough, spread a layer of refried beans, and topped it with salsa, red onions, green peppers, black olives, tomatoes, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese. I popped it into the oven and waited anxiously for it to bake.

As the pizza cooked, the aroma of the ingredients filled my kitchen, and I could hardly contain my excitement. When the timer finally went off, I opened the oven door to reveal a perfectly golden crust and gooey melted cheese. I sprinkled fresh cilantro on top and sliced the pizza into wedges.

I took my first bite and was immediately blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The combination of the spicy salsa, creamy refried beans, and crunchy vegetables was a match made in heaven. I knew right then and there that this Southwestern Pizza would become a staple in my repertoire of recipes.

Over the years, I have made this pizza countless times for friends and family, always receiving rave reviews. I have experimented with different toppings, adding my own twist to the original recipe. Sometimes I use ground beef or shredded chicken instead of just vegetables. Other times, I mix in some jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.

One year, I even entered my Southwestern Pizza into a local cooking competition and won first place. The judges were impressed by the unique combination of flavors and the perfect balance of ingredients. I was thrilled to have my recipe recognized and celebrated by others.

As I look back on that sunny summer day in 1985 when Maria first handed me the recipe for Southwestern Pizza, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey it has taken me on. This recipe has become a part of my identity as a cook, a symbol of my passion for experimenting with new flavors and creating delicious meals for those I love.

And so, I continue to share my love for Southwestern Pizza with anyone willing to try it. I invite friends over for pizza nights, where we gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter as we indulge in slices of this savory delight. I pass the recipe down to my grandchildren, hoping that they too will find joy in creating this masterpiece in their own kitchens.

But no matter where life takes me, I will always hold a special place in my heart for the Southwestern Pizza recipe that sparked my culinary creativity and brought so much happiness to those around me. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both the body and the soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.