Tex-Mex Pizza

Tex-Mex Pizza Recipe - Delicious Blend of Spices from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Tex-Mex Pizza is a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, combining the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the classic comfort of pizza. This recipe features a homemade crust, a zesty tomato sauce, spicy chorizo, black beans, peppers, and plenty of gooey cheese. It's the perfect dish for a fun and festive meal with family and friends.

History

Tex-Mex Pizza is a fusion dish that combines elements of Mexican and Texan cuisine with the popular Italian dish, pizza. The combination of spicy chorizo, black beans, and peppers on a pizza crust topped with cheese is a creative and delicious twist on traditional pizza. This recipe is a modern take on the classic Tex-Mex flavors, perfect for those who love a little heat and bold flavors in their meals.

Ingredients

2 to 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 package active dry yeast
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (120°F (49°C) to 130°F)
2 tbsp cooking oil
0.75 cup yellow cornmeal
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped green sweet pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil, margarine, or butter
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can tomatoes, cut up
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
1 tbsp snipped fresh basil or 1 tsp dried basil, crushed
1 tbsp snipped fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1 tsp fennel seed, crushed (optional)
0.5 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp pepper
0.13 to 0.25 tsp ground red pepper
0.13 tsp chili powder
1 lb (454 g) ground beef or bulk chorizo
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
0.5 cup chopped red sweet pepper
3 tbsp finely chopped jalapeno peppers
2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro
3 cups shredded monterey jack cheese (12 oz (340 g))

How to prepare

Sauce

Cook 0.5 cup of onion, green pepper, and garlic in 1 tbsp of oil until tender.
Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, fennel seed (if using), sugar, pepper, ground red pepper, and chili powder.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes or until desired consistency is reached, stirring occasionally.

Crust

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 1.25 cups of flour, yeast, and 0.25 tsp of salt.
Add warm water and 2 tbsp of oil.
Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly.
Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
Using a spoon, stir in cornmeal and as much of the remaining flour as you can.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total).
Divide the dough in half. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Grease two 11- to 13-inch pizza pans or baking sheets.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough into a circle 1 inch larger than the pizza pan.
Transfer the dough to the pans.
Build up the edges slightly and score them with a knife, if desired. Prick the dough generously with a fork. Do not let it rise.
Bake in a 425°F (218°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Pizza

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook ground beef or chorizo until browned.
Drain the fat.
Spread the sauce over the hot crusts.
Sprinkle with cooked beef or chorizo, black beans, red sweet pepper, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro.
Sprinkle with Monterey jack cheese.
Bake for about 12 minutes more or until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly.
Serve with salsa.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or shredded chicken for the chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Use a store-bought pizza crust or tortilla as a base for a quicker version of this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To make the pizza crust extra crispy, pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding the toppings.

- Be sure to drain any excess fat from the chorizo before adding it to the pizza to prevent a soggy crust.

- Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences - add more or less spice, vegetables, or cheese as desired.

- Serve the pizza with a side of salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tex-Mex Pizza with a side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a refreshing beverage like a cold beer or a fruity margarita for a fun and festive dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Pre-bake the pizza crust to ensure a crispy base.

- Cook the chorizo or ground beef until browned and drain any excess fat before adding it to the pizza.

- Layer the toppings evenly on the pizza to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or tofu as a substitute for the chorizo for a lighter option.

- Swap out the black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans for a different twist.

- Use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pizza dough and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.

- Cook the chorizo or ground beef in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished pizza with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a colorful and appetizing presentation. - Cut the pizza into wedges or squares for easy serving and sharing with guests.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tex-Mex Pizza with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled vegetables for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

- Pair it with a cold Mexican beer, a fruity sangria, or a refreshing agua fresca for a delicious and satisfying dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 8g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 40%

- Calcium: 25%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Dairy

Summary

Tex-Mex Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Tex-Mex Pizza is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the classic comfort of pizza. With a homemade crust, zesty tomato sauce, spicy chorizo, black beans, peppers, and plenty of cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delicious fusion dish for a fun and festive meal that is sure to please everyone's taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a sunny day in Texas, and I was visiting my friend Maria who lived in a small town near the border. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the delicious aroma of spices and cheese filled the air.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, inviting me to sit down at her kitchen table. She started telling me about this new recipe she had learned from her neighbor, Mrs. Lopez, who was originally from Mexico. Maria explained that it was a unique combination of traditional Mexican flavors with a twist of American influence.

As she began to gather the ingredients, I couldn't help but notice the care and precision she put into each step. From the homemade dough to the fresh salsa and toppings, Maria's attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the recipe.

I watched in awe as she rolled out the dough and spread a layer of spicy tomato sauce on top. She then sprinkled a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce, followed by slices of juicy tomatoes, green chilies, and black olives.

Maria explained that the key to making a perfect Tex-Mex Pizza was to balance the flavors and textures of each ingredient. She stressed the importance of using high-quality cheese, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

As she slid the pizza into the hot oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. The tantalizing aroma of melted cheese and spicy toppings filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the timer finally beeped, Maria pulled the steaming hot pizza out of the oven and placed it on the table in front of me. The cheese bubbled and melted, the crust was golden and crispy, and the toppings glistened with deliciousness.

I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of bold flavors and vibrant spices. The tangy salsa paired perfectly with the creamy cheese, while the fresh vegetables added a burst of freshness to each bite.

Maria watched me with a knowing smile, pleased to see how much I enjoyed her creation. She shared with me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, each adding their own unique touch to make it their own.

I left Maria's house that day feeling inspired and eager to recreate the Tex-Mex Pizza in my own kitchen. Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking and perfecting it to suit my own tastes.

Now, whenever I make Tex-Mex Pizza for my family and friends, I think back to that sunny day in Texas when Maria first introduced me to this wonderful recipe. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, bridging cultures and creating lasting memories.

And as I sit down to enjoy a slice of homemade Tex-Mex Pizza, I am grateful for the friendships and experiences that have enriched my life and my cooking. The flavors of Mexico and Texas blend harmoniously on my plate, a delicious reminder of the joy and warmth that food can bring to our lives.