Thursday, May 21, 2009

Mexican Pizza

If you look over at the side tab, you can see that I make a lot of mexican/southwestern foods. To me, they are super-easy to prepare and I personally have really grown to love the flavors of cumin, chili powder, and beans that I never liked before.

Both Chuck and I loved this pizza. Between the crispy tortillas and the homemade taco seasoning, and the fresh tomatoes and green onions on the top, this is a complete and satisfying meal. It really was delicious, and half of a pizza was plenty for me with a salad for dinner!

Mexican Pizza
slightly adapted from Good Eat 'n Sweet Treats
Makes 4-6 servings

1 1/3 pound package ground turkey (or ground beef)
1 batch taco seasoning, recipe below
scant 1/3 cup water
6 (10-inch) flour tortillas
cooking spray
3 tablespoons chopped green onions
8 ounces refried beans
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes (about 1 medium)
3/4 cup taco sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican would work well)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground turkey until brown, drain. Return to the heat and add the taco seasoning and water. Continue to cook for several minutes, until cooked through, stirring often.

Spray both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray and place directly on the middle rack of your oven (I could fit 3 at a time). Bake for about 6 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully so they do not burn. Remove to a baking sheet and turn the oven to 400 degrees F.

Microwave the refried beans for 30-60 seconds, or until spreadable.

Lay 3 tortillas out on baking sheets; top each with 1/3 of the beans, 1/3 of the turkey mixture, and 1/4 cup cheese. Top with another tortilla and lightly press down.

Top the second tortillas each with 1/4 cup taco sauce. Layer with 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup cheese, and 1 tablespoon green onions.

Bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and top with sour cream and/or salsa if desired.

Taco Seasoning
Makes 1 batch

1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients.

I love the idea of cooking the tortillas directly on the oven rack - it makes them so crispy!

Mid-assembly

Finished product!

6 comments:

Aggie said...

Yum yum yum!!

Molly Jean said...

This looks like a great dinner idea for when The Hubs is out of town... because I could eat the whole thing!

Anonymous said...

I love Mexican as well, these look so good!

Jaime said...

i'm so glad you enjoyed this! it is one of my favorites!

Juliann said...

Made this tonight and it was DELICIOUS!!! Cant wait to make it again-kind of meal. Thanks for sharing

Trish said...

I really love pizzas! their one of my faves! Kudos!

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