Before we dive into the delicious world of Mexican Taco Pizza, it’s worth noting that you can pair this delightful dish with various sides to elevate your meal. Think about crisp lettuce salads, zesty homemade salsas, and refreshing drinks like margaritas or a cold Mexican beer. Now, let’s get started!
If you’re like me, you’re constantly searching for new and exciting recipes to spice up your meal routine. Today, I’m bringing you a killer Mexican Taco Pizza recipe without refried beans. This dish not only bursts with vibrant flavors but also satisfies that pizza craving we all get.
I’m a registered dietitian and food blogger, so trust me when I say this pizza will become a family favorite. Let’s dig into why this recipe works and how you can easily whip it up in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
Balanced Flavors and Textures: First, this recipe combines a variety of textures, from the crunchy bell peppers to the creamy guacamole. Each bite offers a new adventure for your taste buds.
Ease of Preparation: Second, the simplicity. This recipe doesn’t require hours slaving away in the kitchen. With pre-baked pizza bases, you’ll save a ton of time. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
Customizable: Third, it’s fully customizable. Adjust the toppings and ingredients based on what you have or prefer. Don’t like black olives? Skip them! Allergic to certain spices? Use alternatives.
Nutritional Value: Finally, considering I’m a dietitian, I can’t ignore nutrition. Unlike traditional pizzas, this version packs in more vegetables and proteins, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
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How Does It Taste?
Imagine biting into a pizza crust that’s been topped with zesty ground beef, melted Mexican cheese, and fresh vegetables. It’s a burst of spices, a medley of flavors that makes your taste buds dance. Each slice is a fiesta in your mouth, combining the best elements of tacos and pizza into one unforgettable dish.
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
You might be wondering what distinguishes this Mexican Taco Pizza from other variations. It’s the omission of refried beans. Many traditional recipes rely on refried beans for a base, but we opted for ground beef and enchilada sauce instead. This choice amplifies the flavor while keeping the texture smooth and appealing. The result? A lighter, more flavorful pizza that won’t leave you feeling overly stuffed.
The Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely chopped red and green bell peppers
- 1 (10 oz) can of zesty enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning blend
- 1 pre-baked pizza base
- 1-2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup creamy guacamole
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the finely diced onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are translucent.
Step 2: Mix in Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Pour in the taco seasoning and mix well. Once the peppers soften slightly, pour in the enchilada sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Lay out your pre-baked pizza base on a baking sheet. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the pizza base. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend on top of the beef mixture.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, garnish with diced tomatoes, black olives, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeño slices, and finely chopped green onions. Drizzle sour cream and add dollops of creamy guacamole for extra flavor.
Notes
- Customize It: Swap beef with chicken or turkey for a different twist.
- Crunch Factor: Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and jalapeños to suit your spice tolerance.
- Storing Leftovers: This pizza tastes great the next day. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best result.
Nutrition Information
How Do You Store This Mexican Taco Pizza without Refried Beans?
Storing this masterpiece is a breeze. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. Trust me, it tastes just as good the next day.
Sides for Mexican Taco Pizza
Crisp Garden Salad: A fresh salad with crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pizza perfectly.
Street Corn: Serve elote, Mexican street corn, on the side. The sweet corn with its creamy, spicy coating is a match made in heaven.
Guacamole and Chips: Keep it classic with some homemade guac and tortilla chips. A great munchie that pairs well with the flavors of the pizza.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground Beef: If you’re out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken works just as well.
Enchilada Sauce: No enchilada sauce? No problem. Use salsa or even pizza sauce with added spices for a similar effect.
Mexican Cheese Blend: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can substitute for the Mexican cheese blend.
Bell Peppers: Swap with any other type of peppers you have on hand, like poblano or banana peppers.
Mexican Taco Pizza Recipe Without Refried Beans
Equipment
- Skillet
- Medium-high heat
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely chopped red and green bell peppers
- 1 10 oz can of zesty enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning blend
- 1 pre-baked pizza base
- 1-2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup creamy guacamole
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
- Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the finely diced onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are translucent.
Step 2: Mix in Vegetables and Seasoning
- Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Pour in the taco seasoning and mix well. Once the peppers soften slightly, pour in the enchilada sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Lay out your pre-baked pizza base on a baking sheet. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the pizza base. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend on top of the beef mixture.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
- Once out of the oven, garnish with diced tomatoes, black olives, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeño slices, and finely chopped green onions. Drizzle sour cream and add dollops of creamy guacamole for extra flavor.
Notes
- Customize It: Swap beef with chicken or turkey for a different twist.
- Crunch Factor: Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and jalapeños to suit your spice tolerance.
- Storing Leftovers: This pizza tastes great the next day. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best result.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Q2: Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes, you can. Assemble the pizza without baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake it directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Q3: What if I don’t like spicy food?
Reduce or omit the pickled jalapeños and choose a mild taco seasoning. You can also opt for a milder enchilada sauce.
Q4: Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Definitely. Homemade pizza dough will work wonderfully. Just pre-bake it according to your recipe’s instructions before adding toppings.
Conclusion
There you have it! A scrumptious Mexican Taco Pizza recipe that skips the refried beans but doesn’t skimp on flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary needs and preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Get those ingredients out and start cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
Happy cooking, amigos!