Deep Dish Mexican Pizza
A hearty deep dish Mexican pizza featuring seasoned ground beef, cheesy toppings, and vibrant chili flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix ⓘ
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped mild green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon beef flavor instant bouillon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- chopped tomato ⓘ
- shredded lettuce ⓘ
- sliced, pitted ripe olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine biscuit mix, cornmeal, and water; mix well.
- With floured hands, pat dough on the bottom and up sides of a greased 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onions are tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chopped green chilies, beef bouillon, chili powder, and cumin; simmer for a few minutes.
- Spread refried beans evenly over the baked crust.
- Top with cooked beef mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Add chopped tomato, shredded lettuce, and sliced olives as toppings.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Slice and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the biscuit baking mix with a gluten-free blend. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the beef with sautéed vegetables or beans, making it a delightful twist on classic Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This deep dish Mexican pizza is best served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added freshness. It pairs wonderfully with a side of sour cream or guacamole for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or Mexican rice, making it a satisfying dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover deep dish Mexican pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Dish Mexican Pizza contains roughly 310 calories, with 13g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (102% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 927mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and the beef mixture in advance. Assemble the pizza and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don't have refried beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans or pinto beans, mashed lightly. Alternatively, try using a bean dip for a different texture and flavor. This flexibility allows you to customize the recipe to your liking.
What toppings can I add to the pizza?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Sliced jalapeños, corn, or diced bell peppers can add extra flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for a delightful crunch. Customize it to suit your taste!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).