Deep-Dish Southwestern Pizza
A hearty deep-dish Southwestern pizza with a biscuit crust, flavorful beef topping, green chilies, and melted Cheddar, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups biscuit baking mix ⓘ
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 8 ounces tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 ounces green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons beef flavor instant bouillon or cubes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 16 ounces refried beans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- shredded lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Combine biscuit mix, cornmeal, water, and melted butter in a medium bowl and mix well.
- Pat the dough on the bottom and up the sides of a greased 15 x 10-inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and pour off excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, drained green chilies, beef bouillon, chili powder, and ground cumin to the skillet.
- Cook and stir until the bouillon dissolves and ingredients are heated through.
- Spread refried beans evenly over the baked crust.
- Top with the cooked beef mixture and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños to the beef mixture or using pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. If you're short on time, pre-made pizza dough can be used as a substitute for the biscuit mix. Also, feel free to experiment with proteins like turkey or chicken for a lighter option, making this dish versatile for different diets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Deep-Dish Southwestern Pizza with a side of sour cream and guacamole for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some tortilla chips. For an added crunch, consider serving with a side of coleslaw, making it a complete meal that satisfies various tastes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep-Dish Southwestern Pizza contains roughly 416 calories, with 20g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1085mg per serving (47% 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 vegetarian?
Yes! To make this pizza vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add black beans for added protein, making it a delicious option for plant-based eaters.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don’t have refried beans on hand, you can use mashed black beans or even hummus as a spread. These alternatives will add a creamy texture and flavor while keeping the dish hearty and filling.
How can I make the crust crispier?
For a crispier crust, try pre-baking the crust for an additional 5 minutes before adding the toppings. Also, using a metal baking pan can help achieve a crispier bottom compared to a glass or ceramic one.
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).