Santa Fe Pizza
A flavorful Southwestern-inspired pizza featuring a cornmeal crust, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups cold water, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 tablespoon basil ⓘ
- 3/4 tablespoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 tablespoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 can refried or pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 cup or more shredded mozzarella cheese and/or cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornmeal with 2/3 cup of cold water.
- In a small heavy saucepan, bring the remaining 2/3 cup of water to a boil.
- Gradually add the cornmeal mixture to the boiling water while whisking.
- Lower heat and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned; add sliced onion, minced garlic, sliced green pepper, basil, oregano, and black pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Spread the prepared cornmeal crust on a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Spread refried or pinto beans over the crust.
- Layer cooked beef mixture over the beans.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and/or cheddar cheese.
- Pour tomato sauce over the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Slice and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made pizza crust can be used instead of making the cornmeal base. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. This Santa Fe Pizza pairs beautifully with Easy Taco Salad (Mexican) for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Santa Fe Pizza hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. It pairs well with a side of fresh salad or guacamole. For a fun twist, offer a variety of toppings like sliced olives, fresh tomatoes, or avocado. This dish is perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Santa Fe 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. A quick microwave option is also available, but the oven will help maintain the crust's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Pizza contains roughly 1021 calories, with 43g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and protein (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% 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 the cornmeal crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cornmeal crust ahead of time. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to use, simply spread the toppings and bake as directed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian Santa Fe Pizza by omitting the ground beef and using extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Replace the refried beans with black beans for added protein, and top with your favorite cheese alternatives.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or use a nutritional yeast blend for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly.
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).