South Of The Border Pizza
A flavorful South of the Border pizza featuring seasoned beef, refried beans, cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for a fun, Mexican-inspired meal enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 loaf (1 lb.) frozen bread dough, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 sweet yellow pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can fat-free refried beans ⓘ
- 1 c. salsa ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 c. (8 oz.) shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and coat two 12-inch pizza pans with nonstick cooking spray; sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Divide the bread dough in half and roll each portion into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough circles to the prepared pans and build up the edges slightly; prick the dough thoroughly with a fork.
- Bake the crusts for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped yellow pepper, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the refried beans, salsa, chopped green chilies, and chili powder; heat through.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the baked crusts.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Bake the pizzas for an additional 6 to 7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce, then serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef. You can also swap the refried beans for black beans for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier pizza, add jalapeños or increase the chili powder. To save time, use store-bought salsa or make a quick homemade version with fresh tomatoes and cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this South Of The Border Pizza with a side of guacamole or sour cream for dipping. A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the pizza nicely. This dish is perfect for game day or a casual gathering, and pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Chili Dip Ole for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps keep the crust crispy while warming the toppings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Of The Border Pizza contains roughly 1421 calories, with 45g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and protein (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2337mg per serving (102% 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 pizza crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza crust in advance. After rolling out the dough, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking. This saves time on busy days and still yields a delicious pizza.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu. For a different meat flavor, try ground turkey or shredded chicken. Both options will still provide a hearty filling for your pizza without sacrificing taste.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this South Of The Border Pizza gluten-free, use a gluten-free pizza crust or a cauliflower crust. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as salsa and refried beans, are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious pizza without the gluten.
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).