Texas Pizza
A flavorful Texas-inspired pizza featuring a cornmeal crust topped with seasoned ground beef, green chilies, pimentos, and melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar chopped and drained pimento ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped onion flakes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, cornmeal, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in shortening thoroughly.
- Sprinkle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until all flour is moist.
- Form dough into a ball and press out on a pizza pan.
- Chill the crust for 1 hour before adding toppings.
- Pre-bake the crust if desired, then spread cooked ground beef over the crust.
- Top with chopped pimentos, chopped green chilies, chopped onion flakes, chili powder, basil, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the toppings.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, consider using butter instead of shortening, or a combination of both. If you prefer a spicier pizza, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the toppings. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. To save time, use pre-cooked ground beef. Pair the pizza with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Pizza hot out of the oven with a side of ranch dressing or salsa for dipping. It pairs well with a light green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, offer a variety of toppings on the side, allowing guests to customize their slices. This dish is perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Texas Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For a quick option, use the microwave, but the crust may become soggy. Consider reheating in a skillet for a crispier base.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Pizza contains roughly 897 calories, with 26g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1107mg per serving (48% 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 crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust in advance. After shaping it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it convenient to prepare ahead for busy days.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit the flavor profile of the substitute you choose. This versatility allows you to tailor the pizza to your dietary preferences.
How can I make the pizza spicier?
To add more heat to your Texas Pizza, consider adding sliced jalapeños, extra cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the topping mixture. You can also try using spicy sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor while cranking up the spice level.
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).