Get ready to meet your new favorite twist on pizza—the Fiestada Pizza! Imagine a perfect blend of pizza and taco flavors, all packed into a delicious, crispy crust. This is the ultimate dish for taco lovers and pizza enthusiasts alike. With its savory seasoned meat, zesty toppings, and the cheesiest finish, this Fiestada Pizza is sure to become a regular on your meal rotation. It’s fun, flavorful, and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Fiestada Pizza
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a taco night with friends, or just craving something different for dinner, this pizza has got you covered. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:
- Taco Meets Pizza: If you love tacos and you love pizza, then this is the mash-up of your dreams. The seasoned meat, salsa, and cheese will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
- Quick and Easy: You can get this pizza ready in no time! No need to wait for dough to rise—just use a store-bought crust and assemble the ingredients for a fast, satisfying meal.
- Customizable: This pizza is super versatile. Add your favorite taco toppings like olives, onions, or even jalapeños for some extra heat. You can make it your own!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors is something everyone can enjoy.
- Fun to Make: It’s a dish that gets everyone involved! Make it a family activity by letting everyone add their favorite toppings before you bake it.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this pizza—it’s made with simple ingredients, but the flavors are anything but basic. Let’s break it down:
- Ground Beef or Turkey: The base of the pizza’s savory filling. Seasoned just right, this meat becomes the heart of the fiesta!
- Pizza Dough: This is the foundation of the pizza. You can use a store-bought crust or make your own if you’re feeling extra creative.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds that zesty, taco-inspired flavor that makes this pizza unique. The secret to getting that perfect taco taste!
- Refried Beans: These provide a creamy, smooth texture that pairs wonderfully with the seasoned meat.
- Salsa: Gives the pizza a tangy, flavorful kick. Use your favorite mild or spicy salsa.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar creates that melty, gooey goodness on top.
- Chopped Onions: Add a bit of crunch and sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Lettuce and Tomatoes: Fresh and crunchy toppings that add a cool contrast to the warm, savory pizza.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this fiesta on a plate:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your pizza cooks evenly and gets that golden, crispy crust.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning. Add a little water if needed to make the seasoning spread evenly and cook for another few minutes until well combined.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Stretch it out to your desired thickness. If you’re using a pre-made dough, simply unroll it and shape it to fit the pan.
- Layer with Refried Beans: Spread a layer of refried beans over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Top with Meat: Evenly distribute the seasoned meat mixture on top of the refried beans.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Spoon a bit of salsa over the meat layer and top with the shredded cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it’s what makes this pizza extra indulgent!
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Fresh Toppings: Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle chopped onions, lettuce, and tomatoes on top. The cool, fresh ingredients balance out the warm, savory layers below.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice up the pizza and serve immediately. It’s a fiesta in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 300
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Fiestada Pizza
This Fiestada Pizza pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Guacamole: Serve with a side of creamy guacamole for the ultimate Mexican-inspired feast.
- Mexican Rice: A side of flavorful, fluffy Mexican rice adds a great complement to the pizza.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips and some salsa or sour cream on the side.
- Fresh Mexican Corn Salad: A tangy and crunchy corn salad brings a refreshing contrast to the warm pizza.
As a Standalone: This pizza is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Just top it with a little extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for that finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the meat or sprinkle chili flakes on top before serving.
- Swap the Meat: Try using ground chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian protein if you prefer a different twist.
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, prep the meat and beans the night before. You can then quickly assemble the pizza when you’re ready to bake.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the assembled, uncooked pizza for up to 3 months. Just bake from frozen and add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Just use a plant-based meat substitute or load it up with extra veggies instead of meat.
Q2: Can I use a different crust?
A2: Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pizza dough or even a cauliflower crust for a lower-carb option.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare the pizza the night before and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
Q5: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of salsa?
A5: Yes, fresh diced tomatoes will work. Just be sure to add a bit of taco seasoning or spices to make up for the lack of salsa.
Q6: How can I make this pizza spicier?
A6: Add some sliced jalapeños to the top or sprinkle some chili powder or hot sauce before baking.
Q7: How do I make the crust extra crispy?
A7: Preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before adding the dough. This helps the crust cook faster and get that crispy texture.
Q8: Can I freeze this pizza?
A8: Yes! Assemble the pizza, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with an extra 5 minutes of cooking time.
Q9: How can I make this pizza more kid-friendly?
A9: Keep it mild by using a less spicy salsa and skipping any hot toppings like jalapeños.
Q10: Can I add more toppings?
A10: Of course! Feel free to add extras like black olives, bell peppers, or even some sour cream after baking.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Fiestada Pizza, the ultimate taco-pizza hybrid that’s sure to make your next dinner night a hit. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and completely customizable. Whether you’re having a family meal or hosting a gathering, this pizza will always impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and bring the fiesta right to your table!
Print
Fiestada Pizza
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Fiestada Pizza is a delicious fusion of tacos and pizza, making it a fun and easy meal for the whole family. Topped with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a spiced pizza sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and customizable!
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 pound homemade or store-bought pizza dough (whole wheat or regular)
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Diced bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning, and stir for 1 minute.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly flour or sprinkle cornmeal on your work surface. Divide pizza dough in half and roll or stretch into two small pizza crusts. Place on a nonstick baking sheet.
- Pre-Bake Crust: Bake pizza crusts for 3 minutes, then remove from oven (keep oven on).
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, mix pizza sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Spread half of the sauce over each pizza crust.
- Assemble Pizzas: Evenly distribute ground beef, optional veggies, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese over each pizza.
- Bake Again: Return to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Customization: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or make it vegetarian by using black beans or plant-based crumbles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg