Mexican-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
1/4 cup olive oil
For the Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Toppings:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema (for dollops)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
Stir in the bell pepper, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning mix. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the black beans and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Assemble the Pizza:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to fit a large, greased deep-dish pizza pan or a 14-inch round pan.
Press the dough into the pan, covering the sides to form a deep crust.
Spread the beef filling evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
Bake the Pizza:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Toppings:
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool slightly.
Dollop sour cream or Mexican crema over the top of the pizza.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.
Serve:
Cut the pizza into large slices and serve hot. Enjoy the rich, flavorful layers of beef and cheese with every bite.