Tex-Mex Pizza

Description

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Recipes Y-Group

• Source: Better Homes and Gardens
• Prep: 50 minutes | Bake: 10 minutes
• Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 to 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package active dry yeast
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (120°F to 130°F)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped green sweet pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, margarine, or butter
• 1 x 14½-ounce can tomatoes, cut up
• 1 x 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1 tablespoon snipped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed (optional)
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pound ground beef or bulk Chorizo
• 1 x 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup chopped red sweet pepper
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeno peppers
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
• 3 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese (12 ounces)

Directions

Sauce

1. Cook the ½ cup onion, the green pepper, and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil until tender.
2. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, fennel seed (if using), sugar, pepper, ground red pepper, and chili powder.
3. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; Simmer, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes or to desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

Crust

1. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine 1¼ cups of the flour, the yeast, and the ¼ teaspoon salt.
2. Add Warm water and 2 tablespoons oil.
3. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 Seconds, scraping bowl constantly.
4. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
5. Using a spoon, stir in cornmeal and as much of the remaining flour as you can.
6. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
7. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total).
8. Divide dough in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
9. Grease two 11- to 13-inch pizza pans or baking sheets.
10. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of dough into a circle 1 inch larger than pizza pan.
11. Transfer dough to pans.
12. Build up edges slightly; Score edges with a knife, if desired. Prick dough generously with a fork. Do not let rise.
13. Bake in a 425°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Pizza

1. Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook ground beef or chorizo until brown.
2. Drain fat.
3. Spread sauce over hot crusts.
4. Sprinkle with cooked beef or chorizo, black beans, red sweet pepper, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro.
5. Sprinkle with Monterey jack cheese.
6. Bake about 12 minutes more or until cheese melts and sauce is bubbly.
7. Serve with salsa.