Mexican Pizza

I have never had a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, but I know this would taste so much better.  BTW,  I don't like retired beans, so I leave them it off.  I put a thin layer of sour cream on mine instead.  This looks like a lot to do in the recipe, but it's quick and easy.

MEXICAN PIZZA

(makes 4)

Refried Beans Ingredients: 

*1 (16 ounce) can refried beans

*1/4 cup sour cream

*1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Filling Ingredients:

*2 pounds ground beef 

*1 small yellow onion, chopped fine

*1 small tomato, diced small 

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasoning Ingredients (or a package of taco seasoning mix)

*1 teaspoon cumin

*1teaspoon onion powder

*1 teaspoon paprika

*1 teaspoon oregano

*2 teaspoons garlic salt

*1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Sauce Ingredients (or buy salsa)

*1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce 

*1 tablespoon white vinegar

*1/3 cup water

*1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

*2 teaspoons minced onion

*1 teaspoon minced garlic

*1 teaspoon chili powder

*1/2 teaspoon paprika

*1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Topping Ingredients:

*8 (8-9 inch) flour tortillas

*corn mesa (small amount and optional, but makes the tortillas even tastier)

*1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying tortillas)

*2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

*1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (or a white Mexican melting cheese)

*black olives, sliced (optional)

*jalapeno peppers, sliced (optional)

*green onions, chopped (optimal)

*1 small tomato, diced (Roma works best)

Sauce Directions:

~In a medium saucepan, over medium heat add all the ingredients.

~Bring to a low boil, stirring often.

~Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

~Remove from heat and set aside.

Refried Beans Directions:

~In a small saucepan, add refried beans, sour cream, and cumin.

~Heat over medium heat until hot, stirring often.

~Remove from heat and set aside.

Filling Directions:

~In a large skillet, add tomatoes, onions, and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, stirring often.

~Add ground beef and cook until beef is browned and done, breaking up meat as it cooks.

~Add seasonings and cook for another 1-2 minutes, staring continuously.

~Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and stir for just a minute or so (cheese does not need to be completely melted).

~Remove from heat and set aside.

Cooking Tortillas:

~Heat up 1/4 cup vegetable oil or medium-high heat.

~Lightly sprinkle both sides of flour tortillas with corn mesa.

~Place tortillas into hot grease and cook both side until lightly browned (flatten any air bubbles that form in the tortilla with a spatula).

~Remove from grease and allow any excess grease to drip from tortilla.

~Set aside until ready to fill.

Putting The Pizza Together:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spread a layer of the bean mixture over a tortilla.

~Spread meat mixture over the bean mixture.

~Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over top of meat mixture.

~Sprinkle 1/8 cup Cacique Cheese Oaxaca over cheese.

~Top with another tortillas.

~Spread some sauce mixture over top of tortilla.

~Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheddar cheese & 1/8 cup Cacique Cheese Oaxaca over sauce.

~Place whatever toppings you choose over cheese, expect tomatoes (I like them all).

~Place on a baking sheet (I actually do this as I put it together).

~Bake for 4-5 minutes.

~Turn oven up to broil, and cook for 1-3 minutes or until the cheeses have melted.

~Add chopped tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream if you choose.

~Cut into four pieces and enjoy (optional).