Name: Enchilada Pizza Pie: A Delicious Fusion Recipe You Need to Try
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 (10-12 inch) pre-made pizza crust; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles); 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained; 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños

Enchilada Pizza Pie: Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized by a fusion of two beloved comfort foods! Imagine the vibrant, savory flavors of a classic enchilada, but instead of being rolled in tortillas, they're generously layered on a crispy pizza crust. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of this delightful mashup are shrouded in mystery, the spirit of both enchiladas and pizza shines through. Enchiladas, with their rich history rooted in ancient Mesoamerican cuisine, offer a depth of flavor that's both comforting and exciting. Pizza, a global phenomenon originating in Italy, brings its own unique charm with its customizable toppings and satisfying crust. Combining these two iconic dishes creates a symphony of textures and tastes that's simply irresistible.

People adore this enchilada pizza pie because it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It's quick to assemble, easily customizable to suit different dietary needs and preferences, and bursting with flavor. The combination of the cheesy, saucy enchilada filling with the crispy pizza crust is a textural masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or simply looking for a fun and flavorful weeknight dinner, this enchilada pizza pie is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your pizza nights!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 (10-12 inch) pre-made pizza crust (or homemade, if you're feeling ambitious!)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin

For the Enchilada Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños

Preparing the Enchilada Sauce:

Okay, let's get started with the heart of our Enchilada Pizza Pie – the enchilada sauce! Don't be intimidated; it's super easy to make from scratch, and the flavor is way better than store-bought. Trust me on this one!

Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will help thicken our sauce. Be careful not to burn the flour; you just want it to cook slightly.
Add the Spices: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and release their flavors. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
Incorporate the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce and 1 cup of vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Whisk until smooth, making sure there are no lumps.
Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season to Perfection: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and set it aside. If it gets too thick while you're working on the other components, just add a little more broth to thin it out.

Preparing the Filling:

Next up, let's get that delicious, savory filling ready. This is where you can really customize things to your liking. Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles. You can also add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the 1 pound of ground beef (or your chosen protein) over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the 1 chopped medium onion and 1 chopped green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Beans, Corn, and Chilies: Stir in the 1 (15 ounce) can of rinsed and drained black beans, 1 (15 ounce) can of drained corn, and 1 (4 ounce) can of diced green chilies (undrained).
Season the Filling: Add the 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer and Combine Flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the filling simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Preparing the Crust:

While the filling is simmering, let's get the crust ready. This step is super simple, especially if you're using a pre-made crust. But even with a pre-made crust, we can add a little extra flavor to make it even better!

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Crust: Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Flavor the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin. Brush this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pizza crust. This will give the crust a nice flavor and help it crisp up in the oven.

Assembling and Baking the Enchilada Pizza Pie:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where our Enchilada Pizza Pie really starts to take shape.

Spread the Enchilada Sauce: Spread a generous layer of the enchilada sauce (that we made earlier!) evenly over the prepared pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edge. You probably won't use all of the sauce, so save the rest for serving or another recipe.
Add the Filling: Spread the prepared ground beef (or your chosen protein) filling evenly over the enchilada sauce. Make sure to distribute it evenly so that every slice gets a good amount of filling.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the filling. Don't be shy with the cheese – it's what makes this pizza so gooey and delicious!
Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the crust from burning.
Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or pickled jalapeños. Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Enchilada Pizza Pie isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you're looking for a dish that's both comforting and exciting, that's easy to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, then this is it. The combination of the crispy pizza crust, the savory enchilada sauce, the melty cheese, and your favorite toppings creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for seconds. I promise, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time. But what truly makes this Enchilada Pizza Pie a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the enchilada sauce. If you're a meat lover, consider adding shredded chicken, ground beef, or chorizo to the topping mix. Vegetarian? No problem! Load it up with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and onions for a delicious and satisfying meat-free meal. And the serving suggestions are endless! Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool and tangy contrast. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. A side of guacamole and tortilla chips completes the fiesta. You could even cut it into smaller squares and serve it as an appetizer at your next party. Imagine the look on your guests' faces when they taste this unexpected and delicious treat! For a fun twist, try using different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses would all work beautifully. You can also experiment with different types of enchilada sauce. Red enchilada sauce is classic, but green enchilada sauce adds a unique and vibrant flavor. And don't be afraid to get creative with the crust! A store-bought pizza crust is convenient, but a homemade crust takes this dish to the next level. You could even use a pre-made naan bread for a quick and easy alternative. I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It's quick, easy, customizable, and incredibly delicious. It's the perfect way to spice up your pizza night and introduce your family to a new favorite dish. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of the Enchilada Pizza Pie for yourself. Once you've made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let's create a community of Enchilada Pizza Pie lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations! Don't forget to rate the recipe too! Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every single bite! I can't wait to see what you create!