Mexican Meat-zza: Mexican Deep-Dish Pan Pizza
This 'Mexican Meat-zza' is a hearty deep-dish pan pizza featuring a savory cornbread base topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh Mexican-inspired vegetables. It offers a unique fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying meal. Prepared largely in one skillet, it's a relatively easy and quick recipe for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Large Oven-Safe Skillet 10-12 inch
- 1 Medium Skillet For browning meat
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Oven Mitts
Ingredients
Main
- 2 boxes corn muffin mix 8 1/2 ounces each (recommended: Jiffy)
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- Extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil, for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin or vegetable oil 2 turns of the pan
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons cayenne sauce
- Salt
- 2 1/2 cups 10-ounce sack from dairy aisle shredded Cheddar or jack cheese
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 small can 2 1/4 ounces sliced chillies or jalapenos, drained
- 2 scallions chopped
- 2 small vine ripe tomatoes seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons drained sliced green olives salad olives
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves optional garnish
- Mild to medium taco sauce to pass at table 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Mix together 2 packages muffin mix with 2 eggs, 4 tablespoons melted butter (melt in microwave 30 seconds), 1 1/2 cups milk and frozen corn kernels. Wipe a nonstick skillet with a little extra or vegetable oil and pour in the muffin mix. Use a large skillet, 10 to 12 inch. Choose a pan with oven safe handle or, double-wrap handle with foil to protect it in the oven. Place pan in oven and bake 12 to 15 minutes in center of the oven until light golden in color.
- Brown the meat over medium high heat in a second skillet in extra or vegetable oil, 2 turns of the pan. Add onions and spices and cook meat 5 minutes more.
- Remove cornbread from oven and top with meat, cheese, and veggies. Add pan back to oven and cook 5 minutes more to melt cheese. Garnish with cilantro, optional. Cut into 8 wedges and serve the deep dish pan pizza from the skillet. Pass taco sauce at the table to sprinkle on top.
Notes
Ensure your skillet is truly oven-safe, or thoroughly double-wrap the handle with foil to prevent melting or burns. For the cornbread base, avoid overbaking it in the initial stage; it should be just light golden to remain moist for the final bake with toppings. When browning the ground beef, ensure a good sear for maximum flavor before adding the onions and spices. Consider toasting the chili powder and cumin for 30 seconds before adding the meat to deepen their aroma. For a richer flavor profile, use a blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Serving directly from the skillet retains heat and adds to the rustic appeal. A fresh squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream at the table would further elevate the dish.