December 22, 2024

Tostada Pizza

When I was in college I used to go to this restaurant with great pizza. One of my favorite pizzas was the tostada pizza. Basically it was taco pizza. Since the bread sticks yesterday only used one pizza dough and the recipe makes two, I figured I would try to recreate the pizza today.

Only the best pizza around
Only the best pizza around

This pizza took me right back to college. It was spicy and full of the flavors one would expect from a taco.

Tostada Pizza

  • 1 pizza dough – (my basic pizza dough)
  • 1 lbs ground beef
  • Taco Seasoning – (recipe follows)
  • 2 cups mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup Taco Sauce – (recipe follows)
  • 3 plum tomatoes
  • 1 cup lettuce
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Taco Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 tbs cumin
  • 1 tbs chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp corn starch
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne – (adjust to your favorite heat level)
  • 1/4 tsp oregano

Taco Sauce

  • 8oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper – (adjust up and down to your liking)
  • 1/2 tsp vinegar based hot sauce
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

The first step is to make the pizza dough and let it rise till it doubles.  Here is a simple and easy pizza dough. If you are running short on time, almost all grocery stores have pre-made pizza dough in the deli section.  Or, you can always stop by a local pizzaria and purchase the pre-made dough.

My pizza dough recipe makes two portions.  So try some breadsticks too.
My pizza dough recipe makes two portions. So try some breadsticks too.

Next it is time to make the taco sauce.  Combine all of the ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer on low.  Stir every once in a while.  Let simmer until needed.  This will give the ingredients time to meld.

This taco sauce is awesome
This taco sauce is awesome

Next brown the beef.  Place the ground beef in a large skill and brown over medium high heat.  Takes about 7-10 minutes. Once the meat is cooked drain it.

Make sure to drain the meat before adding the water
Make sure to drain the meat before adding the water

While the meat is cooking, mix together all of the ingredients for the taco seasoning.  Mix with a fork to make sure that the cornstarch is evenly distributed.  If you prefer you can use a store bought seasoning.  I prefer to use the one above as you know exactly everything that goes in it.  Also you can adjust it for spice.

You can make this as hot or as mild as you like
You can make this as hot or as mild as you like

To the drained meat add 1/4 cup of water and the taco seasoning.

The taco seasoning is just the right amount for a pound of meat.
The taco seasoning is just the right amount for a pound of meat.

Next form the pizza dough into a round pizza.

For this pizza it is alright to use a rolling pin.  We are going to make a thin crust pizza.
For this pizza it is alright to use a rolling pin. We are going to make a thin crust pizza.

Then dock the dough using a fork.  This is going to be a thin crust pizza so we don’t want the dough to rise too much.  Docking the dough prevents the dough from rising too high.

You can take all of your aggression out on the pizza.
You can take all of your aggression out on the pizza.

Then spread the taco sauce over the pizza.  Take the sauce all the way to the edge.  Remember thin crust pizza so we won’t have to worry about a crust.

Spread the sauce all the way to the edge.
Spread the sauce all the way to the edge.

Next spread the taco meat evenly over the whole pizza.

I know it doesn't look pretty but you are going to love it.
I know it doesn't look pretty but you are going to love it.

Cover the pizza with the mexican blend cheese.  You can use a cheddar mixture or even montery jack.  As long as there is cheese, it will taste awesome.

Cheese instantly makes the pie look better
Cheese instantly makes the pie look better

Place the pizza in a preheated 425 degree oven for 16-18 minutes.  When the cheese browns it is done.

Cook till browned
Cook till browned

While the pizza is in the oven dice up the tomatoes and shred the lettuce.

Fresh tomatoes gives the pizza a great taste and texture
Fresh tomatoes gives the pizza a great taste and texture

When the pizza is done remove it from the oven and cover it with the sour cream.

Layer with sour cream
Layer with sour cream

Then layer the lettuce over the top.  Then layer on the fresh tomatoes.

The Tostada Pizza
The Tostada Pizza

There you go a perfect tostada pizza.

This is definitely my favorite pizza
This is definitely my favorite pizza

I like to cut this pizza into squares instead of wedges.  I find that with the extra toppings it is easier to eat this way.

Cutting the pizza into squares makes it easier to eat.  The toppings are too heavy for a tradition pie cut.
Cutting the pizza into squares makes it easier to eat. The toppings are too heavy for a tradition pie cut.

A nice thin crust piled high with great ingredients.  One of my favorite pizzas of all time.

Rex

Rex is an avid griller, barbecuer and bacon enthusiast. He is the Pitmaster for the Rex BBQ competition team. Rex was also featured on the TV show American Grilled. If you have any questions or wish to have Rex decode your favorite dish, click on the ASK REX link in the menu above.

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8 thoughts on “Tostada Pizza

    1. I think a layer of refried beans on the dough right before you add the meat would be awesome. I will have to try that next time.

  1. This looks really good i'll be making it this week for sure… and I love that you combined you own spices instead of buying a pack of taco seasoning.

  2. This looks amazing, I'll certainly be making it soon! Thanks for the recipe! Also, I have those same plates!

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