I
used to love eating the Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas. This was back when I was thin
and didn’t worry about calories, how food was processed, or how much food cost
{not that Taco Bell is expensive, but the cost of eating out does add up}. Now
that I am no longer a DINK {double income no kid} household I find that I think
about the cost of a meal, how the food in that meal is processed and prepared,
and how many calories are in it. It also helps that making my own Mexican
Pizzas at home is super simple. It is a very quick and easy dinner solution
that tastes great.
What you need:
1 lb chicken
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg flour tortilla {I use small taco size
tortillas}
1 can refried beans {optional}
Shredded Mexican cheese
Sour Cream {or Greek Yogurt as a substitute}
Salsa
Avocado
Vegetable Oil
How to make it:
Cube the chicken and cook it on the stove in
a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
When the chicken is cooked through and has
turned golden brown add the seasoning package and follow the package directions
{this usually means adding water and letting it simmer for a bit}.
While the chicken is simmering fry the
tortillas in a separate pan. Pour about ½ cup vegetable oil in a medium pan and
heat over medium-high heat {be careful it is not too hot, you do not want to
burn the tortillas}. The tortillas should turn golden brown on the underside.
Once this is done flip the tortilla over to cook on the other side.
Bubbles tend to form when frying- you can
poke them with a sharp knife while frying to let the air out.
When the tortilla is done cooking place it on
a plate with a paper towel between each one to cool.
Once everything is done cooking you can begin
the assembly.
I spread ¼ cup refried beans on the cooked
tortilla then add 1 Tbsp salsa, ¼ cup chicken, and then I sprinkle the shredded
cheese over the top and add a dollop of sour cream -or- Greek yogurt and a few
slices of avocado.
Part
of the reason why I like to make my own Mexican Pizza is because I like to
customize my meal and my children like to make it their own as well. Steven is
a bit more adventurous and will try everything at least once without
hesitation. William is not so adventurous, and he usually tends to stick to
what he knows he likes. The kids like to help out in the kitchen and making
their own pizzas was a big hit!
I
have recently started enjoying beans. Prior to this last year I disliked beans
completely. But now I am finding that I like them more and more, which is great
since they are so good for you! I think it amazing how your tastes can
completely change over time. So I like to change things up and constantly be
trying new foods as well as foods that I previously abhorred. And I am glad
that I do because the beans on this pizza were delicious.
This
is a really quick and easy dinner that my whole family enjoys making and
eating. It is a great alternative to taco night and takes about the same amount
of time to create. I have tried baking the tortillas instead of frying them and
I have to say that I am not a fan of the baked flour tortilla crust for this
pizza – it ends up leaving a stale taste in my mouth. Maybe I have not tried
baking them correctly. I would love to make this even healthier by finding an
alternative to frying the tortillas, so if you have an idea I would love to
hear it.
