Southwestern Fiesta Flatbread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Get ready to dive into a burst of flavors with this Southwestern Fiesta Flatbread. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it's a delicious fusion of spicy, cheesy, and fresh ingredients that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
  • Combines all your favorite taco flavors in a convenient flatbread form.
  • Customizable with your choice of toppings and heat level.
  • Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
  • Great for sharing with friends and family — a real crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz)
1 pre-baked pizza crust (12-inch)
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup sour cream

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures it's hot enough to quickly melt the cheese and crisp up the crust. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's browned all the way through. Drain any excess fat to keep things light and not greasy.

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning along with 3/4 cup water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully with the beef.

While the beef simmers, spread a generous layer of salsa over the pre-baked pizza crust. Think of it as the "sauce" for your flatbread.

Next, layer the cooked beef over the salsa, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, ensuring it covers the beef layer completely. Add the sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for a colorful and flavorful topping.

Place your masterpiece in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Don't wander too far — this step happens quickly!

Once out of the oven, let the flatbread cool for a few minutes. This is a great time to get your garnishes ready. Top with shredded lettuce and chopped cilantro for a fresh finish, and add dollops of sour cream right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier kick, add extra jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
  • Use leftover taco meat or rotisserie chicken for a speedy variation.
  • If you're short on time, pre-cooked taco meat from the store can be a lifesaver.
  • To prevent a soggy crust, make sure the salsa isn’t too watery.
  • For a vegetarian option, swap the beef with black beans or crumbled tofu.

Serving Suggestions

This flatbread is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it with a side of black bean salad or a refreshing citrusy coleslaw. A pitcher of margaritas or a cold Mexican beer complements the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a twist.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace the beef with black beans or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices.
What if I can't handle spicy food?
Omit the jalapeños and use a mild salsa. You can always add more sour cream to cool it down.

Ingredients Explained

Ground beef provides a hearty, savory base, seasoned to perfection with a taco seasoning mix. The taco seasoning adds a kick of spices, transforming the beef into a flavorful topping. The pre-baked pizza crust is a convenient base that holds everything together, giving you a crispy, chewy texture without the fuss of making dough from scratch. Salsa serves as a tangy and slightly spicy "sauce" that complements the seasoned beef. Shredded Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey layer that ties all the flavors together. Sliced black olives and diced tomatoes add a fresh, juicy contrast. Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños provide a burst of freshness and optional heat. Shredded lettuce adds a crisp, cool finish. Finally, sour cream offers a creamy, tangy touch that balances the spices.

Simplified Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning with 3/4 cup water and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Spread salsa over the pre-baked pizza crust evenly.
5. Layer cooked beef over salsa.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, covering the beef layer.
7. Add black olives, tomatoes, and jalapeños as toppings.
8. Place pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with lettuce, cilantro, and dollops of sour cream before serving.

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