Tired of the same old pizza night? Craving something vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then get ready to spice things up with our Carne Asada Pizza! This recipe blends the best of Mexican cuisine with the comforting classic of pizza, creating a delicious and exciting meal the whole family will adore. It's a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both healthy and incredibly satisfying. This homemade cooking adventure is easier than you think, even for beginner cooks!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough: (You can use store-bought dough to save time!)
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Carne Asada:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo (recipe below)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
Pico de Gallo Recipe:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Carne Asada:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the flank steak.
- Grill the steak over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of your favorite pizza sauce (or use a chipotle mayo for extra flavor!) over the dough.
- Top with the sliced carne asada, Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Top with pico de gallo, cilantro, and avocado slices.
- Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Carne Asada Pizza!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the flank steak in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- If you don't have a pizza stone, you can bake the pizza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Feel free to add other toppings you enjoy, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Variations:
- Spicy Carne Asada Pizza: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the carne asada marinade for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Carne Asada Pizza: Substitute the carne asada with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on crust and toppings)
This Carne Asada Pizza recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to prepare. It's a great way to explore different flavor profiles and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Try it tonight and experience a fiesta of flavor!