Up-cycled Left Overs...

I still remember the first time that I ever tried Taco Pizza. It was with my friend Stacie at Pizza Hut back when we were in high school. I was skeptical at first, but after my first bite, I was hooked. I've had some really delicious ones and I've had some that I beg to differ on their ability to be even classified as a "taco" or even a "pizza" in my experiences with this concoction of two different ethnic cuisines. Incredibly enough, I never thought to make one of these at home- had to leave the cool gourmet pizzas to the pros. ;)

Well... two nights ago, I had a bit of an epiphany. You see I (for the most part) detest eating left-over meals. If I happen to freeze it though before serving the meal to the family- that's okay- it isn't technically a "left over" it is a preemptive psychological strike to my palate because it wasn't served yet. I know I'm weird, um, I mean quirky. ha ha Anyway... The family had burritos for dinner, and we made a little too much. Ugh. The dreaded "left overs" were going to be overly abundant. The hubs and kids love "left over" burritos, and don't mind them in the least, but I was trying to figure out what I was going to eat now that they were set for tomorrow's lunch.

So... now for the epiphany... Taco Pizza. Maybe because of the different recipes I've been browsing on my favorite time waster the idea had been planted waiting for the perfect opportunity to present itself to my consciousness. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of this possibility before. Technically, it isn't "left overs" if it is an entirely different meal, right? A left over up-cycle so to speak... right? Now, for the first time ever- I was looking forward to *gasp* left overs!

For those of you that haven't tried Taco Pizza, the way I made it was not like any other way I have had before. I know I'm biased, but honestly, I really like the way it turned out *and* my kids have now asked that I do this instead of having left over burritos for lunch. Bonus! :) Here is my recipe and some pictures to entice you... so get in the kitchen and have fun!

Taco Pizza

1 ready-made 14" pizza crust (I bought mine in the aisle where you would buy your pizza sauce.)

2 cups refried beans
1 1/2 cups salsa (This salsa is the only kind I use now. You can substitute your own brand/favorite.)
1 cup taco seasoned ground beef (could use ground turkey also- next time) :)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (approximately- use your own judgement)

Garnishes:
Sour Cream
Shredded Lettuce
Sliced Black Olives
Salsa
Tortilla Chips- crushed or not- your choice

Pre-Heat oven to temperature recommended on packaging.

Mix together the 2 cups of refried beans and 1 1/2 cups of salsa together in a bowl.

Spread your bean/salsa mixture on your pizza crust. (This is your pizza's 'sauce.')

Sprinkle your ground meat on top of your pizza. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the meat.


Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and your crust is crispy- or however you like your pizza crust to be. I love mine crispy. :)


Remove from oven, and garnish with your toppings. :)


Enjoy!