Spicy Tex-Mex Pizza

Refried beans, salsa, and pepper Jack cheese take the familiar pizza south-of-the-border! Top with green onions and ranch dressing to lessen the heat.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 373 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup salsa, divided
• 3 medium green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 (12 inch) pre-baked Italian pizza crust
• 2 cups shredded hearts of romaine lettuce
• 1 cup shredded pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
• 0.25 cup ranch dressing
• 0.5 (16 ounce) can spicy fat-free refried beans*
• 0.25 cup crumbled tortilla chips

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Adjust oven rack to lowest position, and heat oven to 450 degrees. Mix beans and 1/2 cup salsa in a medium bowl. Place crust on a cookie sheet, then spread the bean mixture over crust. Bake until it's crisp and warm, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Remove from oven; top with lettuce, green onions and dollop with the remaining salsa. Drizzle (or, if dressing has an easy-pour top, squirt) dressing over pizza. Top with chips and cheese, then return to oven and bake until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes longer. Cut into 6 slices and serve. Copyright 2006 USA WEEKEND and columnist Pam Anderson. All rights reserved.