As a kid one of the only things I would ever order from Taco Bell was the Mexican pizza. I didn't even like pizza much growing up (I still don't love pizza), but I loved that Mexican pizza from Taco Bell. I can't remember what all came on the Taco Bell Mexican pizza, and I'm pretty sure it hasn't been on the menu for years, but this Black Bean and Bell Pepper Mexican Tortilla Pizza brings back those memories! With just 5 ingredients, this vegetarian recipe is so simple to make, nutritious, and totally delicious! Lucas loves it and even said he could have it every week. I'm adding it to our regular meal rotation, and you should too!
Vegetarian Mexican Pizza
When it comes to cuisine, Mexican food is a favorite of both mine and Lucas'. When we're in the mood for Mexican food but not in the mood to order out or spend much time in the kitchen, I make Black Bean and Bell Pepper Mexican Tortilla Pizzas!
This vegetarian Mexican pizza recipe requires just 5 simple ingredients, takes no more than 20 minutes from start to finish, and is totally kid-friendly. Oh, and it's good for you! Pair each pizza with fresh fruit kabobs or a side salad for a full, balanced meal. This tortilla pizza is a must try recipe for sure.
Are Canned Beans Healthy?
When I walk down the canned vegetable aisle at the grocery store, there are so many kinds of canned beans to choose from. Of all the options, chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans, and canellini beans are some of my favorites. Canned beans are super convenient, taste delicious, and are a great addition to many dishes like this Black Bean and Bell Pepper Mexican Tortilla Pizza, but are canned beans actually good for you?
The short answer is "yes," canned beans are good for you! Just like dried beans, canned beans are rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based protein as well as several vitamins and minerals.
Check out this blog post for more information about beans and 7 more dietitian approved pantry staples!
Canned Beans vs. Dried Beans
Both canned beans and dried beans contain plant-based protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The biggest differences between canned beans and dried beans are that 1) canned beans require little to no prep time (which I use in this Black Bean and Bell Pepper Mexican Tortilla Pizza recipe) while dried beans require a lot of prep time and 2) like other canned goods canned beans are often high in sodium while dried beans contains little to no sodium.
If you choose canned beans over dried beans (I do!) it's a good practice to choose "no added salt" or "low sodium" canned bean options to reduce your sodium intake. If lower sodium options are not available where you shop, simply draining and rinsing your canned beans can greatly lower the sodium content.
More recipes with canned beans that you will love:
What’s in This Recipe?
Tortillas* – contains energizing carbohydrates
Salsa – rich in tomatoes which contain the antioxidant lycopene and vitamin C
Shredded cheese – contains calcium and protein; provides flavor
Black beans – contains the antioxidant quercetin
Bell pepper – rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and water
Notes: This recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made gluten free* by using your favorite gluten free tortillas.
Black Bean and Bell Pepper Mexican Tortilla Pizza
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
4 medium tortillas*
2/3 cup salsa
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 (15 oz) can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red or orange bell pepper, cored and chopped
Garnish Suggestions:
Cilantro
Chopped romaine lettuce
Pico de gallo
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400oF.
Place the flour tortillas on a baking sheet so that they are not overlapping. Divide the salsa evenly among the tortillas, the spread evenly until all but 1/4" all the way around around each tortilla is covered.
Top each tortilla with cheese then add the black beans and bell peppers.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortilla are golden brown.
Garnish with cilantro, romaine lettuce, and/or pico de gallo as desired. Serve immediately.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. When you make these Black Bean and Bell Pepper Mexican Tortilla Pizzas or any Hope For Balance recipes, tag me at @hope.for.balance and use the hashtag #hopeforbalance for a chance to be featured in my Facebook or IG stories. I LOVE seeing your creations!
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