Gluten Free Taco Pizza To the Rescue

      "How do you do it?  I mean making food from scratch everyday."  If a can get a dollar every time I'm asked with this, I bet I'll have a brand new outfit complete with matching shoes and bag every month. (Hmm... That's not a bad idea.)

     Well, here's a confession.  Even though I enjoy cooking and baking, there are days when I totally don't feel like doing anything in the kitchen. Yes, there are times when I would rather fold the kids' clothes than turn on the stove. FYI, laundry is always the last in my to do list.  

    Since calling the local pizzeria and Chinese delivery is no longer an option for us, I have no choice but to produce something for my ever hungry children.  That's when I rely on some packaged staples in my pantry.   

      One of the products, I try to have on hand is Schar's Gluten Free Pizza Crust.  Each box contains 2 crusts which are already at room temperature.  Such a time saver. With my children's appetite, a pizza dinner means two pies!

      Just a little heads up to all my multiple food allergy people. Schar's Gluten Free Pizza Crusts are made with water, corn starch, potato starch, rice flour, sunflower oil, rice starch, rice syrup, dextrose, psyllium seed husks (vegetable fiber), modified cellulose, guar gum, apple fiber, yeast, salt and tartaric acid.  (The ingredient list found in on the box).  Though it contains no soy, there is a statement indicating that it "May Contain Soy". 

       I don't know about your comfort level when it comes to those label warnings.  That's why, I am disclosing this.  In my experience though with this brand,  Child #2 and Child#3 who both have soy allergy were able to eat it without any issues.  Since every situation and child is different, I suggest you trust your instincts.  If you're not comfortable, using this ready made crust, you surely can make your own.  Here's one of my favorite Top 8 allergen free Pizza crust recipe.  

       Either you are using a homemade or ready made crust, this Taco Pizza is kid approved and still easy to make.  Here's another secret.  I usually make a big batch of Taco Meat.  Then I'll put it in quarter size freezer bags and store it in the freezer.  A nice back up for my lazy cooking days.  

       As long as you have the staples on hand, you can readily make this yummy pizza in minutes. If you only knew how many times this came in to my rescue.  

        Give this one a try and don't forget to let me know how you think.  

- Roz

 (Note: I was given free products to use for this post.  This however, doesn't affect my review and thoughts I've written.  Please see my full disclosure here.) 

        

Ingredients:

1 pc. Schar Gluten Free pizza crust
1/2 lb. ground beef or turkey
2 tsp (or more) Taco Seasoning
1/3 cup shredded cheese (in our case Daiya cheddar style)
1/4 cup guacamole
1 tsp. melted butter
pinch of garlic powder

Optional toppings:
     shredded lettuce
     chopped tomatoes
     hot pepper slices
     crushed corn chips


1. Preheat the oven to 410 F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a heated pan, brown the ground beef or turkey.  Once the meat is almost cooked, add the taco seasoning and mix well.
3. Transfer the cooked taco meat in a platter and set aside.
4. Place the pizza crust on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush whole the pizza crust with melted butter and sprinkle the garlic powder. Make sure the edge has some garlic powder too.
6. Spread the cooked taco meat on the crust.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top of the meat.
8. Bake in the oven for 11-12 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven.
10. Top with guacamole and other toppings you like. Serve hot.