Southwest Beef Pizza

Specially created for pairing with the Fleur Bleu 2006 Zinfandel

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 tsp. salt
1 large (16oz) prepared pizza crust
1-1/4 cups mild, thick and chunky salsa
1-1/2 cups (6oz) shredded Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (4oz) diced green chiles, drained well
2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped
1/3 cup thin red onion slivers
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

In large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink. Pour off drippings. Season with 1/4-tsp salt.

Place bread shell on ungreased baking sheet.

Spread salsa over shell. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Top with beef, chilies, tomatoes, and red onion. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake in oven 11-13 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Sprinkle with cilantro. Cut into 8 wedges and serve hot.

Makes 4 servings.

*Recipe Courtesy of Texas Beef Council