Name: Blackstone Queso Mexican Pizzas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey; 1 packet low sodium taco seasoning; water; 8-12 mini naan breads; taco sauce; Mexican blend cheese; 1 cup salsa con queso; crumbled queso fresco (optional); chopped tomatoes (optional)

These Mexican-style pizzas are a fast and flavorful meal perfect for the outdoor griddle. By using naan bread as a base, you get a sturdy crust that supports plenty of taco meat and melted cheese.

List of ingredients

1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey – lean options work best.
1 packet Low Sodium Taco Seasoning (plus water) – for a balanced savory flavor.
8-12 Mini Naan Breads – size will determine the total quantity.
Taco Sauce – used as the primary base layer.
Mexican Blend Cheese – shredded for optimal melting.
1 cup Salsa Con Queso – jarred variety for the final drizzle.
Crumbled Queso Fresco (optional) – adds a salty, authentic touch.
Chopped tomatoes (optional) – for a fresh garnish.

step-by-step instructions

Brown the Meat: Heat the Blackstone griddle to medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned.
Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and add water as directed on the package. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Prepare the Bases: On a low-heat section of the griddle, place the mini naan breads. Spread a layer of taco sauce evenly across each piece of naan.
Layer the Toppings: Add a sprinkle of Mexican blend cheese and a portion of the seasoned taco meat to each naan pizza.
Prevent Overcooking: Turn off the griddle burners at this stage to ensure the bottoms of the pizzas do not burn while the cheese melts.
Add the Cheese Drizzle: Drizzle jarred queso cheese and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco over the top of each pizza.
Final Garnish: Remove the pizzas from the flat top and top with fresh chopped tomatoes and sour cream before serving.

Protein Alternatives

Ground Turkey Swap

Using ground turkey is a great way to reduce the fat content of the dish. Ensure you cook the turkey thoroughly until no pink remains before adding the seasoning.

Ground Chicken Option

Ground chicken provides a milder flavor that lets the taco seasoning stand out. It works perfectly with the naan base and melts well with the cheese blend.

Plant-Based Crumbles

For a meatless version, use plant-based beef crumbles. Follow the same seasoning and simmering process to ensure the flavor is well-integrated.

Crust Customizations

Using Full-Sized Naan

If you prefer larger portions, use full-sized naan breads instead of mini versions. Simply increase the amount of taco sauce and meat per piece to maintain the ratio.

Flour Tortilla Base

Flour tortillas can be used for a thinner, crispier crust. Be cautious with heat, as tortillas burn much faster than naan on a hot griddle.

Corn Tortilla Alternative

Corn tortillas offer a more traditional corn flavor and a gluten-free option if using certified corn. These may require a light brush of oil to prevent sticking.

Flavor Boosters

Fresh Jalapeños

Adding diced fresh jalapeños to the meat mixture adds a spicy kick. You can also place them on top of the cheese for a more intense heat.

Sautéed Bell Peppers

Sauté sliced bell peppers on the griddle before adding the meat. This adds sweetness and a crunchier texture to every bite.

Diced White Onions

Raw diced onions added at the end provide a sharp contrast to the rich cheese. Alternatively, grill them with the meat for a caramelized flavor.

Fresh Cilantro Garnish

Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the queso. Sprinkle it over the pizzas just before serving.

Alternative Preparation Methods

Stovetop and Oven Method

Cook the meat in a skillet and drain the fat. Assemble the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Using the Oven Broiler

For a faster finish than baking, use the broiler setting. Keep a close eye on the naan, as the high heat can char the edges in just a couple of minutes.

Air Fryer Approach

Place assembled pizzas in the air fryer basket at 375 degrees F. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the base is crisp and the queso is bubbling.

Griddle Operation Tips

Creating Heat Zones

Maintain a medium-high zone for browning the meat and a low zone for the naan. This prevents the bread from burning before the toppings are ready.

Managing Moisture

Drain excess fat from the beef before adding the taco seasoning. This prevents the taco sauce from becoming oily and ensures the naan stays crisp.

Cheese Melting Technique

If the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, use a basting cover (dome) over the pizzas. A quick splash of water under the dome creates steam that melts cheese instantly.

Preservation and Warming

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the fresh toppings like tomatoes and sour cream in separate containers.

Best Reheating Method

To maintain crispiness, reheat the pizzas in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the naan chewy.

Freezing Instructions

These pizzas can be frozen after the initial cook but before adding fresh toppings. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to one month.

Common Cooking Fixes

Addressing Burnt Naan

If the naan burns too quickly, lower the griddle temperature or use a layer of parchment paper. Ensure the griddle is properly seasoned to prevent sticking.

Fixing Runny Queso

If the jarred queso is too thin, simmer it in a small pot before drizzling. You can also stir in a tablespoon of shredded cheese to thicken the consistency.

Preventing Dry Meat

Avoid over-simmering the taco meat after adding the water. If it becomes too dry, add a small amount of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Yes, homemade seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder works perfectly. Just match the quantity to one standard store-bought packet.

How do I keep the naan crispy?

Avoid adding too much taco sauce, which can soak into the bread. Applying a thin layer of cheese first can also act as a moisture barrier.

Which queso is best for drizzling?

A smooth, jarred salsa con queso is best for the drizzle because it maintains a fluid consistency. Avoid thick block cheeses that require melting in a pot first.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Substitute the naan with gluten-free naan or corn tortillas. Ensure your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.