This easy, fast and tasty chili pizza, with southwestern flair, was a 1997 National Beef Cook-off winner!

Southwest Beef & Chili Pizza

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (16-ounce) prebaked thick pizza crust (12-inch)
1 1/4 cups prepared thick and chunky salsa
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack cheese
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, well drained
2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup thin red onion slivers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In large nonstick skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat 6 minutes or until outside surface is no longer pink, breaking up into small crumbles. Pour off drippings. Season with salt.
3. Place pizza crust on ungreased large baking sheet. Spread salsa over crust; sprinkle with half of cheese. Top with beef, chiles, tomatoes, onion and remaining cheese.
4. Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until toppings are hot and cheese is melted.
5. Sprinkle with cilantro; cut into 8 wedges. Serve immediately.

Serves 3 to 4.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Texas Beef Council and Beef It's Whats For Dinner.