School Lunch Fiestada Pizza Recipe For Cafeteria

Fiestada pizza is a well-loved dish among many who have delightful memories of their school lunch days. Here’s the scoop on school lunch Fiestada pizza recipe!

This tasty, nostalgic meal brings back memories of the excitement when one saw it on the lunch menu on pizza day. 

You may have tried this tasty school lunch pizza on your first day of school while sitting in a purple room, and encountered it last in your high school cafeteria. 

Not only is the fiestada pizza a trip down memory lane, but it also offers a delicious and fun way to enjoy a meal that’s part pizza and part taco, combining the best of both worlds.

School Lunch Fiestada Pizza

Creating a school lunch fiestada pizza recipe at home is simpler than it may seem. 

You’ll wish that you knew how to make this recipe earlier, as it’s just as tasty as the cafeteria ladies would have made it at your school. 

The key ingredients to this school food recipe include pizza dough, taco seasoning, ground beef, pizza sauce, cumin, and American cheese. 

These components, when combined, create a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy both your taste buds and your nostalgia for this childhood favorite.

Fiestada pizza makes the perfect weeknight meal or afternoon snack, as you can never have enough pizza! 

We’ve got the scoop on a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a homemade fiestada pizza, using some classic methods and easy-to-find ingredients. 

This Mexican pizza recipe is perfect for those seeking to relive their school lunch memories or simply wanting to try a new, interesting dish to spice up their regular menu rotation.

Make this one of your favorite recipes for old-school pizza that is sure to remind you of your Friday February 10th school lunch! 

Main Ingredients

Crust

For the ideal school lunch Fiestada pizza, it’s essential to create a crust that can hold the flavorful toppings of the original recipe. 

So, for todays lunch, start with pizza dough – which can either be homemade or store-bought.

If you think you’ll have difficulties making your own pizza crust at home, buy pre-baked pizza crusts to save you some time. 

You could use Amazon’s affiliate links to purchase all of the ingredients you need for your Fiestada pizza.

To prepare the dough for this easy recipe, dissolve yeast in warm water and mix it with the all-purpose flour mixture which also contains dry milk, sugar, salt, and oil until a batter forms. 

Flatten the dough into a thin crust, suitable for bearing the tasty components to be added later.

Cheese

A delectable choice of cheese is crucial for a mouth-watering Fiestada pizza. Opt for cheddar cheese, which adds a rich, tangy flavor to the dish. 

You can choose from mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese, depending on your taste preference. 

Regardless of the type, make sure to shred the cheese beforehand, as it ensures an even distribution and proper melting while baking.

Protein

Protein plays a key role in the Fiestada pizza recipe, contributing to the savory, delightful experience of the dish. 

Ground beef is the most common and popular choice for this recipe, but you can also opt for lean ground beef or mild Italian sausage.

Before using the beef or sausage, cook beef with taco seasoning to bestow a unique taste to the protein. 

Drain and discard any grease to achieve a crumbly texture.

Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients:

• Pizza dough: homemade or store-bought
• Cheddar cheese options:
  • Mild cheddar cheese
  • Medium cheddar cheese
  • Sharp cheddar cheese

• Protein options:
  • Ground beef
  • Lean ground beef
  • Italian sausage

You could also try to make a pourable crust for your pizza instead. 

With these fundamental ingredients combined, your school lunch Fiestada pizza will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Preparing the Pizza

Preparing the Crust

To prepare the crust for the Fiestada pizza, preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). 

Lay out a nonstick baking sheet or line a regular baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the crust from sticking.

Divide the pizza dough in half and flatten each half into a thin crust directly on the nonstick baking sheet. 

You want the crust to be thin, as this helps achieve the crispy texture that is associated with school lunch Fiestada pizzas. 

Allow the crust to rest for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Preparing the Toppings

For the toppings, you will need:

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Tomato sauce (or tomato paste)
• Melted butter
• Cumin
• Ground coriander
• Sugar
• Salt

First, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat while you stir beef occasionally until browned and crumbly, typically taking 5-7 minutes. 

Sprinkle beef or some taco-style fixings, or seasonings, on the beef during the cooking process to add flavor. 

After the beef is cooked, drain and discard any excess grease.

In a medium mixing bowl for mixing, combine the tomato sauce, melted butter, cumin, dry taco seasoning mix, ground coriander, sugar, and a pinch of salt to create the homemade pizza sauce.

Assembling the Pizza

Now that you have prepared the crust and toppings, it’s time to assemble the Fiestada pizza. 

After you mix pizza sauce in a medium bowl, you need to spread the pizza sauce mixture evenly over the two prepared crusts. 

Top each pizza with the cooked seasoned ground beef by sprinkling beef on your school lunch pizza. 

Make sure to distribute it evenly across the entire surface for full coverage. 

Finally, add your choice of shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, Colby-Jack, or a Mexican blend) on top of the beef layer.

This blend of cheese should allow for a more diverse flavor of your favorite middle school and elementary school pizza. 

Toppings

You could also use garlic powder for your savory pizza toppings.

Don’t forget to sprinkle taco seasoning and drizzle some olive oil on your rectangular pizza slices before they go into the oven at a medium-high flame. 

The next time you make pizza, you can save half of this mixture of pizza toppings to use for other dishes, such as pasta. 

Place the pizzas in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. 

After baking, remove the pizzas from the oven, allow them to cool for a couple of minutes, and then cut each pizza into 6 to 8 squares. 

Fiestada pizza is now ready to serve and enjoy!

If you have a sweet tooth and want to make a dessert pizza, use brown sugar before placing the pizza into an oven or hot skillet at medium heat for a sugary twist on your grade school food. 

Baking the Pizza

Conventional Oven

To bake Fiestada pizza using a conventional oven, start by preheating the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

In the meantime, prepare your pizza by spreading a mixture of pizza sauce, salt, and cumin on a thin crust pizza dough. 

Cook your seasoned beef in a large skillet until browned and crumbly, draining and discarding any grease. 

Add the cooked beef and cheese evenly on top of the pizza sauce.

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. 

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. 

The pizza will be done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. 

In general, a slice of Fiestada pizza has around 300-350 calories.

Convection Oven

If using a convection oven, begin by preheating the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). 

As with the conventional oven method, prepare the pizza with your pizza sauce, seasoned beef, and cheese.

The convection oven, with its circulating hot air, requires a slightly lower temperature and shorter cooking time than a conventional oven. 

Bake the Fiestada pizza for approximately 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

The pizza should have a golden brown crust and the cheese should be bubbly and well-melted. 

Use a paper towel and gently pat the pizza with it to discard grease. 

After letting your pizza stand for a few minutes to cool off, try adding a dollop of sour cream to balance out the flavor of your savory pizza with something tangy and creamy. 

Straight off your school lunch menus, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most deliciously edible items in the world at the comfort of your own home by following the simple steps outlined above.

The calorie diet per slice stays the same compared to the conventional oven method, around 300-350 calories.

Tiktok Video

To view how the pizza is actually made, you could watch a TikTok video made by this user in original sound – Colin and Adam Review’s.

Colin and Adam review how to make Fiestada pizza   for those of you who want to go backdownmemorylane #70sbaby. 

You could also check out Nae Bev on TikTok as well for more pizza videos. 

Additionally, utilize any social media platforms at hand for more pizza recipes, such as pourable pizza crust recipes.  

Nutritional Information

Fiestada pizza, a popular school lunch choice, offers a mix of nutrients. 

When considering its nutritional profile, it’s important to evaluate the key components: fat, protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, and sodium.

Fiestada pizza typically consists of a thin crust, ground beef, and pizza sauce with spices such as cumin, and cheese. 

The nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes. 

However, here is a general analysis based on a standard serving size.

• Fat: A serving of Fiestada pizza contains approximately 10-15 grams of fat. This consists of both saturated and unsaturated fats, which contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the pizza. Fat is a necessary component of a balanced diet, as it provides energy and aids in the absorption of certain vitamins.
• Protein: Protein plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues, and Fiestada pizza delivers approximately 15-20 grams of protein per serving. The primary source of protein in this pizza is the ground beef and cheese. Both are high-quality, complete proteins containing all the essential amino acids.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates function as a primary source of energy for the body and are present in the pizza crust and sauce. A serving of Fiestada pizza contains about 25-40 grams of carbohydrates. While this contributes to the overall calorie count, it also provides necessary energy for physical and mental activities.
• Cholesterol: Cholesterol is present in the beef and cheese within Fiestada pizza, with an estimated 30-40 milligrams per serving. While the body produces cholesterol naturally, it’s essential to moderate intake, as high cholesterol levels can lead to cardiovascular issues.
• Sodium: Fiestada pizza contains sodium in the form of added salt and seasonings, and the amount varies depending on the recipe. On average, you can expect about 400-600 milligrams of sodium per serving. Sodium is important for regulating fluid balance, but excessive intake can lead to health concerns, like high blood pressure.

Fiestada pizza offers a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a viable option for school lunches. 

However, it’s essential to consume it in moderation and ensure you’re consuming a varied diet to meet your nutritional needs and daily values.

When you do make one of your favorite school cafeteria foods, try to balance it out with something a little bit healthier, such as a side of salad. 

Variations and Tips

Vegetarian

For a delicious healthier version of the Fiestada pizza, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or black beans. 

If using beans, simply cook them with the seasoning as you would the ground beef. 

Alternatively, you can also top the pizza with a mixture of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a more nutritious option.

Turkey Slop

If you prefer to avoid beef, try using ground turkey as a healthier option. 

Season the turkey with taco seasoning and cook it until no longer pink, just like the beef. 

This variation is sometimes referred to as “Turkey Slop.” 

To make it even more flavorsome, you can add some salsa or cooked veggies into the mix before topping your Fiestada pizza.

Crunchy Thin Crust

For those who like a crunchier and thinner crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for about 3-5 minutes at 450°F before adding your toppings. 

This will ensure you get that desired crispy texture. 

Some tips for achieving a perfect thin crust:

• Divide pizza dough into smaller portions, ensuring an even and thin layer when rolling it out.
• Use a nonstick baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent the crust from sticking to the pan.
• Keep an eye on the crust when pre-baking, as it could cook and brown faster than expected.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to create your Fiestada pizza – it’s all about personal preference! 

So, feel free to experiment with these variations and tips to find the perfect combination that suits your taste.

Related Recipes

Pizza Recipes

If you’re looking for some tasty pizza recipes to accompany your school lunch Fiestada pizza, look no further. 

Here is a collection of great pizza ideas that will satisfy your taste buds:

• Classic Margherita: One can never go wrong with the classic Margherita pizza. It consists of a simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a perfectly baked crust. This pizza is the perfect balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the tomato sauce, chewiness of the crust, and creaminess of the mozzarella cheese.
• Pepperoni Pizza: Another all-time favorite is the good old pepperoni pizza. It typically features a tomato sauce base, mozzarella cheese, and rounds of delicious pepperoni. For a twist, try using turkey pepperoni or even a plant-based alternative.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza: If you want to change it up a bit, try making a BBQ chicken pizza for a great southwest flavor. Start with a base of BBQ sauce, then layer on cooked chicken, red onions, cilantro, and mozzarella cheese. This pizza brings an exciting sweet and tangy flavor to your taste buds.
• Veggie Lovers: For those who prefer vegetable-loaded pizzas, you can create a delightful combination of toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, spinach, olives, and of course, mozzarella cheese. Grilled or roasted veggies can also enhance the flavors of a veggie or primavera pizza.
• Hawaiian Pizza: A controversial yet delicious choice, the Hawaiian pizza combines tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pineapple chunks, and slices of ham. Some variations also include bacon, which adds a savory twist to the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple.

Remember to experiment with different pizza recipes and customizations, as the possibilities are endless. 

Historical Context

Fiestada pizza, often served in a distinctive hexagonal shape, has been a staple in American school cafeterias since the 1950s. 

Its origin dates back to the time when school lunch programs were taking shape across the United States. 

Let’s delve deeper into the historical context of the Fiestada pizza in school cafeterias.

During the mid-20th century, nutritional guidelines were established, which led to greater emphasis on the introduction of balanced meals in school lunches. 

Fiestada pizza offered an appealing option that met these nutritional goals while providing a tasty meal for students.

The core ingredients of Fiestada pizza include ground beef, taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and cheese. 

These ingredients come together to create a unique culinary fusion of classic pizza and Mexican flavors. 

Additionally, Fiestada pizza could be prepared, stored, and served with relative ease and in large quantities, making it an ideal choice for busy cafeteria operations.

With changing dietary guidelines and preferences, Fiestada pizza has evolved over the decades. 

Early versions often featured a thinner crust and simpler toppings, while later adaptations highlight a thicker, more substantial crust with more dynamic and diverse toppings. 

These changes have helped to maintain student interest and excitement around this classic school lunch option.

In recent years, as school menus continue to evolve in response to nutritional concerns and diverse student tastes, Fiestada pizza remains a beloved fixture on many cafeteria menus. 

It offers a nostalgic nod to a bygone era while providing a scrumptious and adaptable meal choice that is much more than just your average slice of pizza.

Final Thoughts

The school lunch fiestada pizza recipe offers a delectable and satisfying meal option for students.

With its crispy crust, flavorful ground beef, and generous toppings of cheese, vegetables, and sauce, it combines the best elements of pizza and Mexican cuisine into one delicious dish.

Not only does the fiestada pizza provide a burst of flavors, but it also offers a balanced and nutritious meal that can fuel students throughout the day.

Its versatility allows for customization and adaptation to cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions.

By incorporating this recipe into school lunch menus, educators and administrators can ensure that students enjoy a tasty and wholesome meal, contributing to their overall well-being and enjoyment of their school experience.

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