MISSION, KS -- (Marketwire) -- 05/24/12 -- (Family Features) Pizza night is a popular pastime for many families, but if you're looking to change things up from the typical Italian style, try adding a south of the border spin.

Southwestern Mexican Bean Pizza calls for just six ingredients, can be made in 30 minutes, and will satisfy the whole family. To save time, start with a pre-baked crust. Instead of the traditional red sauce base, make a chunky puree using a can of Southwestern Bean Salad and spread it over the crust. A second can of this Tex-Mex seasoned bean, corn and pepper blend comes next, along with bacon, bell pepper and cheese. Bake until bubbly, top with cilantro and serve with sour cream and chopped avocado for a true fiesta.

For a side dish or appetizer, Southwestern Bean Salad becomes a taco salad topping or even a hearty salsa when served with tortilla chips or crisp sliced vegetables, such as bell peppers, celery and jicama. Plus, it's a ready-to-eat side -- straight from the can or chilled -- that pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.

For other great recipes made with READ salads, visit www.readsalads.com.

Southwestern Bean Mexican Pizza
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 to 10 servings

2    cans (15 ounces) READ Southwestern Bean Salad
1    pre-baked pizza crust (10 to 12-inch diameter)
4    slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (about 1/4 cup crumbled)
1/2  to 3/4 cup thin bell pepper strips sliced 1/4-inch thick, any color
     combination
3/4  cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
1/4  cup chopped fresh cilantro
     Chopped avocado, optional
     Sour cream, optional

Drain bean salads. Place half of beans in bowl of food processor; process until pureed, but chunky.

Spread puree evenly over pizza crust. Spoon remaining drained beans over puree. Sprinkle with bacon and bell pepper, then cheese.

Bake as directed on pizza crust package until heated through and cheese is melted, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with avocado and sour cream, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving (1/8 of recipe): 276 calories; 11 g protein; 35 g carbohydrate; 10 g fat; 648 mg sodium; 14 mg cholesterol; 5 g dietary fiber; 11 mg iron; 0.02 mg thiamin; 575 IU vitamin A; 7 mg vitamin C.

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