Mexican Pizzas

As I've said before, I LOVE pizza. . . . and mexican food. So to combine the two, would just put me in heaven. But, both foods have their problems, health-wise. I thought for sure it would be a pain in the a. . . . *ahem* neck.

Actually, it was pretty easy.

I cut the carbs and a lot of the fat from both dishes (the crust and cheese from pizza, and the tortillas and cheese from mexican food) by replacing the crust/tortilla with rice cakes.

Here's the recipe for two "pizzas":

2 Quaker rice cakes, gluten free (35 calories each)
1/4 cup reduced fat mexican blend shredded cheese (80 calories)
1/2 cup Organic black beans (100 calories)
1 oz. 93/7 Lean ground beef (.5 oz. or 20 calories each)
2 Tbsp Salsa (calories depend on brand, mine was homemade, and about 5 calories)
Lettuce

Seasoning:
3/4 cup water
3 tbsp hot sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:
1. Brown the ground beef, and then drain the fat.
2. Mix the water, seasonings, and hot sauce and pour over the beef.
3. Simmer until all the liquid is gone.
4. Follow directions on can to cook black beans.
5. Place the rice cakes on a cookie sheet, and put 1/8 cup of cheese on each.
6. Once the beans are done, put 1/4 cup on each rice cake.
7. Put 1/2 oz. ground beef on each rice cake.
8. Top with lettuce and salsa (1 tbsp on each rice cake).
9. Broil for a few minutes if you want it crispier.
10. ENJOY!!

There's only about 295-305 calories (depending on how much lettuce you use), for BOTH! Personally, I was filled up by just the two. Even if you're not filled up, it's a great, low-calorie start to your meal.