FINDING OUT WHY THIS PIZZA HAS GONE VIRAL...

FINDING OUT WHY THIS PIZZA HAS GONE VIRAL... is a medium New Mexican recipe that serves 1. 1100 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 57 min | Total: 2 hrs 2 min

Cost: $14.63 total, $14.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Pork Shoulder (trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1.5‑inch cubes)
  • 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt (divided: 1 tsp for pork seasoning, 0.5 tsp for dough)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (high smoke point for browning)
  • 3 pcs Garlic Cloves (peeled and minced)
  • 2 pcs Dried Guajillo Chilies (seeds removed)
  • 2 pcs Dried Ancho Chilies (seeds removed)
  • 1 cup Water (for simmering chilies)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Masa Harina (corn flour treated with lime (nixtamalized))
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 0.75 cup Warm Water (adjust to achieve Play‑Doh consistency)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (1 tbsp for dough, 1 tbsp for sauce)
  • 1 cup Crushed Tomatoes (no added herbs)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 0.25 cup Hatch Green Chilies (diced; fresh Hatch preferred)
  • 20 slices Pepperoni (standard sliced pepperoni)

Instructions

  1. Season and Brown Pork

    Season the pork cubes with 1 tsp kosher salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium‑high heat and brown half the pork cubes, turning until all sides are browned but not cooked through. Remove and set aside; repeat with remaining pork.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Toast Garlic and Dried Chilies

    Add the minced garlic to the pot and toast for 30‑45 seconds. Add the seed‑removed guajillo and ancho chilies and toast another 30 seconds. Pour in 1 cup water, stir, and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to soften the chilies.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Blend Chili Sauce

    Transfer the softened chilies, garlic, and cooking liquid to a blender. Blend until completely smooth, adding a little extra water if needed.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Combine Sauce Ingredients and Simmer Pork

    Return the blended sauce to the pot. Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 cup chicken stock. Add all browned pork cubes and any accumulated juices. Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring every 5‑10 minutes, for 35 minutes until the pork is fork‑tender and easily shreds.

    Time: PT35M

  5. Shred Pork and Reserve Filling

    Remove the pork from the pot and shred with two forks. Reserve about ½ cup of shredded pork for the stuffed crust; set the rest aside for topping if desired.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare Simple Tomato Sauce

    In a small bowl combine 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until blended.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Make Masa Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup masa harina, 1 tsp baking powder, and 0.5 tsp kosher salt. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and ¾ cup warm water. Mix until a smooth, Play‑Doh‑like dough forms.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Shape the Pizza Base

    Place a sheet of parchment on a flat surface. Form the dough into a ball, then flatten with your hands and roll with a rolling pin to an 8‑inch circle about 1/8‑inch thick.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Stuff the Crust

    Evenly distribute the reserved shredded red chili pork around the outer edge of the dough, leaving a ½‑inch border. Fold the edge over the pork and press to seal, creating a stuffed crust.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Pre‑heat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 425°F

  11. Par‑bake Crust

    Transfer the pizza (still on parchment) onto the pre‑heated baking sheet. Bake for 5‑6 minutes until the crust begins to set but not fully browned.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: 425°F

  12. Add Toppings

    Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the simple tomato sauce evenly, sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella, add diced Hatch green chilies, and arrange pepperoni slices over the top.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Finish Baking

    Return the pizza to the oven and bake 7‑9 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden. If the bottom is not crisp, transfer the pizza to a hot flat‑top skillet and sear for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT9M

    Temperature: 425°F

  14. Serve

    Remove pizza, let rest 2 minutes, then slice and enjoy the stuffed‑crust surprise.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
1100
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
80g
Fat
70g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains dairy, Gluten‑free (corn masa crust)

Allergens: Dairy, Pork

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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FINDING OUT WHY THIS PIZZA HAS GONE VIRAL...

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

A bold New Mexican‑inspired personal pizza with a corn‑masa crust, a stuffed edge filled with tender red chili pork, and classic toppings of pepperoni, mozzarella, and Hatch green chilies. Inspired by Richie Bees in Albuquerque, this recipe combines the flavors of a tamale with the fun of pizza.

MediumNew MexicanServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
52m
Prep
1h 10m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 17m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.63
Total cost
$14.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the pork cubes for flavor
  • Simmering the chili‑pork sauce until the meat is shreddable
  • Achieving the correct Play‑Doh consistency for masa dough
  • Sealing the stuffed crust without gaps
  • Finishing the pizza with a brief skillet sear for crust crispness

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • Blending hot chili mixture can create steam; vent the blender lid.
  • Oven temperature reaches 425°F; use heat‑proof gloves when handling the pizza.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tamalei Stuffed Crust Pizza in New Mexican cuisine?

A

The stuffed‑crust pizza was popularized by Richie Bees in Albuquerque, blending the traditional New Mexican red‑chili pork tamale flavor with the familiar format of pizza. It reflects the region’s love for bold chilies, corn‑based masa, and creative fusion dishes that celebrate local ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of red chili pork used in New Mexican dishes?

A

In New Mexico, red chili pork is often made with pork shoulder simmered in a sauce of roasted guajillo and ancho chilies, cumin, oregano, and vinegar. Some variations add roasted garlic or a touch of chocolate, but the core flavor profile remains smoky, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic Tamalei Stuffed Crust Pizza traditionally served in New Mexico?

A

Traditionally it is served hot, sliced into wedges, with the stuffed crust providing a surprise bite of tender red‑chili pork. It is often enjoyed with a cold beer or a glass of New Mexican wine, and diners may sprinkle extra fresh Hatch chilies on top for extra heat.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Tamalei Stuffed Crust Pizza associated with in New Mexican culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, the pizza is a popular menu item at local festivals, sports gatherings, and casual family meals in New Mexico, especially when celebrating the state’s famous chile harvest season.

cultural
Q

What makes Tamalei Stuffed Crust Pizza special or unique in New Mexican cuisine?

A

It combines two beloved foods—tamales and pizza—into one dish, using a corn‑masa crust that honors New Mexican culinary heritage while adding the novelty of a pork‑filled crust. The bold red‑chili pork filling sets it apart from typical cheese‑filled crusts.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tamalei Stuffed Crust Pizza at home?

A

Common errors include over‑crowding the pot when browning pork (which prevents proper caramelization), under‑hydrating the masa dough (leading to cracks), and not sealing the stuffed edge tightly, which can cause the filling to leak during baking.

technical
Q

Why does this Tamalei Stuffed Crust Pizza recipe use masa harina for the crust instead of wheat flour?

A

Masa harina provides the authentic corn flavor and texture associated with New Mexican tamales. It also creates a naturally gluten‑free crust that pairs perfectly with the spicy red‑chili pork, delivering a unique bite compared to a wheat‑based dough.

technical
Q

Can I make the red chili pork sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop before shredding the pork and assembling the pizza.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the red chili pork is done?

A

The pork should be very tender and easily pull apart with a fork, creating a shredded, moist texture. The sauce should be glossy and thick enough to coat the meat without being watery.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Tamalei Stuffed Crust Pizza is fully cooked?

A

The crust will be golden‑brown and firm to the touch, the cheese melted and bubbly, and the stuffed edge will feel hot and the pork filling should be steaming. A quick skillet finish ensures the bottom is crisp.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sam The Cooking Guy specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sam The Cooking Guy focuses on approachable, often unconventional home‑cooking recipes that blend humor with clear, step‑by‑step instructions, covering a wide range of cuisines and creative twists on classic dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sam The Cooking Guy's approach to New Mexican cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Sam The Cooking Guy brings a laid‑back, experimental attitude to New Mexican dishes, emphasizing bold flavors and daring mash‑ups—like a tamale‑stuffed pizza—while many other channels stick to more traditional, recipe‑by‑recipe presentations.

channel

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