If you have ever wanted to combine the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the universally loved format of pizza, you will absolutely adore this Mexican Pizza Recipe. This dish layers crispy tortillas, creamy refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese into a festive, crowd-pleasing meal that bursts with color and flavor in every bite. It’s an easy yet exciting way to spice up weeknight dinners or impress guests during casual gatherings, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes that keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is as simple as it is rewarding. Each component plays a crucial role in building the textures and flavors that make this Mexican Pizza Recipe a standout: from the hearty ground beef to the creamy beans and zesty toppings, every ingredient has its moment to shine.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the beef evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: The savory protein base that brings hearty flavor to the pizza.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Infuses the beef with classic Mexican spices for an authentic taste.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to simmer the seasoned beef to juicy perfection.
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans: Creamy and smooth, they create a luscious layer that binds everything together.
- 4 flour tortillas (8-inch): Serve as the crispy, handheld pizza base and top layer.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully to give that irresistible gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce or taco sauce: Brings tangy, slightly spicy notes to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes: Add a fresh pop of color and juiciness.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives: Provide a mild briny contrast to the richness.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, peppery crunch.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro for customized flavor bursts.
How to Make Mexican Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the filling from getting greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning along with the water and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes fragrant.
Step 2: Warm the Refried Beans
While your beef simmers, warm the refried beans either gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes them easy to spread and adds a subtle warmth that melds smoothly with the rest of the layers.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Layers
Lay two tortillas on a baking sheet side by side. Spread a generous layer of refried beans on each, followed by an even spread of the seasoned ground beef. Place the remaining two tortillas on top to form a sandwich. This double-layer structure gives the pizza a satisfying texture and heartiness.
Step 4: Add Sauces, Cheese, and Toppings
Spread the enchilada or taco sauce over the top tortillas, which adds moisture and a flavor punch. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly on top, then scatter diced tomatoes, black olives, and sliced green onions to bring vibrant color and freshness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer and the edges of the tortillas crisp up beautifully. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into quarters.
How to Serve Mexican Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Mexican Pizza Recipe with cool dollops of sour cream and creamy guacamole to balance the spiced meat and melted cheese. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a herbaceous brightness that makes every bite feel freshly made and festive.
Side Dishes
Pairing this pizza with a simple side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or some Mexican street corn (elote) can elevate your meal beautifully. Rice and beans are classic companions, but a crisp slaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the cheesy, hearty pizza layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the Mexican Pizza Recipe into small squares and serve it on a vibrant platter garnished with sliced jalapeños and lime wedges for that extra zing. You might also offer a “topping bar” where everyone customizes with their favorite salsas, hot sauces, and extra veggies, making mealtime interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten portions of your Mexican Pizza Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining much of its texture and flavor, especially if refrigerated promptly after cooling.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled and baked pizza wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to help maintain the layers’ integrity and flavors.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving, which might soften the tortillas too much—oven reheating helps keep that delightful crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make this Mexican Pizza Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef with ground turkey or a meatless crumble. You could also load the filling with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to keep it hearty and delicious.
Is it necessary to warm the refried beans before spreading?
Warming the beans first ensures they spread easily and integrate well with the other layers, preventing tearing of the tortillas while assembling. It also enhances their creamy texture when baked.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas work best here because they’re sturdier and crisp up nicely without breaking. Corn tortillas might be a bit more fragile and can get soggy, but if you prefer, lightly toasting them beforehand can help.
What kind of cheese blend should I use?
A Mexican cheese blend that includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla melts perfectly and balances sharpness with creaminess. You can also use just cheddar or mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust it?
The spice level mainly comes from the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, which can range from mild to hot depending on your brands. Feel free to adjust by choosing milder sauces or adding jalapeños if you prefer more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pizza Recipe is one of those magical dishes that makes you wonder why it’s not eaten every day. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. If you’ve been craving a meal that’s both comforting and exciting, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner that everyone will adore.
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Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian (with substitutions)
Description
This Mexican Pizza recipe combines flavorful seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese layered between crispy flour tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and fresh veggies for a delicious Tex-Mex twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Main Components
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 4 flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce or taco sauce
Toppings
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled Mexican pizzas.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain excess fat from the skillet to reduce grease.
- Season Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and water with the beef. Allow it to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld together.
- Warm Refried Beans: Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave until they are soft and spreadable.
- Assemble Pizzas: On a baking sheet, lay down two tortillas. Spread each tortilla evenly with a layer of refried beans, then add a layer of the seasoned ground beef atop the beans. Place the remaining two tortillas on top of each to form two layered pizzas.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread enchilada or taco sauce over the top tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the sauce. Then, add diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and sliced green onions as toppings.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven, slice each into quarters, and serve warm with optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or a meatless crumble for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- For extra crispiness, lightly toast the bottom tortillas before assembling.
- Use your favorite taco seasoning blend to adjust the spice level.
- Customize toppings with jalapeños or sliced avocado for extra flavor.
