’Mexican pizza is a fun and flavorful dish that combines the best of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisines. Layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned meat, refried beans, and melted cheese are topped with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream. It’s perfect as a meal, snack, or appetizer for gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and fillings.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or family meals.
- Combines the flavors of tacos with the satisfaction of pizza.
- Kid-friendly and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option)
- Ground beef, chicken, or turkey (seasoned with taco seasoning)
- Refried beans
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Salsa or enchilada sauce
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
- Sliced olives
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Jalapeños
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cook the Meat:
- In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook until the meat is evenly coated and heated through.
- Assemble the Pizza Base:
- Spread a layer of refried beans over one tortilla. Add a layer of seasoned meat, then place another tortilla on top to create a “pizza base.”
- Top the Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of salsa or enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the assembled pizzas on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are crispy.
- Add Fresh Toppings:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, sliced olives, or any of your favorite toppings.
- Serve:
- Slice into quarters and serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4 Mexican pizzas (serves 4-6).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetarian Mexican Pizza: Skip the meat and add sautéed bell peppers, onions, and black beans.
- Spicy Mexican Pizza: Use spicy taco seasoning, hot salsa, or add sliced jalapeños.
- Breakfast Mexican Pizza: Top with scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and queso.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or bake the pizza on a zucchini or portobello mushroom base.
- Cheesy Crust: Add a sprinkle of cheese between the two tortillas for an extra cheesy layer.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Freezing: Assemble the pizzas without fresh toppings, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas work great for a gluten-free option, but they may be slightly smaller and crispier.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the meat with black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of sautéed vegetables.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the pizzas (without fresh toppings) and store them in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
What cheese works best?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or a pre-shredded Mexican blend is ideal for this recipe.
Can I air-fry these pizzas?
Yes, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisp.
How do I keep the tortillas from becoming soggy?
Bake the bottom tortilla briefly before assembling or use a thin layer of cheese as a moisture barrier between the layers.
What can I serve with Mexican pizza?
Pair it with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make mini pizzas?
Yes, use smaller tortillas or cut larger ones into smaller rounds using a cookie cutter.
Can I use leftover taco meat?
Absolutely! This is a great way to repurpose leftover taco meat.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love the cheesy and customizable toppings. Let them help assemble their own pizzas!
Conclusion
Mexican pizza is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a game night, or looking for a quick dinner idea, this recipe delivers on taste and fun. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy this Tex-Mex favorite at home!
Print
Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
A crispy tortilla base topped with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh tomatoes and green onions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 flour tortillas (taco size)
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine.
- Simmer until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens.
- Prepare the Tortillas:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with vegetable oil.
- Place the tortillas on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crisp and golden brown.
- Assemble the Pizzas:
- Spread a layer of refried beans onto four of the crisped tortillas.
- Top the beans with a layer of the seasoned ground beef.
- Place another crisped tortilla on top of each, creating a sandwich.
- Spread enchilada sauce over the top tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add diced tomatoes, black olives (if using), and green onions on top.
- Bake:
- Place the assembled pizzas back into the oven.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Slice into quarters and serve warm.
Notes
Tortillas: Both flour and corn tortillas can be used. Flour tortillas provide a softer base, while corn tortillas offer a more traditional, crispy texture.- Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, sour cream, or cilantro.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and use black beans or additional vegetables for a meatless version.