If you’ve ever wished for a dish that combines the beloved flavors of tacos and the comforting appeal of pizza, look no further. This Mexican Pizza Recipe is a creative, crowd-pleasing meal that layers crispy tortillas with savory refried beans, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and zesty toppings. It’s like a fiesta on your plate that’s super simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for an easy, flavorful dinner that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to bringing all those bold flavors and textures into perfect harmony. Each component here is simple but essential, contributing to the taste, mouthfeel, and colorful look of your Mexican Pizza Recipe.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base with rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Adds authentic Tex-Mex spice and depth to the beef.
- ½ cup water: Helps the seasoning create a delicious sauce with the beef.
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans: Offers creamy texture and classic Mexican taste.
- 8 small flour tortillas: Serve as the crispy, layered crusts for the pizza.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to hold all the toppings together.
- ½ cup enchilada sauce or taco sauce: Provides a tangy, flavorful finish to the pizza’s top layer.
- ½ cup diced tomatoes: Add a fresh, juicy burst of flavor and color.
- ¼ cup sliced black olives: Bring a briny, savory note that complements the other ingredients.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Add a mild onion sharpness for brightness.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used to crisp the tortillas and bring out golden edges.
How to Make Mexican Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly. This step builds the foundation of flavors, as browning intensifies the meat’s taste. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the pizza from getting greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting the mixture simmer until it thickens into a savory filling that’s bursting with spice.
Step 2: Warm the Refried Beans
While the beef simmers, gently heat the refried beans in a separate pan or microwave until they’re easily spreadable. The creamy beans act as a rich cushion beneath the beef layer, giving you that signature Mexican twist and a lovely texture contrast with the crisp tortillas.
Step 3: Prepare and Crisp the Tortillas
Brush both sides of each flour tortilla lightly with vegetable oil, which is the trick to getting perfectly crispy, golden layers. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 4 to 5 minutes per side. This creates a sturdy yet crunchy base that’s essential for holding all the delicious toppings without becoming soggy.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Layers
Now the fun part—layering your Mexican Pizza Recipe. Spread refried beans over four of the crispy tortillas, then evenly top with the seasoned beef mixture. Place the remaining tortillas on top to create a sandwich-like stack. This layered construction means every bite is a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and meaty goodness.
Step 5: Add Sauces, Cheese, and Toppings
Spread a spoonful of enchilada or taco sauce over each of the top tortillas to infuse vibrant flavor. Then sprinkle generously with shredded Mexican blend cheese, allowing it to melt to gooey perfection in the oven. Finally, scatter diced tomatoes, black olives, and sliced green onions on top for a fresh, colorful finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Hot
Return the assembled pizzas to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling. This final bake melds all the flavors together and makes the edges perfectly crispy, delivering that irresistible combination that makes the Mexican Pizza Recipe so beloved.
How to Serve Mexican Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Mexican Pizza Recipe, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro after baking. These garnishes lend creaminess and a fresh herbal note that brighten the dish beautifully. You can also add sliced jalapeños for those who love a spicy kick, turning your meal into a personalized flavor adventure.
Side Dishes
The creamy Mexican rice or a crunchy side salad pairs wonderfully with this pizza, balancing the richness with fresh greens and a citrusy dressing. Black beans or a simple guacamole dip make great companions too, adding layers of traditional Mexican flavors and textures that round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish as individual mini Mexican pizzas by using smaller tortillas or cutting the large ones into wedges after baking. This is perfect for parties or casual gatherings. You can also build it as a layered dip using the same ingredients, making it a versatile recipe that impresses guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Pizza Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to preserve its texture and freshness. When refrigerated properly, the flavors deepen and the dish reheats beautifully for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Mexican Pizza Recipe longer, wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. Freezing is an excellent option for meal prepping or saving portions for busy nights. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Mexican Pizza Recipe is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy tortilla layers; the oven brings back that delightful crunch and fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in this Mexican Pizza Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor since turkey and chicken are leaner.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use extra refried beans and vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or peppers. This adaptation keeps the dish hearty and flavorful while catering to vegetarian diets.
How spicy is this Mexican Pizza Recipe?
The level of spice mainly depends on the taco seasoning and sauce you choose. You can easily control the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot seasoning blends and sauces. Plus, adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce allows you to customize the spice at serving time.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
While flour tortillas crisp up nicely and create sturdy layers, corn tortillas can be used if you prefer. Just be aware they’re a bit more fragile and may require careful handling and possibly shorter baking times to avoid breaking.
What are some good toppings to add on this Mexican Pizza Recipe?
Besides the traditional toppings, consider adding sliced avocado, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or even pickled onions. Each adds a unique texture or zing that personalizes the pizza just how you like it.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pizza Recipe is a deliciously creative way to bring two beloved favorites together in one unforgettable meal. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests. Give it a try—you’ll love how the layers of crispy tortillas, savory beef, creamy beans, and vibrant toppings come together in every satisfying bite.
Print
Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This Mexican Pizza recipe offers a delicious Tex-Mex twist on a classic favorite by layering crispy tortillas with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and a blend of cheeses. Topped with fresh vegetables and olives, it makes for an easy, flavorful main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
Tortillas & Toppings
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup enchilada sauce or taco sauce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tortillas and assembling the pizza layers.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens to enhance the flavors.
- Warm Refried Beans: In a separate pan, gently warm the refried beans until they reach a spreadable consistency, making them easier to layer on the tortillas.
- Prepare Tortillas: Lightly brush both sides of each flour tortilla with vegetable oil. Arrange the tortillas on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. This will create a sturdy base and top for the pizza layers.
- Assemble Pizza Layers: Spread the warm refried beans evenly over four of the baked tortillas. Top each with the seasoned ground beef. Place the remaining tortillas on top to form pizza layers.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread a spoonful of enchilada or taco sauce over each top tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded Mexican blend cheese, then evenly add diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and green onions for freshness and flavor.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Return the assembled pizzas to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and serve hot for a satisfying Tex-Mex meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or vegetarian meat alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
- Add jalapeños to the toppings for an extra spicy kick.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream after baking for added creaminess.
