If you are craving something that brings together all your favorite Mexican flavors with the fun twist of crispy tortillas, this Mexican Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and vibrant toppings all stacked between baked tortillas for that perfect crunch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a festive dinner, this dish hits all the right notes with comforting textures and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mexican Pizza Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient layers flavor and texture to create that mouthwatering final dish. These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a vital role—from the seasoned beef adding warmth and spice to the refried beans providing creamy richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that absorbs taco seasoning perfectly for bold flavor.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Brings the classic Tex-Mex spices that make every bite lively.
- ½ cup water: Helps the taco seasoning meld with the beef for a juicy mixture.
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans: Adds creaminess and a smooth layer that balances the spices.
- 8 small flour tortillas: Crisp up nicely in the oven to form the pizza’s delicious crust.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to hold all the layers together with gooey goodness.
- ½ cup taco sauce or enchilada sauce: Offers a zesty, tangy topping that brightens the whole pizza.
- ½ cup diced tomatoes: Gives freshness and a little sweetness that cuts through the richness.
- ¼ cup sliced black olives: Adds a salty, savory contrast to the other toppings.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Provide a pop of color and a mild sharpness that lifts the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used to crisp the tortillas to perfection on both sides.
How to Make Mexican Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s nicely browned, breaking apart any chunks as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep things from becoming greasy. Then stir in the taco seasoning and water, simmering for a few minutes so the beef soaks up those warm spices and the mixture thickens to a perfect consistency.
Step 2: Heat the Refried Beans
While the beef simmers, warm your refried beans in a separate pan until they’re smooth and spreadable. This makes it easier to evenly layer them on the tortillas later, adding a creamy element to your Mexican pizza base.
Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with vegetable oil to ensure crispiness and place them on baking sheets. Pop them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy, forming that irresistible pizza crust texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
Once the tortillas are crisp, take four of them and spread a generous layer of refried beans on top. Next, pile on the seasoned beef mixture for a juicy, flavorful layer. Place another tortilla on top of each stack to create your double-layer base. Then it’s time to spread the taco sauce over the top tortillas, sprinkle on the cheese, and scatter diced tomatoes, black olives, and sliced green onions for a colorful finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Melty and Bubbling
Return the assembled pizzas to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes. When the cheese is melted and bubbly with those gorgeous golden spots, your Mexican Pizza Recipe is ready to come out and be enjoyed.
How to Serve Mexican Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Mexican pizza experience, top each slice with dollops of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole. Fresh cilantro leaves, a squeeze of lime, or even some sliced jalapeños can add extra brightness and a little zip.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette or a fresh corn and black bean salsa. For something heartier, Mexican street corn (elote) complements the flavors beautifully and adds a smoky-sweet touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving your Mexican Pizza Recipe as mini personal pizzas—using smaller tortillas or cutting the pizzas into bite-sized wedges for parties and entertaining. You can also layer ingredients in individual tortilla bowls to make customizable Mexican pizzas that guests build themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Mexican pizza tightly in foil or store in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains its flavor and texture well when properly stored.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the Mexican pizza by wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap and then foil. It’s best to consume within one month for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pizza on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. This method keeps the tortillas nice and crispy, and the cheese melts back into that irresistible gooey layer.
FAQs
Can I make this Mexican pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans to keep it meat-free while maintaining that same hearty, satisfying texture.
What kind of cheese is best to use?
A shredded Mexican blend works beautifully since it melts well and offers a perfect balance of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other mild cheeses. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for a twist.
Can I add extra heat to this recipe?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle some chili flakes to bring the heat up a notch. The layers of cheese and beans help balance spicy additions nicely.
Is there a gluten-free option for this Mexican Pizza Recipe?
You can substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas, which crisp up just as well. Just make sure your taco seasoning and other packaged ingredients are also gluten-free.
How soon can I prepare this dish before serving?
This dish is best served fresh but can be prepped a few hours ahead. You can fully assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a celebration every time you make it. Easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation, bringing joy with each crispy, cheesy slice.
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
A delicious and easy-to-make Mexican Pizza that layers seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and fresh toppings between crispy baked tortillas for a flavorful Tex-Mex main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup taco sauce or enchilada 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 Mexican pizza.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens, enhancing the flavors.
- Prepare Refried Beans: In a separate pan, gently heat the refried beans until they become smooth and spreadable, ready to be layered on the tortillas.
- Prepare Tortillas: Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with vegetable oil to ensure they crisp up nicely. Place them on baking sheets.
- Bake Tortillas: Bake the oiled tortillas in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they become crisp and golden. Remove them from the oven carefully.
- Assemble Mexican Pizza: On four of the baked tortillas, spread a generous layer of refried beans. Next, evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef over the beans. Top each with a second tortilla to form a sandwich-like pizza base.
- Add Toppings: Spread taco sauce on top of each layered pizza. Sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the sauce, then add diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and sliced green onions for freshness and flavor.
- Bake Assembled Pizzas: Return the assembled Mexican pizzas to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Serve: Slice the Mexican pizzas carefully and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
- Top with sour cream and guacamole before serving for richer flavors.
