This Mexican Pizza Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of Mexican and American flavors. Layers of crispy tortillas, savory taco meat, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese come together to create a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to customize and comes together in under 40 minutes.
Easy Mexican Pizza Recipe
Think of this dish as a layered, crispy taco in pizza form. It starts with a crispy tortilla base, topped with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, fresh tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, then sliced into pizza-style wedges for easy serving.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for an extra kick of flavor!
Why Our Mexican Pizza Recipe Is the Best
Our Mexican Pizza is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also combines all the bold flavors you love—taco-seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and zesty enchilada sauce. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, making it perfect for picky eaters or adventurous foodies.
Ingredients Notes for Mexican Pizza
Each ingredient in this Mexican Pizza Recipe plays an essential role in creating its bold and satisfying flavors:
- 1 pound ground beef – The savory protein base, seasoned with taco spices.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – Adds bold Mexican flavors to the ground beef.
- ¾ cup water – Helps the taco seasoning infuse into the beef.
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans – Creamy and flavorful, forming the first layer of the pizza.
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce – Adds tangy, zesty flavor to the top layer.
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes – Provides a fresh, juicy burst of flavor.
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese – The perfect blend of creamy and melty cheese.
- 8 taco-sized flour tortillas – The crispy base of the pizza.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Helps crisp up the tortillas to golden perfection.
Ingredient Substitution Tip: For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap refried beans with black bean puree. You can also use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Mexican Pizza
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need:
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Mixing spoon
How to Make Mexican Pizza
Follow these easy steps to create a crispy, cheesy Mexican-inspired pizza in no time!
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 pound ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
Add 1 packet taco seasoning and ¾ cup water to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Crisp the Tortillas
In a large skillet or griddle, heat ½ tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook each of the 8 tortillas for 4–5 minutes, flipping frequently, until crispy and golden brown. Add more oil as needed for the remaining tortillas. Set the crispy tortillas aside.
4. Assemble the Pizzas
Spread ¼ cup refried beans evenly over one tortilla. Top with a layer of the seasoned taco meat, then place another tortilla on top to form the pizza base.
Spread about 2 tablespoons enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Sprinkle ¼ cup diced tomatoes evenly over the sauce, followed by a generous layer of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
5. Bake the Pizzas
Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for 1–2 minutes. Slice each pizza into quarters and serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
How To Store Mexican Pizza
Store leftover Mexican Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore the crispiness, or microwave for a quicker option (though the tortillas may soften).
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed through and crispy.
Mexican Pizza Variations
This recipe is highly versatile—here are some creative twists to try:
- Vegetarian Mexican Pizza: Swap the ground beef for black beans, pinto beans, or crumbled tofu.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- BBQ Mexican Pizza: Replace the enchilada sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Breakfast Mexican Pizza: Top with scrambled eggs, sausage, and shredded cheese for a breakfast-inspired version.
- Seafood Mexican Pizza: Use cooked shrimp or seasoned fish instead of ground beef.
What To Serve With Mexican Pizza
Pair this cheesy and crispy dish with these sides for a complete meal:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful, hearty side that complements the pizza perfectly.
- Guacamole and Chips: Add creaminess and crunch to your plate.
- Corn Salad: A fresh and tangy contrast to the rich pizza flavors.
- Margaritas or Lime Spritzers: Refreshing beverages that pair beautifully with the tangy enchilada sauce.
Top Tips for Perfect Mexican Pizza
- Crisp the Tortillas Well: Make sure to cook the tortillas until golden and crispy to support the toppings.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Customize Your Toppings: Adjust the cheese, tomatoes, and enchilada sauce to suit your taste.
- Don’t Overload: Avoid adding too many toppings, as they can make the tortillas soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Mexican Pizza is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven.
Helpful Notes
- To save time, use pre-made crispy tortillas or tostadas as the base.
- Leftover taco meat can be stored in the refrigerator and used to make more pizzas later.
- Add lettuce, sour cream, or salsa after baking for a fresh and flavorful topping.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Rick Bayless: “Use high-quality enchilada sauce or make your own for the best flavor.”
- Bobby Flay: “Don’t skimp on the cheese—it’s the key to a perfectly gooey and satisfying Mexican Pizza.”
- Ina Garten: “Prep all your ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes! Corn tortillas work well, but they may require less time to crisp up.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with black beans, refried beans, or plant-based meat alternatives.
3. Can I use store-bought tostadas?
Yes, pre-made tostadas are a great time-saver and work just as well as crispy tortillas.
4. How do I keep the tortillas crispy?
Avoid overloading the tortillas with wet toppings and serve immediately after baking.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble the pizzas in advance, but bake them just before serving to keep the tortillas crisp.
Enjoy this crispy, cheesy Mexican Pizza Recipe, and bring the flavors of a fiesta to your dinner table!
Mexican Pizza Recipe: A Crispy, Cheesy Fiesta
Ingredients
- – 1 pound ground beef
- – 1 packet taco seasoning
- – ¾ cup water
- – 1 15 oz can refried beans
- – 1 10 oz can enchilada sauce
- – ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- – 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- – 8 taco-sized flour tortillas
- – 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Crisp the Tortillas: Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 4-5 minutes, flipping frequently, until crispy and golden brown. Add more oil as needed for the remaining tortillas. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pizzas: Spread ¼ cup of refried beans evenly over one tortilla. Top with a layer of cooked taco meat. Place another tortilla on top to create the base of the pizza.
- Add Toppings: Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Sprinkle with diced tomatoes and a generous layer of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the assembled pizzas to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pizzas cool for a minute or two. Slice into quarters and serve hot.
Notes
- For quicker preparation, use pre-made crispy tortillas or tostadas as the base.
- Customize your pizzas with additional toppings like jalapeños, olives, green onions, or sour cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven for best results.
