There’s something incredibly satisfying about the vibrant flavors and comforting crunch of a Mexican Pizza Recipe, and this version is no exception. Layers of crispy tortillas sandwich a savory blend of refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, topped off with fresh, colorful vegetables that bring the whole dish to life. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply crave a delicious, hearty meal that comes together quickly, this Mexican Pizza Recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving that perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color. Each component plays a special role—from the crispy tortillas providing the base to the mix of cheeses melting into gooey goodness, and the fresh toppings adding brightness and contrast.
- 6 medium flour tortillas: The perfect size and texture for a sturdy pizza base and top.
- 15 ounces refried beans: Adds a creamy, earthy layer that binds the flavors together.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts overall aroma and adds a punch of savory warmth.
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided: Used to crisp the tortillas and cook the beef evenly.
- 12 ounces ground beef: The hearty, flavorful protein base for the topping.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Infuses the beef with classic Mexican spices for bold taste.
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce: Adds tangy, spicy moisture between the tortilla layers.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese: Helps achieve that melty stretchiness everyone loves.
- 1 cup Mexican shredded cheese: A flavorful blend that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced: Freshness and acidity to cut through richness.
- 2 tablespoons black olives: A salty, briny topping that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced: Adds crunch and subtle sweetness on top.
How to Make Mexican Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until their delicious aroma fills your kitchen and the onions become translucent. Next, add the ground beef along with the taco seasoning. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully browned and all that seasoning has melded beautifully into the meat. Once ready, set this hearty mixture aside to let those flavors settle.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the beef mixture is resting, get your oven warmed up to 200°C (400°F). Preparing two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper at this stage greatly simplifies cleanup afterward, so it’s definitely worth the extra step.
Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a clean pan for tortilla crisping. Lightly fry each side of the tortillas until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. This crunch transforms the tortillas from soft flatbreads into the perfect foundation for your Mexican pizza, giving every bite a delightful texture contrast.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
On your prepared baking sheets, place one crispy tortilla down as the base. Spread a generous layer of creamy refried beans over it—this acts almost like a sauce that holds everything together. Next, spoon on a portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Carefully cover with a second tortilla. Now layer on the enchilada sauce, distributing it evenly, then sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and Mexican shredded cheeses over the top, leaving a small border so the cheese won’t spill over during baking. Repeat these steps with the remaining tortillas and ingredients to form multiple pizzas.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Slide the assembled pizzas into your preheated oven. Let them bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just long enough for the cheeses to melt fully into a bubbly, irresistible topping. This step melds all those layers together to create that iconic Mexican pizza experience with melted goodness running through every bite.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings
After baking, remove your Mexican pizzas from the oven and immediately enhance them with the fresh toppings. Scatter the diced tomatoes, black olives, and green bell peppers across the surface, adding a pop of color and crunch that keeps each bite exciting. For an extra creamy touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream on top—it’s like a cool, tangy finish that beautifully balances the rich layers underneath.
How to Serve Mexican Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are a game-changer for the Mexican Pizza Recipe. Diced tomatoes, black olives, and bell peppers add vibrant color and textures that transform this dish from simple to spectacular. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This Mexican pizza pairs wonderfully with sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. These complements balance the richness of the pizza and round out the meal with a variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Mexican Pizza Recipe as individual slices on colorful plates with small bowls of guacamole, pico de gallo, or salsa on the side. You can even cut each pizza into wedges and present them on a large platter for sharing—perfect for family nights or casual gatherings where conversation and good food flow freely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican pizza stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered ensures the layers stay moist without getting soggy, ready to enjoy again when cravings strike.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled, unbaked Mexican pizzas by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices or whole pizzas in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the tortillas crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free alternative, but they tend to be less flexible and crispier, so they might break more easily when layered. Flour tortillas give you that perfect sturdy base and golden crunch for the Mexican Pizza Recipe.
What if I want to make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. The refried beans and cheese keep it hearty and flavorful even without meat.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños either in the beef mixture or as a fresh topping. You can also opt for a spicy enchilada sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes to dial up the heat.
Is the Mexican Pizza Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Because it keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, it’s a fantastic choice for meal prep. Just assemble and bake fresh when you’re ready or prepare it fully ahead and reheat portions throughout the week.
What cheese combinations work best?
The blend of mozzarella and Mexican shredded cheese is ideal, combining meltiness with rich, tangy flavor. Feel free to add queso fresco or cheddar for additional dimension if you like experimenting.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pizza Recipe is such a joyous dish to make and enjoy, bringing together vibrant flavors, textures, and colors in one satisfying bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a fun recipe to share with friends, it delivers every time. Trust me, once you’ve made and tasted it, this dish will happily settle into your regular rotation. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes (ground beef) + 12 minutes (baking) + 4 minutes (tortilla crisping)
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Pizza recipe features crispy flour tortillas layered with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Mexican cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh tomatoes, olives, and bell peppers, this dish combines vibrant flavors and textures for a delicious and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Base and Spread
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- 15 ounces refried beans
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 12 ounces ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Cheeses and Toppings
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Mexican shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced
- 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Crisp the Tortillas: In another pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Crisp each tortilla on both sides until they turn golden brown, which will create a crispy base for the pizza.
- Assemble the Pizza: Place one crispy tortilla on a prepared baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over it, then add a portion of the ground beef mixture. Place a second tortilla on top, spread half a cup of enchilada sauce over it, and evenly sprinkle with one-third of both the mozzarella and Mexican shredded cheeses, leaving a small border to prevent cheese from spilling out. Repeat this process until all tortillas and fillings are used.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the pizzas from the oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and diced green bell peppers for a fresh and vibrant finish. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of taco seasoning or using a mild enchilada sauce.
- You can add other toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or cilantro according to your preference.
- If you prefer a softer crust, skip the step of crisping the tortillas on the pan before assembling.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
