Mexican Pizza Recipe

Spicy Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Crafting a delectable mexican pizza brings together the vibrant flavors of two beloved cuisines in one mouthwatering dish.

Crispy tortillas form the perfect canvas for a zesty culinary adventure.

Layers of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and fresh toppings create an explosion of taste.

Forget bland takeout – this homemade version packs a serious punch of authentic southwestern flair.

Spicy and satisfying, each bite tells a story of culinary creativity.

Your taste buds will dance with excitement over this crowd-pleasing meal.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this ultimate comfort food fusion.

What Makes Mexican Pizza So Fun to Eat

  • Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This Mexican Pizza transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dish that brings everyone together, making mealtime exciting and fun.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to suit individual tastes, creating a personalized dining experience for each family member.
  • Master Quick Cooking: With straightforward steps and minimal prep, even novice cooks can confidently create a restaurant-style meal in their own kitchen, boosting culinary skills effortlessly.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for casual dinners, game nights, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this recipe offers a playful twist on traditional pizza that appeals to both kids and adults.

Mexican Pizza Must-Have Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Tortillas: Thin, round base for the Mexican pizza.
  • Ground Beef: Savory protein for the pizza filling.
  • Refried Beans: Creamy spread for the pizza base.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Zesty sauce to add flavor.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that brings everything together.
Produce and Toppings:
  • Tomatoes, Green Onions: Fresh garnish for added color and crunch.
  • Black Olives: Salty, tangy topping for extra flavor.
Seasonings and Extras:
  • Taco Seasoning, Vegetable Oil, Hot Sauce: Spices and cooking essentials to enhance the dish.

Making Mexican Pizza at Home

Step 1: Crisp Tortilla Bases

Heat a skillet with vegetable oil and carefully fry tortillas until they turn golden and crispy. Transfer the fried tortillas to paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain their crunchiness.

Step 2: Spice Up the Beef

In the same skillet, brown ground beef and mix in taco seasoning. Cook thoroughly and drain any remaining grease to keep the meat flavorful and lean.

Step 3: Layer the Mexican Pizza

Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, create pizza layers with tortillas, spreading:
  • Refried beans
  • Seasoned ground beef
  • Another tortilla on top

Step 4: Add Zesty Toppings

Cover the layered tortillas with:
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Shredded cheese

Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Fresh Finishing Touches

Sprinkle the baked Mexican pizza with:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced black olives
  • Chopped green onions
  • Optional hot sauce for extra kick

Slice and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Suggestions for a Great Mexican Pizza

  • Choose Lean Meat: Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier pizza version.
  • Crisp Tortillas Perfectly: Ensure tortillas are golden and crispy by frying them briefly in hot oil, turning once to get an even color and texture.
  • Drain Thoroughly: Remove excess oil from ground beef and fried tortillas using paper towels to prevent a greasy final dish.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust hot sauce and taco seasoning to match personal heat preferences, making the pizza mild or extra spicy.
  • Layer Strategically: Place ingredients evenly across tortillas to ensure each bite has a balanced combination of meat, beans, cheese, and toppings.

How To Store Leftover Mexican Pizza

  • Store leftover Mexican pizza in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pizzas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent cheese from burning. Remove foil in last 3 minutes for crispy edges.
  • Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent tortillas from getting tough.

Mexican Pizza Perfect Matches

Spice Up Your Sips: Complementary Beverage Choices for Mexican Pizza

  • Craft a Margarita Moment: Mix a classic or spicy margarita with fresh lime juice to match the zesty pizza flavor, cutting through the richness of beef and cheese.
  • Beer Pairing Perfection: Select a crisp Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial, which provides a cool, light contrast to the spicy and hearty pizza.
  • Cool Down with Sangria: Prepare a refreshing red sangria with citrus fruits and a hint of cinnamon, balancing the bold flavors and adding a fruity undertone.
  • Kick Up the Heat: Serve a cold horchata alongside the pizza, offering a creamy, sweet relief from the spicy taco seasoning and hot sauce.

Tasty Spins on Mexican Pizza

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or seasoned plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version that maintains protein and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortillas with large roasted portobello mushroom caps or crispy lettuce wraps to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the Mexican pizza essence.
  • Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, plant-based meat substitutes, and skip the enchilada sauce to create a completely animal-product-free Mexican pizza.

FAQs

  • Can I use alternative meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and hot sauce you use. You can control the heat by choosing mild seasonings or reducing the amount of hot sauce.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with black beans, sautéed vegetables, or plant-based meat crumbles to create a vegetarian version of Mexican Pizza.

  • What type of tortillas work best?

Flour tortillas are recommended for this recipe as they hold up better during frying and baking, providing a crispy texture that corn tortillas might not achieve.

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Mexican Pizza Recipe

Mexican Pizza Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Craving Taco Bell’s iconic Mexican Pizza brings comfort straight to your kitchen. Layers of seasoned beef, crispy tortillas, zesty salsa, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering fusion you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Starches:

  • 16 corn tortillas (6-inch)
  • 2 cups refried beans, warmed

Dairy and Sauces:

  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (or taco sauce)

Oils and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • Salt to taste

Toppings:

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced black olives
  • Chopped green onions
  • Hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet with vegetable oil and crisp tortillas until they achieve a golden-brown hue, then transfer to absorbent paper towels to remove excess oil.
  2. Utilize the same skillet to brown ground beef, incorporating taco seasoning and ensuring complete cooking while eliminating any surplus grease.
  3. Arrange the fried tortillas on a baking sheet, creating a foundation layer with refried beans and seasoned ground beef, then strategically place a second tortilla atop each base.
  4. Generously coat the layered tortillas with enchilada sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the surface.
  5. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the sauced tortillas, creating a melty blanket.
  6. Transfer the assembled pizzas to a preheated oven at 400°F and bake until the cheese becomes luxuriously melted and slightly bubbling, approximately 10 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and artfully garnish with freshly diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and finely chopped green onions.
  8. For those desiring an extra kick, drizzle hot sauce across the top of each Mexican pizza before serving.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the same hearty flavor and texture.
  • Use whole wheat or corn tortillas to increase nutritional value and add a subtle nutty taste to the Mexican Pizza.
  • Pat tortillas dry after frying to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy layers during baking.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco for a more complex and authentic Mexican flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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