If you love Mexican flavors and pizza, this Mexican Pizza Recipe is the perfect fusion of the two! Crispy tortillas serve as the base, topped with refried beans, taco-seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. Finished with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions, this dish is ideal for a fun family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party treat. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The lightly fried tortillas provide a perfect crispy base, while the seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese offer loads of flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and seasonings to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Mexican Pizza Recipe is for anyone who enjoys bold Mexican flavors and is looking for a creative and delicious way to enjoy them. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or preparing a fun dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
For the Tortillas:
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 16 corn tortillas (6-inch)
- Salt, to taste
For the Mexican Pizzas:
- 2 cups refried beans (warmed, from a 16-ounce can)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (or use taco sauce)
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings (Optional):
- Diced tomato
- Sliced black olives
- Green onions, chopped
- Hot sauce
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Paper towels for draining tortillas
- Baking sheet
- Spatula or tongs
- Small mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Crispy Tortillas
Start by heating ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the corn tortillas in batches, 1-2 at a time. Cook each tortilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crisp up. Set the fried tortillas onto paper towels to drain excess oil and season lightly with salt while still warm.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Cook the Ground Beef
In the same pan, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning along with ¼ cup of water. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Assemble the Mexican Pizzas
Place 8 of the fried tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread each tortilla with a layer of refried beans and then top with the seasoned taco meat.
Place the remaining 8 crispy tortillas on top of each base to create the “pizza.” Spread enchilada sauce (or taco sauce) over the top tortilla and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake the Pizzas
Bake the assembled Mexican pizzas in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Add Toppings and Serve
Once the pizzas are baked, remove them from the oven and top with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Serve the Mexican pizzas immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Customize the Meat: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef or pork for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add more refried beans or use sautéed veggies like peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.