Mexican Pizza

Craving something bold, cheesy, and packed with zesty Mexican flavors? This Mexican Pizza is the perfect fusion of two favorite cuisines—crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s fun to make, easy to customize, and incredibly satisfying. Great for dinner, parties, or game day!

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Weeknight Dinner – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Family-Friendly – Everyone can add their own favorite toppings.
Loaded with Flavor – Zesty spices, cheesy goodness, and crunchy texture in every bite.
No Oven Needed – Can be made entirely on the stovetop if desired.
Customizable – Swap out ingredients based on what you love or have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅓ cup water

For the Bean Layer:

• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for smooth texture)

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup pickled jalapeño slices (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Taco sauce or salsa
• Guacamole or avocado slices

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or non-stick pan
• Small saucepan
• Spatula
• Cutting board & knife
• Baking sheet (if using oven)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion.
2. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Pour in water and let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Warm the Refried Beans
5. In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans with 1 tbsp olive oil over low heat.
6. Stir until warm and smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
7. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
8. Add a tortilla and cook for about 1 minute per side, until golden and crispy.
9. Repeat with remaining tortillas, adding more oil as needed.
10. Place cooked tortillas on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
11. Lay two tortillas on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans on each one.
12. Add an even layer of seasoned beef on top of the beans.
13. Place the other tortillas on top of the beef to create a sandwich.
14. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top tortillas. Add diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, and jalapeños.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese
15. Preheat your oven to 400°F (or use a skillet with a lid).
16. Place assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Alternatively: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
17. Carefully transfer the pizzas to a cutting board.
18. Top with fresh cilantro, a drizzle of sour cream, and a spoonful of taco sauce or salsa.
19. Slice into quarters and serve with guacamole or avocado on the side.

Tips for the Best Mexican Pizza
Crisp Tortillas Well – They’re your “pizza crust,” so make sure they’re golden and sturdy.
Don’t Overload – Too much filling can make it soggy or hard to slice.
Use Pre-Shredded Cheese – Saves time and melts perfectly.
Fresh Toppings Last – Add cold garnishes like sour cream and cilantro after baking.
Make It Spicy – Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper if you like extra heat.

Serving Suggestions
Mexican Street Corn – A creamy, tangy side dish that pairs perfectly.
Mexican Rice – Flavored rice makes a hearty and flavorful addition.
Fresh Fruit Salad – Add some brightness with pineapple, mango, or citrus.
Iced Hibiscus Tea – Refreshing and traditional Mexican-style beverage.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Avoid stacking pizzas to keep toppings intact.

Freezing:
Wrap unbaked assembled pizzas in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Skillet: Reheat on low with a lid to re-crisp the bottom and melt cheese.
Microwave: Works in a pinch but may soften the tortilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
   Yes! Just make sure to crisp them well and handle them gently since they’re more delicate.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Skip the beef and add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even crumbled tofu.
3. What’s the best cheese for Mexican Pizza?
   A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or a Mexican-style cheese mix works great.
4. Can I add more toppings?
   Definitely! Try cooked chorizo (beef-based), grilled chicken, or even extra beans.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, just use certified gluten-free tortillas and double-check your seasonings.

Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pizza is a crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed creation that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its perfect layers and customizable toppings, it’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Serve it up for dinner, parties, or any time you’re craving a bold, satisfying meal.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 580m

Print