Mexican Pizza

Bring restaurant-style flavor right to your dinner table with this homemade Mexican Pizza! Crispy tortillas serve as the base for layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, zesty sauce, and gooey melted cheese—topped off with fresh veggies and tangy toppings. It’s a fun and delicious fusion of Mexican and American flavors, perfect for weeknights, game days, or family dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Cheesy – A crunchy tortilla crust topped with melty cheese and zesty toppings.
Quick Weeknight Meal – Ready in just 30 minutes and great for all skill levels.
Better Than Takeout – No mystery ingredients, just fresh, delicious flavor.
Customizable – Adjust the toppings to suit your family’s tastes.
Kid-Approved – Cheesy, fun, and easy to eat with your hands!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:

• 6 medium flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried 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 (to loosen texture)

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup pickled jalapeños (optional)

For Garnish & Extras:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Hot sauce or taco sauce

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Knife & cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in water and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Beans
4. In a saucepan over low heat, warm the refried beans with 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir until smooth and heated through.

Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
5. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Fry each tortilla one at a time until golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 1-2 minutes per side).
7. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
8. Preheat oven to 400°F.
9. Spread a layer of refried beans on 3 of the crispy tortillas.
10. Top each with a layer of seasoned beef.
11. Place a second tortilla on top of the beef to form a “pizza.”
12. Spread a thin layer of taco sauce or salsa over the top tortilla.
13. Sprinkle both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly across each pizza.
14. Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, olives, and jalapeños.

Step 5: Bake
15. Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet.
16. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
17. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
18. Top with chopped fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and guacamole or avocado slices.
19. Slice into quarters and serve warm with your favorite salsa or hot sauce on the side.

Tips for the Best Mexican Pizza
Use Medium Tortillas – They’re just the right size for stacking without being too heavy.
Don’t Overload – Too many toppings can make your pizza soggy.
Double the Cheese – A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and gives that classic Tex-Mex flavor.
Bake Until Just Golden – Keep an eye on them; overbaking can make tortillas too hard to cut.
Customize It – Swap beef for chicken, beans only, or even sautéed veggies.

Serving Suggestions
Mexican Street Corn – Creamy, spicy, and tangy—perfect with pizza.
Cilantro Lime Rice – A fresh and fluffy side.
Fresh Mango Salsa – Sweet and spicy contrast to the cheesy main.
Lime Agua Fresca – Light and refreshing drink to complete the meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Avoid stacking them to keep the toppings intact.

Freezing:
Not recommended once assembled due to the crispy tortillas losing texture. You can freeze the cooked beef mixture separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes until the cheese remelts.
Skillet: Re-crisp the bottom on medium heat, cover to melt the cheese.
Microwave: Use only if in a rush—it softens the tortilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes! Just omit the beef and use only beans or add sautéed veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini.
2. What tortillas work best?
   Flour tortillas work best for structure and crispiness, but you can try corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   You can prep the beef and bean layers ahead of time. Assemble and bake right before serving for best results.
4. What kind of cheese is best?
   A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives a great melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese is a time-saver!
5. How do I make it spicier?
   Add more jalapeños, use spicy taco sauce, or drizzle hot sauce over the top before serving.

Final Thoughts
This homemade Mexican Pizza recipe brings all the nostalgic fast-food flavor with a fresh, homemade touch. With layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese, every bite is pure satisfaction. It’s a fun and simple meal that you can enjoy anytime—and everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

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: 460 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 610mg

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