Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American