There’s something about Mexican Pizza that brings back all the nostalgia of late-night fast food cravings—but nothing beats a homemade version. This crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed dish combines the best of tacos and pizza in one irresistible bite.
Layers of golden, crunchy tortillas, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and bold toppings make this a go-to meal for family dinners, game nights, or whenever you’re in the mood for a fun twist on Taco Tuesday. The best part? It’s super easy to make, bakes in minutes, and is completely customizable!
Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy, Restaurant-Style Tortillas – Baking the tortillas first ensures they stay crisp under all those delicious layers.
- Loaded with Flavor – A classic mix of seasoned beef, refried beans, and melty cheese makes every bite crave-worthy.
- Quick & Easy – This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, swap out ingredients, or even make a vegetarian version!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 3-4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 1 green onion, diced
- 1 small can sliced black olives
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Crisp Up the Tortillas
Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray two baking sheets with non-stick spray. Arrange three tortillas on each sheet.
Bake for 3-5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 2-5 minutes, until golden and crispy. This step is key to ensuring your Mexican pizza has that signature crunch!
2. Cook the Seasoned Beef
While the tortillas bake, I cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. Once the beef is fully cooked, I drain any excess grease.
Next, I stir in taco seasoning and water, bringing it to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to medium-low. I let it simmer for 10 minutes until the flavors meld.
3. Prep the Beans and Tortillas
In a microwave-safe bowl, I warm up the refried beans so they’re easier to spread. Then, I take one crispy tortilla and spread a thin layer of beans over the surface.
4. Build the First Layer
On top of the beans, I evenly spread ⅓ of the seasoned beef mixture before placing another crispy tortilla on top to create a stacked pizza.
5. Add the Sauce and Toppings
I spread about 3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla, then generously sprinkle on cheddar and pepper-jack cheese.
For the final touch, I scatter diced tomatoes, green onions, and sliced black olives over the cheese for fresh flavor and color.
6. Bake Until Bubbly
Once all three pizzas are assembled, I return them to the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Slice and Serve
After letting the pizzas cool slightly, I slice them into quarters and serve them hot. They’re perfect on their own but even better with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Pizza
- Don’t Skip Crisping the Tortillas – This ensures they hold up under the toppings without getting soggy.
- Customize the Cheese Blend – Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist.
- Add a Spicy Kick – Sprinkle diced jalapeños, drizzle hot sauce, or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
- Make It Vegetarian – Swap the beef for black beans, sautéed peppers, or even crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices.
- Double the Recipe for a Crowd – This meal is easy to scale up for family gatherings or game-day feasts.
What to Serve with Mexican Pizza
This dish is already packed with bold flavors, but I love pairing it with:
- Mexican Rice – A perfect side dish to complete the meal.
- Fresh Guacamole – The creamy texture balances out the crispy pizza.
- Pico de Gallo – Adds a refreshing contrast with fresh tomatoes, onions, and lime.
- Chili Lime Corn – A simple, flavorful addition with a slight smoky sweetness.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A: Yes! Corn tortillas will make a crispier, more traditional-style Mexican pizza. Just watch them closely in the oven, as they brown faster.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the beef and prep the toppings ahead. Assemble and bake right before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze Mexican pizza?
A: It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze assembled (uncooked) pizzas. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Pizza
This homemade Mexican pizza has all the crunch, flavor, and cheesy goodness of the restaurant version—but better. It’s crispy, melty, and packed with delicious taco-inspired flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and completely customizable to fit your taste!
Whether you’re making it for family dinner, a casual party, or a fun twist on taco night, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! If you have any creative toppings or additions, I’d love to hear them—after all, the best recipes are the ones we make our own!
Easy Mexican Pizza Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Twist on Taco Night
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese
- 1 large tortilla or pizza crust
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef and mix well. Set aside.
- Spread refried beans over the tortilla or pizza crust evenly.
- Layer the cooked beef on top of the beans.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and pepper-jack cheese over the beef.
- Top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
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