Mexican Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza with the bold, flavorful elements of tacos. With layers of refried beans, seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a crispy tortilla shell, it's the perfect comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to make in under 15 minutes!

Ingredients

• 4 flour tortillas (medium size, not burrito size)

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup enchilada sauce (or taco sauce)

• 1 can refried beans (about 15 oz)

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)

• 1 tomato, diced

• 1 red onion, diced

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup black olives, sliced

• 2 green onions, chopped

• Optional: cilantro or parsley for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Taco Meat:

   • In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat for 5-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning, water, and enchilada sauce. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes.

2. Assemble the First Layer:

   • Spread a layer of refried beans on one tortilla. Top with a portion of taco meat, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Place another tortilla on top.

3. Assemble the Second Layer:

   • Spread enchilada sauce on the top tortilla and cover with cheese.

4. Cook the Mexican Pizza:

   • Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 400°F. Air fry the pizza for 5 minutes until crispy.

   • Oven Method: Preheat to 350°F. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy.

   • Pan Frying Method: Heat oil in a skillet, cook for 4-5 minutes with a lid on until crispy and the cheese melts.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Top with diced tomato, red onion, sour cream, olives, and green onions. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 5-10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Mexican Pizza: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.

• Steak/Carne Asada: Use grilled steak or carne asada for a flavorful twist.

• Shrimp Mexican Pizza: Use seasoned shrimp instead of beef.

• Vegetarian/Vegan Mexican Pizza: Use refried beans, vegan cheese, and sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or tofu.

• Gluten-Free Mexican Pizza: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Mexican pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet on medium heat until the cheese is melted.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas for this recipe?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used, but they may be more brittle than flour tortillas. If using corn, make sure they’re not too large for easy handling.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizzas in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake or air fry when ready to serve.

3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute the ground beef with refried beans and sautéed veggies like mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.

4. Can I freeze Mexican pizzas?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked Mexican pizzas. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake directly from frozen.

5. What toppings can I add to my Mexican pizza?

You can add any taco toppings you like, such as guacamole, salsa, corn, pickled onions, or jalapeños.

6. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely! Homemade taco seasoning will add a personal touch to your Mexican pizza.

7. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the cheese for a dairy-free cheese option to make it dairy-free.

8. How do I prevent the tortilla from getting soggy?

Ensure your ground beef mixture isn’t too watery and consider using a layer of cheese between the tortillas to help seal them.

9. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add some jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning to kick up the heat if you like things spicy.

10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Taco Bell copycat Mexican pizza recipe is the perfect solution for satisfying your cravings for something crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore the variations, this homemade Mexican pizza is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.