Mexican Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night you want bold flavors with easy prep. It layers crispy tortillas with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh toppings for a meal that’s both fun and satisfying. This recipe is quick to make, family-friendly, and versatile—you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something new, Mexican Pizza is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Pizza Recipe
You’ll love this Mexican Pizza because it combines the best of Mexican flavors with the comfort of pizza. It’s quick to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. The recipe is flexible—add spice, make it vegetarian, or top with your favorite fresh veggies. It’s great for kids and adults alike and makes a colorful, tasty meal that’s perfect for sharing. This dish brings excitement to your dinner table without any hassle.
What You’ll Need
To make this irresistible Mexican Pizza, you’ll need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create those bold, delicious flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Tortillas: Use large flour tortillas for the base and top layers. Their size and texture hold the toppings well and get crispy when baked.
- Ground beef: About 1 pound of lean ground beef is perfect for the savory protein layer. You can substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
- Refried beans: 1 can of refried beans adds a creamy, hearty layer that complements the beef.
- Mexican seasoning: A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to season the beef perfectly.
- Salsa: ½ cup of your favorite salsa adds tang and a touch of spice.
- Cheese: 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar for melty, gooey goodness.
- Toppings: Chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced green onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro bring freshness and color.
- Optional extras: Sour cream, avocado slices, or lime wedges to serve on the side.
All these ingredients come together to create a flavorful, colorful dish that’s easy to assemble and bake.
How to Make Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add seasoning: Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Mix well.
- Add salsa: Pour in ½ cup salsa and stir until combined. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare the base: Place one large flour tortilla on a baking sheet. Spread ½ cup refried beans evenly over the tortilla.
- Add beef: Layer the seasoned beef over the beans.
- Cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef.
- Second tortilla: Place a second tortilla on top and press lightly.
- More cheese: Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over the top tortilla.
- Bake: Place in oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and tortillas are crisp.
- Top it off: Remove from oven and add your favorite toppings like chopped tomatoes, olives, green onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Slice and serve with sour cream or avocado on the side for extra creaminess.
Enjoy your perfectly layered Mexican Pizza that’s bursting with flavor in every bite!
You Must Know
To make the best Mexican Pizza, start with flour tortillas—they crisp up perfectly and hold toppings well. Season your beef with a good Mexican spice blend, but don’t over-salt since beans and cheese add saltiness too. Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the pizza from getting soggy, and simmer the salsa with the beef to reduce moisture. Spread toppings evenly and press the top tortilla lightly before baking. Add fresh toppings like avocado or sour cream after baking to keep them fresh and creamy. These tips will help your pizza come out crispy and full of flavor every time.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Bake your Mexican Pizza at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes to get that perfect crispy tortilla and melted cheese. Use parchment paper or lightly grease your baking sheet to prevent sticking. If you want extra crunch, try using a wire rack. Watch closely after 10 minutes to avoid burning. Let the pizza rest a few minutes after baking so it’s easier to slice and serve. If the pizza feels too wet, reduce salsa or beans next time. Following these simple steps guarantees a tasty, crispy Mexican Pizza every time.
Add Your Touch
One of the best parts about making Mexican Pizza is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own. Want more heat? Toss on some sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce. Craving extra creaminess? Add dollops of sour cream or avocado slices after baking. For a fresh crunch, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro.
If you’re vegetarian or want to lighten it up, swap the ground beef for black beans or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add corn kernels or sautéed bell peppers for extra color and flavor. Cheese lovers can mix in some queso fresco or pepper jack for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Mexican Pizza is great for leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This helps keep the tortillas crispy while melting the cheese again.
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Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas soggy. If you must microwave, heat on a paper towel to absorb moisture and keep some crunch.
You can also freeze Mexican Pizza slices wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Proper storing and reheating make it easy to enjoy this delicious dish even on busy days!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
To make your Mexican Pizza truly shine, here are some pro tips to keep in mind. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—fresh cilantro, ripe tomatoes, and quality cheese make a big difference. When cooking the beef, cook it thoroughly but avoid overcooking to keep it juicy. Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
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Don’t skip letting the pizza rest a few minutes after baking; it helps the cheese set and makes slicing cleaner. If you want a crispier crust, try lightly brushing the tortillas with olive oil before layering.
Experiment with different cheeses or add a squeeze of lime juice over the finished pizza for extra brightness. And finally, always keep your oven fully preheated for consistent cooking.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute.
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Q: What if I don’t have refried beans?
A: You can mash canned black beans or use a bean dip as a substitute.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble it and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, but avoid topping with fresh veggies until serving.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: The heat level depends on your salsa and toppings. Adjust jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
Mexican Pizza is a fun, flavorful twist on a classic that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday or any casual dinner night. With layers of seasoned beef, creamy beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, it delivers big on taste and satisfaction. The recipe is quick, easy, and highly customizable, making it great for families or entertaining guests. Plus, leftovers store and reheat well, so you can enjoy it again later with minimal effort.
Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own creative touches, Mexican Pizza brings a festive, comforting meal to your table that everyone will love. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and turn your Taco Tuesday into a delicious celebration!
Taco Tuesday Just Got Better: Try This Irresistible Mexican Pizza
Description
A crispy, cheesy Mexican-inspired pizza layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, fresh toppings, and melty cheese. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any fun family dinner night!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat. Add taco seasoning and salsa; simmer 5 minutes.
Place one tortilla on a baking sheet; spread refried beans evenly on top.
Layer cooked beef over beans, then sprinkle with half the cheese.
Add the second tortilla on top and brush lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts and tortillas crisp.
Remove and top with tomatoes, olives, cilantro, sour cream, and avocado if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use flour tortillas for best crispness.
Adjust spice level by choosing mild or spicy salsa.
For vegetarian, replace beef with black beans or plant-based meat.
Let pizza rest 2 minutes after baking for easier slicing.