Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

For the Base:

1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water (adjust to desired consistency)
6 medium flour tortillas (for extra crispness, use burrito-size tortillas)

For the Layers:

1 can (16 ounces) refried beans (or black beans for a twist)
1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce (for a spicier kick, opt for a medium or hot version)

For Toppings:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works great for a bolder flavor)
1 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese (adds a creamy, slightly spicy flavor)
1 Roma tomato, diced (or 2 smaller tomatoes for more freshness)
1 green onion, finely sliced (scallions or chives can also be used for a milder taste)
1 small can sliced black olives (optional, but they add a nice briny contrast)

Optional Garnishes and Sides:

Sour cream, for a creamy and tangy contrast
Fresh guacamole or sliced avocado, for extra richness
Salsa, for added flavor and spice
Jalapeños, fresh or pickled, for those who love a bit more heat
Chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tortillas:

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will give you a perfectly crispy tortilla without burning them.

Spray two baking sheets with non-stick spray to prevent the tortillas from sticking.
Place three tortillas on each sheet, ensuring they’re not overlapping, so they crisp evenly. If you prefer your tortillas extra crispy, you can bake them for a little longer, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Bake the tortillas in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes on one side, then flip them over and bake for another 2-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Depending on your oven and the thickness of the tortillas, you may need to adjust the timing slightly. Once crispy, remove the tortillas from the oven and set them aside to cool.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

While the tortillas bake, cook the ground beef to add the savory base for the Mexican pizzas.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure it crumbles into small pieces. Cook the beef for about 5–7 minutes, or until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
Drain the excess grease from the beef. You can either use a paper towel or tilt the pan to spoon out the fat, leaving just enough to keep the beef moist and flavorful.
Add the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water to the pan. Stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed and the mixture becomes saucy. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional taco seasoning if necessary. Set the skillet aside once done.

3. Warm the Refried Beans:

Next, heat the refried beans to make them spreadable.

Pour the refried beans into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they heat evenly.
If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can stir in a small amount of water or chicken broth to loosen them up. This will make it easier to spread them evenly on the tortillas.

4. Assemble the Mexican Pizzas:

Now it’s time to build the layers of flavor!

Take one of your crispy tortillas and spread a thin, even layer of warm refried beans on top. This will act as the first layer of your pizza.
Spoon about 1/3 of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the beans, spreading it evenly across the tortilla. This beef layer will give your pizza its hearty flavor.
Place another tortilla on top to form a two-layered base. Press it down slightly to ensure the layers stick together.

5. Add Enchilada Sauce and Cheese:

The next step is to add the saucy and cheesy goodness that will melt together into the perfect pizza.

Spread 3 tablespoons of red enchilada sauce evenly over the top tortilla. Be sure to cover the entire surface to infuse the pizza with the rich flavor of the sauce.
Generously sprinkle cheddar and pepper-jack cheese on top of the enchilada sauce. The cheddar adds sharpness, while the pepper-jack contributes creaminess and a subtle heat.
Top the cheese with diced Roma tomato, green onions, and sliced black olives for added texture and flavor. The tomatoes add a fresh, juicy bite, while the olives bring a bit of brine and tang to balance the richness of the cheese and beef.

6. Bake the Mexican Pizzas:

Once the pizzas are assembled, it’s time to melt the cheese and bring everything together.

Carefully place your assembled pizzas back onto the baking sheets. If you have more than one pizza on each sheet, make sure the pizzas aren’t too close together so they can bake evenly.
Bake in the oven for 5–7 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep an eye on the pizzas to ensure the cheese doesn’t overcook or burn.
If you like extra crispy edges, you can leave them in for a few more minutes. Just remember that the tortillas can crisp up quickly!

7. Serve and Garnish:

Once your Mexican pizzas are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice.

Slice the pizzas into quarters using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
For added freshness, garnish with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa on the side. The creaminess of the sour cream and the coolness of guacamole pair beautifully with the spiced beef and cheese.
Optional: Garnish with chopped cilantro or a few jalapeño slices for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Pro Tips and Variations:

For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a layer of shredded lettuce and diced onions after baking for a fresh, crisp contrast.
Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with black beans or grilled vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms) for a delicious vegetarian pizza.
Cheese Variations: Mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack for an extra cheesy experience.
Customize the Tortillas: If you prefer corn tortillas, feel free to substitute them for a gluten-free option. Just bake them for a slightly shorter time.

Final Thoughts:

This Homemade Mexican Pizza is a fun, customizable dish that can feed a crowd or satisfy your craving for something cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight, casual get-together, or even a game day feast. Enjoy!