Say hello to your new favorite weeknight treat! These Easy Mexican Pizzas pack all the fiesta flavors you crave—hearty, spiced beef, crispy tortillas, gooey cheese, and zippy toppings—into a craveable, layered pie that’s way more fun than taco night. Quick to assemble and completely customizable, this dish is always a huge hit with both kids and grown-ups alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Cheesy Layers: Every bite bursts with a crave-worthy crunch from golden tortillas, deliciously stacked with melty cheese.
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: Let everyone pile on their favorite toppings or tweak the spice, making mealtime both interactive and fun.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No fancy grocery trip required—just pantry staples and a few fresh garnishes deliver that bold, irresistible taste.
- Ready in 40 Minutes: Busy weeknights are no match for Easy Mexican Pizzas—get dinner on the table fast, with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Easy Mexican Pizzas is just how simple (but essential!) each ingredient is. From the tender beef and toasty tortillas to the ooey-gooey cheese, every component brings something special—and wildly delicious—to the table.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The savory, juicy base—seasoned to perfection and full of satisfying protein.
- Chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and bite, making the filling extra flavorful.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that draw out all the best flavors from the beef.
- Chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro: This trio brings classic Mexican spice and earthy warmth that makes the whole dish pop.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives the perfect gentle heat—customize to taste!
- Minced garlic: A must for aromatic, mouthwatering filling.
- Small fajita-size flour tortillas (16 total): These become irresistibly crisp after a quick fry—don’t be tempted to skip it!
- Canned refried beans: Creamy and hearty, they help “glue” the layers together and add extra protein.
- Taco sauce: The zesty finishing touch; use your favorite store-bought or homemade brand.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese (about 2 cups): Melts beautifully and offers the perfect flavor balance for these pizzas.
- Diced tomatoes and chopped green onions: Cool, fresh toppings that brighten and color each pizza.
- Vegetable oil: For lightly frying the tortillas—essential for that signature crispy crunch!
Variations
One of the joys of making Easy Mexican Pizzas is that they’re endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, dietary needs, or just want to use what’s on hand, you’ll find it’s a cinch to swap or add ingredients for your perfect bite.
- Go vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans, soy crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms to keep things plant-based and still delicious.
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or chipotle powder to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Change up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for a flavor twist or extra melty goodness.
- Add toppings galore: Fresh avocado, sliced olives, or pickled onions make fantastic finishing touches for extra flavor and color.
How to Make Easy Mexican Pizzas
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and chopped onion and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until everything is nicely browned and the onion is softened. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—this helps the finished pizzas stay perfectly crisp, not soggy!
Step 2: Spice It Up
Return the skillet to the heat and sprinkle in your salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and cayenne. Stir in the minced garlic and let it all cook for a minute more, so the spices bloom and coat the beef in that irresistible, aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Crisp Up the Tortillas
While the beef is cooking, heat just enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of a separate skillet over medium heat. Fry your flour tortillas one or two at a time, flipping so both sides go golden and crisp (about 1–2 minutes per side). Let them drain on paper towels so they stay crunchy.
Step 4: Layer and Assemble
Gently warm the refried beans—this makes them easy to spread. On a baking sheet, lay out half your fried tortillas. Smear each with a generous spoonful of beans, add a scoop of your spiced beef, and top with a light sprinkle of shredded cheese. Place a second fried tortilla on top of each one to form your pizza “lid.”
Step 5: Sauce, Cheese & Bake
Spoon a little taco sauce over each top tortilla, then pile on the rest of the cheese. Pop the tray of assembled pizzas into a preheated 400°F oven for about 10 minutes—or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The aroma wafting from your kitchen right now? Absolute heaven!
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings & Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle each Easy Mexican Pizza with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. Cut into quarters and serve up the most cheerful, vibrant dinner you’ll make all week!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Mexican Pizzas
- Ultra-Crispy Tortillas: Don’t overcrowd the frying pan—single-layer the tortillas and watch closely so they stay golden, not burnt.
- Spreading Beans Evenly: If your refried beans are thick, add a tablespoon of water and microwave to make spreading super easy and mess-free.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded, giving you irresistibly gooey layers.
- Baking for Meltiness: For perfectly melty cheese and piping-hot centers, bake just until the cheese bubbles—no need to overbake!
How to Serve Easy Mexican Pizzas
Garnishes
If you love a colorful finish, top each Mexican Pizza with a shower of chopped green onions and diced tomatoes for fresh crunch and tang. Add a dollop of sour cream, a handful of chopped cilantro, or even a few slices of ripe avocado for an extra layer of richness and color. A sprinkle of shredded lettuce also turns these into a fiesta on a plate!
Side Dishes
Balance the hearty, cheesy goodness with a fresh side salad, corn and black bean salsa, or a scoop of Mexican rice. Refried beans make a classic pairing, and tortilla chips with guacamole or pico de gallo mean you never run out of delicious bites between slices of your Easy Mexican Pizzas.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice each pizza into quarters or sixths and serve on a big platter, drizzled with extra taco sauce and sprinkled with lots of colorful toppings—a true showstopper! For kids, let everyone customize their own pizza at the table—such a fun way to get everyone involved. Tiny pizzas on mini tortillas make adorable appetizers, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Mexican Pizzas keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure they cool completely before you pack them up—this will help preserve the crispness of the tortillas as much as possible.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze assembled (but unbaked) Mexican pizzas! Layer wax paper between each pizza, wrap tightly in foil or plastic, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the centers are hot.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until the cheese melts and the tortillas re-crisp—about 8 to 10 minutes. The microwave is faster but makes them a bit softer; still tasty, just less crunchy. Add fresh toppings after reheating for that just-made flavor!
FAQs
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Can I make Easy Mexican Pizzas ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can prep and assemble the pizzas (up to the baking step) a few hours ahead. Store them covered in the fridge, then bake just before your guests arrive. They come out hot, melty, and party-perfect.
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What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you’re not a fan of refried beans, try spreading a layer of black beans mashed with a splash of salsa, or use seasoned rice for a fun twist. Even hummus (yes, really!) works in a pinch for extra creaminess.
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Can I make Easy Mexican Pizzas gluten-free?
You sure can! Simply swap in your favorite small gluten-free tortillas and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free (check your taco sauce and seasoning blends). The result is just as crispy and delicious.
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Do I have to fry the tortillas, or can I bake them?
Baking is a great alternative if you want to skip the oil. Brush each tortilla lightly with oil and bake on a sheet at 400°F for a few minutes per side until golden and crisp before assembling your pizzas.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Mexican Pizzas are truly the kind of meal that puts a smile on everyone’s face—I always look forward to making (and eating!) them. If you give them a try, don’t be surprised if they become a repeat request. Go on, gather your ingredients and let your next homemade dinner be a flavor-packed fiesta!
PrintEasy Mexican Pizzas Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 Mexican Pizzas
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Mexican Pizzas are a delicious and fun twist on traditional pizza. Made with layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and toppings sandwiched between crispy fried tortillas, they are sure to be a hit for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
For Assembling the Pizzas:
- 16 Small Fajita size flour tortillas
- 1 can refried beans
- Taco Sauce
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion. Drain excess grease once fully cooked.
- Season the Beef: Add salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne, and minced garlic to the beef. Stir to combine.
- Fry the Tortillas: In a separate skillet, fry the flour tortillas in vegetable oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Assemble the Pizzas: Spread refried beans on tortillas, top with seasoned beef, cheese, and another tortilla. Add taco sauce and more cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled pizzas at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Top the pizzas with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- This recipe yields 8 Mexican Pizzas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Mexican Pizza
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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