This incredible Mexican Pizza is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation! A delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines, this dish combines crispy tortillas layered with savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese, all topped with fresh veggies. Ready in just 16 minutes, it’s the perfect solution when you need something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you’ll have this on the table in under 20 minutes – perfect for those busy evenings when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have much time.
Customizable: The beauty of this Mexican Pizza lies in its versatility – add or subtract toppings based on what your family loves or what you have in the fridge.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters find it hard to resist these pizzas! The familiar format with exciting flavors makes it a hit with the whole family.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Skip the takeout and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at a fraction of the cost. You might find your homemade version tastes even better!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Onion: Creates a flavorful base for the beef mixture; dice it finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Adds that unmistakable aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish.
Oil: Used for both cooking the beef mixture and crisping the tortillas; any neutral cooking oil works well.
Ground Beef: The main protein that gives substance and savory flavor; choose lean ground beef for less fat.
Taco Seasoning: The shortcut to authentic Mexican flavors without measuring multiple spices.
Flour Tortillas: These create the “crust” of your pizza; look for medium-sized ones that fit nicely on your baking sheet.
Refried Beans: Adds creaminess and protein while helping to bind the layers together.
Enchilada Sauce: Provides tanginess and moisture, preventing the pizzas from drying out.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that classic stretchy pizza cheese pull we all love.
Mexican Shredded Cheese: Adds authentic flavor and beautiful color to your pizzas.
Tomatoes: Brings freshness and acidity to balance the rich flavors.
Black Olives: Offers a distinctive briny flavor that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch, color, and a mild sweetness to your finished pizza.

Variations

Protein Options

Switch up the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option, or try shredded chicken, chorizo, or plant-based meat alternatives for completely different flavor profiles.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the meat entirely and bulk up with extra beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.

Spice Level

Adjust the heat by using spicy enchilada sauce, adding diced jalapeños, or sprinkling with red pepper flakes if you like things hot.

Tortilla Choices

Try corn tortillas for a more authentic taste (though they’re slightly harder to crisp), or whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.

Toppings Bar

Set up a toppings station with guacamole, jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, and different salsas so everyone can customize their own pizza.

How to Make Mexican Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, breaking the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Crisp the Tortillas

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Place each tortilla in the pan one at a time, cooking for about 30 seconds on each side until lightly golden and crisp. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizzas

Start by placing a tortilla on the baking sheet. Spread a layer of refried beans on top, followed by a portion of the beef mixture. Top with another tortilla, then spread with enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with a third of both cheeses, leaving a small border around the edge to prevent cheese from dripping off. Repeat this process to create all three pizzas.

Step 4: Bake to Melty Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble.

Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve

Remove the pizzas from the oven and immediately add the diced tomatoes, black olives, and green bell peppers. Serve hot, with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Warm the Beans: Heat the refried beans slightly before spreading to make them easier to work with.
Don’t Overload: Keep the toppings reasonable – too many will make your pizza soggy and difficult to eat.
Cheese Strategy: Save a small amount of cheese to sprinkle on top of the fresh toppings so they stick better.
Double-Crisp Method: For extra-crispy tortillas, return the assembled pizzas to the oven for 1-2 minutes after adding the fresh toppings.
Even Cooking: If baking multiple pizzas at once, rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking time for even melting.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these Mexican pizzas with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, or alongside Mexican rice and a small portion of black beans.

Drink Suggestions

A cold Mexican beer, margarita, or even just sparkling water with lime complements these pizzas beautifully.

Garnish Ideas

Provide bowls of extra toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, and different salsas ranging from mild to hot so everyone can customize their pizza.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While these pizzas are best enjoyed immediately, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To prevent sogginess, store any fresh toppings separately.

Freezing

These pizzas don’t freeze well once assembled, but you can prepare and freeze the beef mixture for quick assembly later. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

The best way to restore crispiness is to reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes. If you have an air fryer, it’s even better – just 4-6 minutes at 400°F will bring back that perfect texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes the tortillas soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas. Just be sure to check that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are also gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat-based thickeners.

How can I make this healthier?
There are several ways to lighten up this recipe. Try using lean ground turkey instead of beef, whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber, low-fat cheese, and loading up on the fresh vegetable toppings. You can also use homemade refried beans without added fat.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes! The beef mixture can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also pre-crisp the tortillas and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Then when you’re ready to eat, just assemble and bake.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
No problem! You can substitute with salsa (drain excess liquid first), taco sauce, or even a mixture of tomato sauce seasoned with a little extra taco seasoning. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Pizza recipe brilliantly combines the best of two beloved cuisines into one quick, satisfying meal. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something more exciting than standard tacos but don’t have time for complicated cooking. The contrast between the crispy tortillas, savory beef, creamy beans, and fresh toppings creates an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try tonight – I bet it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

Mexican Pizza Recipe