Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors, satisfying textures, and the fun of a pizza with a Mexican twist, this Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Layers of crispy tortillas, savory seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese come together topped with colorful veggies and olives, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s like your favorite comfort foods all rolled into one delightful stack that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends on game night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but absolutely essential to creating the authentic and mouthwatering taste of a Mexican pizza. Each element plays a role, from the hearty ground beef to the colorful toppings that bring freshness and contrast.
- 1 pound ground beef: The base protein that brings a juicy, flavorful heartiness to the pizza.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade): Adds that classic Mexican spice punch every bite deserves.
- ½ cup water: Helps the seasoning distribute evenly for perfectly cooked beef.
- 8 small flour tortillas: These crisp up beautifully to form the pizza’s crispy layers and sturdy base.
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans: Creamy and rich, these spread on the tortillas and add a smooth texture.
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts into gooey perfection, tying all the flavors together.
- ½ cup enchilada sauce or taco sauce: Provides a tangy, spicy glaze that adds moisture and flavor.
- ½ cup diced tomatoes: Fresh, juicy pops of color and brightness.
- ¼ cup sliced black olives: Brings a mild briny note that cuts through the richness.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Adds a fresh, sharp finish with a hint of crunch.
- Vegetable oil for brushing: Essential for crisping up the tortillas nicely in the oven.
How to Make Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning 1 pound of ground beef until no longer pink, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then stir in your taco seasoning along with ½ cup of water. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and the beef absorbs all those delicious spices. This seasoned beef is going to be the hearty and flavorful center of your pizza.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
While the beef is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly brush both sides of each of the 8 small flour tortillas with vegetable oil to help them crisp up beautifully. Arrange them on a sheet pan and bake for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. They should turn golden and crispy, providing the perfect crunchy foundation and top layer for your Mexican pizza.
Step 3: Warm the Refried Beans
Next, gently warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until they’re spreadable but not runny. These creamy beans add so much richness and help bind the layers together, so having them at the right consistency is key.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Now for the fun part! Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans over 4 of the crispy tortillas. Top each with a good heap of that seasoned ground beef. Then carefully place another crispy tortilla on top of each stack to create a double-layered “pizza.”
Step 5: Add Sauce and Toppings
Slather the tops of each tortilla stack with ½ cup of enchilada or taco sauce for a luscious, spicy touch. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the sauce, then top with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and green onions. This colorful mixture adds freshness and contrast to every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your assembled pizzas back into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping that signals your pizza is ready. Once out, slice them up and serve hot to enjoy the fantastic medley of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches can make all the difference. Dollops of sour cream or guacamole bring cool creaminess that beautifully balances the spicy seasoned beef. For a hint of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These garnishes add layers of flavor and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This Mexican pizza pairs wonderfully with fresh sides like a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette or a bright corn salad. Crispy tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole can provide extra crunch and dipping options. For a heartier meal, a side of Mexican rice or refried beans will keep the fiesta going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress or mix things up, try assembling mini personal-sized Mexican pizzas using tostada shells for a crunchier bite. Layered on small plates or a large wooden board for sharing makes for a festive, family-style presentation. You could also swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a different texture and slight sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican pizza stacks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings and garnishes separate if possible to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, reheating gently will keep the tortillas crisp and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe can be frozen before baking. Wrap each assembled pizza stack tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
To bring leftover pizza back to life, bake at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Using the oven or a toaster oven helps keep the tortillas crisp, unlike the microwave which might make them soft and chewy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and double the refried beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
What kind of cheese works best?
A Mexican cheese blend is ideal because it melts beautifully and combines cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses for rich flavor. However, mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar can work well if you don’t have a blend on hand.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas are a great gluten-free alternative and add a lovely corn flavor. Just be sure to brush them well with oil and bake carefully as they can crisp up more quickly than flour tortillas.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spiciness mainly depends on the taco seasoning and sauce you use. You can adjust heat levels by choosing mild or spicy seasoning blends and sauces. Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can amp up the spice if you like a bit of a kick.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook and season the ground beef and warm the refried beans a day ahead. You can also crisp the tortillas in advance for quick assembly when you’re ready to bake and serve.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe is a fun and flavorful way to bring a little fiesta to your table with every bite. It’s approachable, satisfying, and endlessly customizable to fit your flavor cravings. I promise once you try it, this will become a beloved recipe you return to again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delicious and comforting dish tonight!
Print
Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 Mexican pizzas 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A delicious and easy homemade Mexican Pizza featuring layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and melted Mexican cheese, topped with fresh vegetables for a flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- ½ cup water
Base and Sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- ½ cup enchilada sauce or taco sauce
Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, sliced
Other
- Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the tortillas and the assembled pizza stacks.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef completely, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Crisp Tortillas: Lightly brush both sides of each flour tortilla with vegetable oil. Place them on a sheet pan and bake for 5–6 minutes on each side or until they become golden and crispy.
- Warm Beans: Heat the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until they are spreadable and warm enough for assembling.
- Assemble Stacks: On a clean surface, spread a layer of refried beans on 4 tortillas. Top each with the seasoned ground beef. Place a second tortilla on top to form stacks.
- Add Toppings: Spread enchilada or taco sauce over the top tortilla of each stack. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and sliced green onions over the sauce.
- Bake Pizzas: Return the assembled stacks to the oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice each stack into portions, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Customize your pizza with additional toppings such as jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with additional refried beans or sautéed vegetables.
- Use gluten-free tortillas if you need a gluten-free option.
- This recipe is nut-free but always check all ingredients if allergies are a concern.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
