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Mexican Pizza

5 from 6 votes
This Mexican Pizza recipe is made by frying tortillas, layering them with seasoned beef, beans, enchilada sauce, and cheese, then baking until bubbly and topping with fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¼ cup red onions diced
  • 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 can(16 oz) refried beans
  • 1 cup red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups Colby Jack cheese (or a mix of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack) shredded
  • ½ cup tomatoes diced
  • ¼ cup black olives sliced
  • ¼ cup green onions sliced
  • Vegetable Oil or Cooking Spray for frying

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef and diced red onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 5-7 minutes) then drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, and stir.
  2. Fry the Tortilla:
    Method 1 (Fryer): Heat ½ inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry your tortillas one at a time for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. For best results, make sure the tortillas are crispy.
    Method 2 (Air Fryer): Spray both sides of the tortillas with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until they become crisp.
    Method 3 (Baking): Brush your tortillas with a small amount of oil and bake them in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they become golden and crispy.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F and then place four tortillas on a baking sheet (or pie plates). Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each bottom tortilla, followed by the taco meat then lots of cheese. Top them with another tortilla, then spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce or taco sauce and sprinkle lots of cheese on the top tortilla.
  4. Bake your Mexican pizza for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Top each of your pizza with your favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, and green onions. Enjoy!

Notes

Ground Beef: For a leaner option, substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
Taco Seasoning Packet: Gives the pizza an authentic Mexican flavor profile. You can make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and salt.
Flour Tortillas: Serve as the "crust" of your Mexican pizza. They also fry up beautifully to a crispy shell texture. Corn tortillas make an excellent substitute if that's what you prefer.
Refried Beans: You can mash pinto beans or black beans or even spread a layer of guacamole instead for a different flavor profile.
Enchilada Sauce: Adds tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the top tortilla. Taco sauce, salsa or green enchilada sauce can be used as a substitute.
Colby Jack Cheese: Delivers the perfect melt with a mild flavor that complements the spices. You can replace it with Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, Mexican blend, or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Tomatoes, Olives, and Green Onions: Add freshness, color, and texture to your homemade Mexican pizza.
Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the tortillas. Cooking spray can be used for a lighter version, especially if using an air fryer method.