Description
This Mexican Pizza recipe features a crispy, layered treat with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese on flour tortillas. Topped with fresh veggies and sour cream, it’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the best of Mexican-inspired flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Taco Seasoning Packet
Tortillas and Frying
- 8 Flour Tortillas (taco size)
- 3 Tablespoons Oil
Layering Ingredients
- 30 ounce Can Refried Beans
- 1/2 Cup Mild Salsa (not the kind with liquid)
- 10 ounce Can Red Enchilada Sauce
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Sliced Olives
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, chopped
Toppings
- Shredded Lettuce
- Sliced Green Onions
- 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
Instructions
- Cook and season the ground beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a potato masher to break the beef into small crumbles, mimicking Taco Bell’s texture. Drain excess fat, then add the taco seasoning packet and mix thoroughly according to package instructions. Set the seasoned beef aside.
- Fry the tortillas: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry each flour tortilla one at a time just until they are lightly browned and crisp. Use enough oil to lightly coat the pan, ensuring even crisping. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to prepare for baking the pizzas.
- Assemble the Mexican Pizzas: On a greased rimmed baking sheet, place one fried tortilla. Spread a layer of refried beans evenly on top, then add a layer of the seasoned ground beef. Spoon mild salsa over the beef. Place a second tortilla on top as a ‘lid.’ Coat this tortilla with red enchilada sauce, then sprinkle with shredded cheese, sliced olives, and chopped tomatoes. Add a little more cheese on top for extra meltiness. Repeat this assembly process to make a total of four Mexican Pizzas on the baking sheet.
- Bake the pizzas: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, just long enough to heat through and melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baked pizzas from the oven. Slice them into portions and serve topped with shredded lettuce, sliced green onions, and dollops of sour cream for a fresh and creamy finish.
Notes
- Use mild salsa without extra liquid to prevent sogginess in the layers.
- Frying tortillas briefly helps them hold up in the layered pizza without becoming too soft.
- Adjust the level of cheese and toppings to your preference for a customizable flavor.
- For a spicier version, consider using a hot salsa or adding jalapeños on top.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
