Description
This classic Mexican Pizza recipe features layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, crispy fried tortillas, and melted cheese, topped with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. Perfect for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering, it combines bold Mexican flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb Ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 pkg Taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 2/3 cup Water (to mix with seasoning)
Base and Cheese
- 8 Flour tortillas (6 to 8-inch size)
- 1 can Refried beans (about 15 oz; warmed)
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1 cup Shredded Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Vegetable oil (for frying tortillas)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 Tomato (diced fresh)
- 1/4 cup Sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 Green onions (chopped)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Salsa or taco sauce (for serving)
- Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Lettuce (shredded; added after baking)
- Bell peppers (diced or sautéed)
- Mexican hot sauce (for extra heat)
Instructions
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water. Simmer on low heat until the mixture thickens and flavors meld, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Crisp Tortillas: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each flour tortilla briefly until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Alternatively, bake tortillas on a baking sheet at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until crisp.
- Build Base: On a large, oven-safe platter or baking sheet, lay down one crispy tortilla. Spread a generous layer of warmed refried beans over it, followed by an even layer of the seasoned beef mixture.
- Bake Pizza: Place a second crispy tortilla on top of the beef and beans. Sprinkle evenly with both shredded cheddar and Jack cheeses. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish Toppings: Remove from oven and top with fresh diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, diced or sautéed bell peppers, jalapeños, and shredded lettuce. Add dollops of sour cream and drizzle with salsa or taco sauce. For extra heat, sprinkle Mexican hot sauce to taste.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- If you prefer less oil, tortillas can be baked instead of fried to crisp them.
- Customize toppings based on preference—avocado slices or cilantro work well too.
- Refried beans can be substituted with black beans or pinto beans for variation.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between crispy tortillas and fresh toppings.
