Discover the vibrant flavors of a Mexican Pizza, a delicious fusion that combines the crispy crunch of tortillas with the bold, zesty toppings of traditional Mexican cuisine. This dish delivers layers of seasoned beef, hearty beans, melted cheese, and fresh, colorful toppings that bring an exciting twist to your typical pizza night.
Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare and packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something with a bit of a spicy kick, this Mexican Pizza will satisfy your appetite with every bite.
- Quick to assemble using readily available ingredients for busy weeknights.
- Combines the satisfying crunch of tortillas with the savory richness of seasoned beef and beans.
- Customizable with fresh toppings and optional heat to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Flour Tortillas: Four large flour tortillas create the crispy, flavorful base for the pizza layers.
- Ground Beef: Approximately 500 grams of lean ground beef for a hearty and protein-rich topping.
- Taco Seasoning: One packet or homemade blend to infuse the beef with classic Mexican spices.
- Salsa: Half a cup of robust salsa adds moisture and enhances the beef’s flavor.
- Black Beans: One 400-gram can, drained and rinsed, for added texture, fiber, and protein.
- Mexican-Style Cheese: Two cups shredded blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a gooey, melty finish.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes as optional topping to brighten each slice.
- Sliced Olives: Briny black olives to add a subtle, savory contrast.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor topping.
- Jalapeños: Optional fresh or pickled slices to add a spicy kick.
- Sour Cream: Creamy accompaniment to balance the spices and add richness.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Adds silky texture and mild flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
Instructions
- Cook the Beef
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, then cook until the mixture is well combined and heated through. This step builds the savory, flavorful base for your Mexican pizza.
- Prepare the Tortilla Base
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place two flour tortillas side by side on a baking sheet. Spreading the seasoned beef evenly across each tortilla creates a balanced foundation, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Add Beans and Cheese
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Evenly sprinkle the drained black beans over the seasoned beef. This adds heartiness and texture to the pizza layers. Generously top with shredded Mexican-style cheese to ensure a perfectly melted, gooey finish that holds all the ingredients together.
- Bake until Crisp
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Place the baking sheet with tortillas in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese melts fully, becoming bubbly and slightly golden, and the edges of the tortillas turn crisp. This gives your pizza a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
- Add Fresh Toppings
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Remove the tortillas from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions, and jalapeños to your liking. These fresh toppings add brightness, spice, and color to your Mexican Pizza, enhancing each bite.
- Slice and Serve
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Cut each tortilla pizza into wedges and serve warm with optional sides of sour cream, avocado slices, or guacamole. These creamy accompaniments balance the spice and add a luxurious texture to every mouthful.
- Lightly brushing tortillas with oil before baking enhances their crispness and golden color.
- Adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or hot sauce according to your preference.
- Vegetarian option: Swap ground beef with sautéed vegetables or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with side dishes like rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Mexican pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crisp edges and melty cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of cilantro-lime rice, a fresh garden salad, or your favorite Mexican-style beans. Add a cold beverage like a margarita or horchata for a complete festive meal.
- Use a bell pepper or chili powder in your taco seasoning for deeper, smoky flavors.
- For extra crispy edges, pre-toast tortillas lightly before adding toppings.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, ensuring smooth coverage.
FAQs
- Can I make this Mexican Pizza gluten-free?
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Yes, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free or corn tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
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You can easily make a homemade blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano to mimic the flavor of taco seasoning.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
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While assembling fresh is best for maximum crispness, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- How can I make this recipe spicier?
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Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes during cooking or as garnishes for varying levels of heat.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
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Yes, replacing ground beef with sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles makes a delicious vegetarian Mexican pizza.
- What cheeses work best for this dish?
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A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese melts well and complements the bold flavors perfectly, but feel free to experiment.
- How do I store leftovers properly?
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Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to preserve texture.
Easy Mexican Pizza
Equipment
- 1 skillet for cooking beef
- 1 baking sheet for assembling and baking pizzas
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 can 14 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes sliced olives, green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, avocado or guacamole
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and salsa, cook until well combined, then remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 400 °F.
- Place two tortillas on a baking sheet and evenly spread the seasoned beef mixture over each.
- Top with black beans and sprinkle shredded cheese over the layers.
- Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are crisp.
- Remove from oven and add fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions, and jalapeños.
- Slice the pizzas into wedges and serve with sour cream, avocado, or guacamole.
Notes
- Brush tortillas with oil before baking for extra crispiness.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce to increase heat.
- Substitute beef with sautéed vegetables or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Serve with rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
