There is nothing quite like the satisfying crunch, cheesy melt, and bold flavors packed into this Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe. These little stacks of joy combine crispy tortillas, savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and vibrant toppings to create a fiesta of textures and tastes in every bite. Perfect for a family get-together or a fun weeknight dinner, this dish is straightforward to prepare but leaves a big impression on the palate, making it a beloved favorite to keep in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe beauties means gathering a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that each play their own part in creating a flavorful masterpiece. From the seasoned ground beef to the melty cheese and crispy tortillas, every component has a job that makes this dish shine.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty and savory base that packs the meal with protein and flavor.
- 1 chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other tastes without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Brings just a touch of warmth and sharpness.
- 2 tsp chili powder: Gives that classic Mexican spice kick.
- 1 tsp cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth, a must-have for authentic flavor.
- 1 tsp dried cilantro: Offers a slightly citrusy herbal note.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne: Adds a subtle heat to keep things exciting.
- 1 TBSP minced garlic: Infuses a fragrant punch throughout the beef mixture.
- 16 small fajita size flour tortillas: The crunchy yet tender crust of your mini pizzas.
- 1 can refried beans: Creamy layer that adds richness and helps bind the flavors.
- Taco sauce: A tangy, zesty topping to brighten every bite.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheese pull-worthy topping.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds fresh juiciness and color.
- Chopped green onions: Provides a crisp, mild oniony finish.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the tortillas to golden perfection.
How to Make Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the pizzas from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Season the Beef Mixture
Now comes the flavor! Add the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne, and minced garlic directly into the skillet with the beef. Stir everything around so that all the spices meld together beautifully, coating the meat with vibrant, aromatic spices that hint at the deliciousness to come.
Step 3: Fry the Tortillas
In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry each small flour tortilla just until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp on both sides. This little step is what gives these pizzas their addictive crunch and texture contrast.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Pizzas
Get ready to build! Spread a generous layer of refried beans over a fried tortilla, then spoon some of the seasoned beef on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Crown it with another fried tortilla, then top this stack with taco sauce and a final layer of cheese. This layering ensures every bite delivers that perfect cheesy, meaty combo.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer your assembled pizzas onto a baking sheet and pop them into an oven preheated to 400°F. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling with golden spots. This final bake melds all the flavors and crispiness together into a warm, comforting dish.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, sprinkle diced tomatoes and chopped green onions over the pizzas. These fresh toppings add bursts of color, brightness, and a pleasant crunch that balance the richness of the layers underneath.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe
Garnishes
While the diced tomatoes and green onions are classic garnishes, feel free to play around with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add creamy, cooling, or herbal notes that complement the bold flavors.
Side Dishes
These tasty pizzas pair wonderfully with simple sides like a fresh salad, Mexican street corn, or chips and guacamole. The sides can bring lighter elements or extra creaminess to balance out the hearty pizzas.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pizzas stacked on a colorful platter for a fun, communal sharing experience or individually plated for a playful appetizer at your next party. You can even offer a toppings bar so everyone can customize their pizzas just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or saving for a quick lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the pizzas but do not bake them. Wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the pizzas in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly, around 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tortillas crisp instead of soggy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas can add a different but equally delicious flavor and texture. Just be careful when frying since they tend to be more fragile and can crisp up quickly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and load the pizzas with extra beans, sautéed vegetables, or a meat substitute to keep all the savory goodness without the meat.
What cheese works best for Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe?
Colby Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, but Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend also work fantastically to achieve that gooey cheese pull.
Can I prepare these pizzas for a large crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. You can double or triple the ingredients and bake several pizzas at once on multiple sheets or in batches.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a gentle kick from the chili powder and cayenne, but it’s very adaptable. Adjust the cayenne or chili powder amounts up or down based on your heat preference without losing the tasty essence.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe is a joyful experience that results in a dish packed with flavor, texture, and heartwarming goodness. Whether for a casual dinner or an entertaining gathering, these crispy, cheesy, and boldly seasoned pizzas are sure to become a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite!
Print
Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 Mexican Pizzas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Easy Mexican Pizzas combine crispy fried tortillas with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a flavorful and fun twist on traditional pizza. Ready in just 40 minutes, they make a perfect casual meal that’s sure to satisfy cravings for Tex-Mex comfort food.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
Main Components
- 16 small fajita size flour tortillas
- 1 can refried beans
- Taco sauce (quantity as desired)
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Toppings and Frying
- Diced tomatoes (for topping)
- Chopped green onions (for topping)
- Vegetable oil (for frying tortillas)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Once done, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne, and minced garlic into the cooked beef mixture until ingredients are well combined and fragrant.
- Fry the Tortillas: Heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet. Fry each flour tortilla until golden brown and crispy on both sides, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Pizzas: Spread a layer of refried beans onto each fried tortilla. Top with a generous amount of the seasoned beef, followed by shredded Colby Jack cheese and then another tortilla on top. Add taco sauce and sprinkle more cheese over the top tortilla layer.
- Bake the Pizzas: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove pizzas from the oven and garnish with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier pizza, increase the cayenne pepper or add jalapeños as a topping.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free variation.
- To reduce fat, drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a crispy finish.
- Pair with sour cream or guacamole for added richness and flavor.
