It is 6pm, you are tired, and everyone is hungry. You want a meal that feels like a special treat. This Homemade Mexican Pizza is the perfect solution for your busy evening. It is crispy, cheesy, and much better than the drive-thru version. Your family will love every crunchy bite of this simple meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dinner is a total crowd-pleaser for busy families. It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. You get restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. It is perfect for those busy back-to-school nights in the fall. Everyone gets their own personal pizza to customize and enjoy.
How to Make Homemade Mexican Pizza
Making this dish is much easier than it looks. You just brown the meat and fry the shells. Then you stack the layers and bake until bubbly. Even beginner cooks can master this crispy meal easily. It is a fun way to change up your standard taco night.
Simple Ingredients
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 16 oz refried beans
- 8 6-inch flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Step-by-Step Directions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then drain excess fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning and water into the beef and simmer for 5 minutes until liquid is reduced.
- Heat refried beans in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth and spreadable.
- Heat oil in a small skillet and fry flour tortillas individually for 45 seconds per side until crisp and golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- Construct pizzas by spreading a layer of refried beans followed by a layer of seasoned beef onto four fried tortillas.
- Place a second fried tortilla on top of each beef layer.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and olives.
- Place assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is fully melted.
- Top with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and optional sour cream before slicing into wedges.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve your pizzas warm with a side of cool sour cream. A fresh green salad balances the rich, cheesy layers perfectly. Pair it with tortilla chips and salsa for a complete feast. This dish is perfect for a fun family dinner night. Slicing them into wedges makes them easy for little hands to eat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days. For the best crunch, reheat in the oven at 350°F for ten minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make the tortillas soft. You can also store the components separately for later. This makes next-day assembly even faster and fresher.
Tips for Best Results
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy pizza.
- Don’t skip frying the tortillas until they are truly golden and stiff.
- Use a pre-shredded cheese blend to save extra prep time.
- Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- For a holiday gathering, double the recipe to feed a crowd.
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the enchilada sauce for heat.
- Place tortillas on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Make it vegetarian by using extra beans and sautéed bell peppers.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative to flour shells.
- Add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick in every bite.
- Swap red enchilada sauce for green sauce for a tangy twist.
Common Questions
Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the beef and beans a day early. Just fry the shells and assemble right before you bake. This keeps the base very crispy.
Can I air fry the tortillas?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 3 minutes until crispy. Spritz them with a little oil first for best results. It uses less oil than pan frying.
Will kids eat this?
Absolutely, most kids love the crunchy layers and melted cheese. It is very similar to a taco but much more fun. Let them help with the toppings.
I hope this crispy Homemade Mexican Pizza brings some fun to your table. It is the perfect way to brighten up a busy fall evening. Enjoy every cheesy bite with your family!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup wate r
- 16 oz refried beans
- 8 6 -inch flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then drain excess fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning and water into the beef and simmer for 5 minutes until liquid is reduced.
- Heat refried beans in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth and spreadable.
- Heat oil in a small skillet and fry flour tortillas individually for 45 seconds per side until crisp and golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- Construct pizzas by spreading a layer of refried beans followed by a layer of seasoned beef onto four fried tortillas.
- Place a second fried tortilla on top of each beef layer.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and olives.
- Place assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is fully melted.
- Top with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and optional sour cream before slicing into wedges.
