Are you looking to spice up your Taco Tuesday or craving a fun, family-friendly dinner? Look no further! This Mexican Pizza Recipe is a mouthwatering and easy-to-make dish that combines all your favorite taco ingredients in a crispy, cheesy delight. Inspired by the beloved Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, this homemade version offers better flavor, freshness, and customization. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients for the Perfect Mexican Pizza

Before we get cooking, gather the following ingredients to prepare your homemade Mexican pizza. These are common pantry and fridge items, so you’ll likely have most of them on hand already.

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb Ground Beef – This is the base of your pizza and gives it that hearty, flavorful bite.
• 1 Onion (Chopped) – Adds sweetness and flavor to the beef mixture.
• 1/2 tsp Salt & Pepper – For seasoning.
• 2 tsp Chili Powder – Brings warmth and spiciness.
• 1 tsp Cumin – Gives a smoky depth to the beef.
• 1 tsp Dried Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbal note.
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper – For an extra kick (optional, depending on your spice preference).
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic – Boosts the flavor with a savory undertone.

For the Mexican Pizza:

• Small Fajita-Size Flour Tortillas (16) – These are your pizza crusts, crispy and golden-brown.
• 1 Can Refried Beans – The creamy base layer on your tortillas, adding richness and texture.
• Taco Sauce – The tangy, flavorful sauce that ties all the elements together.
• 2 Cups Shredded Colby Jack Cheese – A melty, gooey cheese for that perfect cheesy pizza experience.
• Diced Tomatoes – For a fresh, juicy topping that adds brightness.
• Chopped Green Onions – A finishing touch that adds color and crunch.
• Vegetable Oil – For frying the tortillas to a golden crisp.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mexican Pizza

Here’s how you can create this flavorful Mexican pizza at home. Follow the steps for a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying dish everyone will love.

Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat your skillet: Place a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion.
• Brown the meat: Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drain excess grease: Once browned, drain any excess grease from the beef.
• Season the beef: Add salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and cayenne to the skillet. Stir to combine and coat the beef with the seasonings.
• Add garlic: Toss in minced garlic and stir for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This will make the beef flavorful and aromatic.

Fry the Tortillas

• Heat the oil: In a separate skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom (about 1/4 inch).
• Fry the tortillas: Place flour tortillas in the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them over.
• Drain excess oil: After frying, place the tortillas on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Assemble the Mexican Pizzas

• Heat refried beans: While frying the tortillas, heat the refried beans in a small pot over low heat. This will make them easier to spread.
• Layer the pizza: On each tortilla, spread a thin layer of the warm refried beans. Add a generous scoop of the ground beef mixture, followed by a handful of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
• Add the second tortilla: Place another fried tortilla on top to create a two-layer pizza.
• Taco sauce and more cheese: Spoon a little taco sauce on top of the second tortilla and add another layer of cheese.

Bake the Mexican Pizzas

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake: Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

• Top with fresh ingredients: After baking, remove the pizzas from the oven and top them with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
• Slice and serve: Cut the Mexican pizzas into 4 wedges, and serve immediately while they’re still warm.

Mexican Pizza Recipe Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one Mexican pizza:

Please note that these values may vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Tips for the Perfect Mexican Pizza

• Use fresh tortillas: For extra crispiness, use freshly made flour tortillas instead of pre-packaged ones. You can even make your own tortillas at home for an authentic touch.
• Customize the toppings: Add jalapeños, olives, or your favorite salsa for extra flavor and variety.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, top your pizza with hot sauce or chopped green chilies.
• Use shredded cheese: Shredding your cheese from a block (like Colby Jack) yields a better melt than pre-shredded cheese.
• Try different proteins: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even vegetarian crumbles for a lighter option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with vegetarian meat alternatives or beans for a delicious meatless option. You can also load it up with extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. You can brown the meat and fry the tortillas in advance. When you’re ready to assemble, just heat up the beans and go through the layering steps before baking.

Can I freeze Mexican pizza?
Yes, Mexican pizzas freeze well! After assembling the pizzas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

What can I serve with Mexican pizza?
Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette go perfectly with Mexican pizza. You could also serve it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a refreshing margarita.

Reviews and Praise from Our Community

“This recipe was a hit with my family! We love Taco Bell’s Mexican pizzas, but this homemade version tastes so much better. The crispy tortillas and flavorful beef make this the ultimate comfort food.” – Sarah M.

“My kids devoured these pizzas! I made them with ground turkey instead of beef, and they turned out fantastic. A great recipe to switch up Taco Tuesday.” – Jessica T.

“We love how customizable this recipe is! I added jalapeños and sour cream, and it was perfect. Will be making this regularly!” – Mark L.

Conclusion:

If you’re tired of the same old Taco Tuesday meals, this Mexican Pizza Recipe is the perfect solution. With its crispy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The best part is how customizable it is—add your favorite toppings, swap out the meat, or adjust the spiciness level to suit your taste.