There is something undeniably fun and utterly delicious about this Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe. Combining crispy, golden fried tortillas with savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese, every bite bursts with vibrant Mexican flavors. Whether you’re making a casual dinner for the family or feeding a crowd, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a festive dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Prepare to fall in love with how easy it is to whip up these mouthwatering Mexican pizzas that feel special and satisfy your cravings all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe is a breeze. Each component is essential, adding texture, spice, or creaminess to the final creation. From the savory ground beef to the crispy tortillas, every element works together for a harmonious and colorful dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that carries all the spices and flavor throughout the pizza.
- 1 chopped onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch once cooked with the beef.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the savory notes.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 tsp chili powder: Gives the dish that signature warmth and traditional Mexican flair.
- 1 tsp cumin: Provides earthy undertones that deepen the overall taste.
- 1 tsp dried cilantro: Offers bright, herbal hints for authentic Mexican pizzazz.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne: Just enough spice to keep things lively without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 TBSP minced garlic: For that irresistible fragrant kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- 16 small fajita-size flour tortillas: The perfect canvas for layering flavors and becoming crispy when fried.
- 1 can refried beans: Creamy and rich, they add a smooth texture layer beneath the toppings.
- Taco sauce: A tangy, zesty finish that ties everything together beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts gorgeously to glue the layers and add a cheesy indulgence.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh bursts of juiciness and color to brighten each bite.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a crisp, mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
- Vegetable oil: Necessary for frying the tortillas to golden perfection.
How to Make Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion together so that the onion softens and the beef cooks evenly, releasing all those savory juices. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned, then drain any excess grease to keep the pizzas from feeling too oily.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Now comes the magic of spices. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne, and minced garlic. Stir them into the meat mixture well so every bite bursts with rich, layered flavor. This seasoning blend is the heart of the Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe, creating that classic Mexican flavor profile we all love.
Step 3: Fry the Tortillas
In a separate skillet, warm the vegetable oil. One by one, carefully fry the small flour tortillas until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become delightfully crisp on both sides. This step elevates each tortilla from a simple base to a crispy crust full of texture, making the pizzas incredibly satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla to add creamy indulgence. Next, pile on the perfectly seasoned ground beef, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Add another crispy tortilla on top, then drizzle with taco sauce and finish with a little more cheese to seal it all together.
Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection
Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, just enough to melt the cheese and bring all the flavors into a harmonious, bubbly finish. This simple oven step really takes the Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe to the next level.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, top your pizzas with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. This not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a fresh crispness that balances the warm, rich layers beneath. Serve right away and watch everyone dig in with smiles.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like diced tomatoes and chopped green onions add freshness and vibrancy, making the dish visually inviting and bright in flavor. You can also consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to personalize your plates further.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe with simple sides enhances the meal. Consider a fresh green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette, Mexican rice, or a side of guacamole and chips. These options complement the richness of the pizzas while keeping the meal festive and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, cut the pizzas into smaller wedges and serve on a colorful platter. You can also layer different toppings on half the pizzas to offer variety, or let guests build their own with bowls of taco sauce, tomatoes, and green onions for an interactive taco night vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen and the tortillas soften slightly, making delicious next-day snacks or lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pizzas by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep nicely for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe in an oven or toaster oven to revive the crispiness of the tortillas. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact, as it tends to make the tortillas soggy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas can add a different texture and flavor, though they are more delicate and may require gentle frying to avoid breaking. Feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for more refried beans, cooked lentils, or seasoned plant-based crumbles. Just follow the same seasoning steps to keep all that bold flavor.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Colby Jack melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy taste perfect for this recipe. You can also try a Mexican blend cheese or Monterey Jack for similar results.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has moderate heat thanks to chili powder and cayenne, but you can easily adjust the cayenne amount to suit your spice tolerance or add jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook and season the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Fry the tortillas fresh before assembly for the best texture, but everything else can be prepped to save time on the day you serve.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing this Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe with your loved ones. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps deliver a dish that is bursting with flavor, crispy texture, and heartwarming nostalgia. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find that these pizzas become your new go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that everyone enjoys!
Print
Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Mexican Pizzas are a flavorful and fun twist on traditional pizza, featuring a crispy fried tortilla base layered with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, melty Colby Jack cheese, and topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe serves 8 and can be on your table in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 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
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
Tortillas and Assembly
- 16 small Fajita-size flour tortillas
- 1 can refried beans
- Taco sauce, amount as desired
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Diced tomatoes, for topping
- Chopped green onions, for topping
- Vegetable oil, for frying the tortillas
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease from the skillet to keep the mixture from being too oily.
- Season the Beef: To the cooked beef, add salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly to combine all the seasonings evenly with the meat. Let it cook together for another 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Fry the Tortillas: Heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Fry each flour tortilla one at a time until they become golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Pizzas: On one fried tortilla, spread a generous layer of refried beans. Top with a portion of the seasoned ground beef and sprinkle with shredded Colby Jack cheese. Place another fried tortilla on top, then add taco sauce and additional cheese as desired.
- Bake the Assembled Pizzas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the Mexican pizzas from the oven and top with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to make the pizzas more or less spicy according to your taste.
- Using small fajita-size tortillas keeps the pizzas manageable and perfect for serving as a main course or snack.
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to prevent soggy tortillas during baking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked, seasoned beans or a plant-based protein.
- These pizzas are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
