If you’re craving a savory, cheesy, and downright fun dinner, look no further than this Mexican Pizza! Imagine crispy tortillas layered with hearty refried beans, seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. This dish takes all the flavors you love from a taco night and stacks them into a pizza format that’s perfect for sharing—though you might not want to. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spicing up a weeknight meal, Mexican Pizza is guaranteed to become a regular on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mexican Pizza is that it comes together with everyday staples, each one bringing something special to the party. From the rich refried beans to the melty cheese, every ingredient plays a key role in creating those restaurant-style flavors at home.

Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that brings juicy, savory flavor to every bite.
Taco seasoning (1 tablespoon): Adds a punch of classic Tex-Mex spices—feel free to use homemade or store-bought!
Water (1/4 cup): Helps the seasoning coat the beef perfectly, creating a saucy mixture.
Refried beans (1 can, 16 oz): Creamy and rich, these beans add substance and help hold the layers together.
Flour tortillas (8 small): The crispy “pizza crust” in this recipe—use fajita-size for best results.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings sharp, classic cheesy flavor to the top layer.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Adds extra meltiness and a mild, creamy taste.
Enchilada sauce or taco sauce (1/2 cup): The saucy topping that ties all those Tex-Mex flavors together.
Diced tomatoes (1/4 cup): Fresh and juicy, these brighten up every slice.
Sliced black olives (1/4 cup, optional): A briny, salty kick that’s totally optional but highly recommended.
Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons): A pop of color and fresh flavor to finish things off.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for brushing): Ensures the tortillas crisp up beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Mexican Pizza

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This is where all that savory flavor begins! Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in your taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes irresistibly fragrant. This is the heart of your Mexican Pizza, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Warm the Beans

While the beef is working its magic, place your refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until they’re warmed through and spreadable. This quick step ensures the beans layer smoothly onto the tortillas and meld perfectly with the seasoned beef.

Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas

Lay out 4 tortillas on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Pop them into a preheated 400°F oven for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once halfway through. You’re looking for a lightly golden, crisp texture—think of it like prepping your pizza crust!

Step 4: Assemble the Mexican Pizza Layers

Now for the fun part: assembly! Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans over each crisped tortilla, then top with a layer of the seasoned ground beef. Place a second tortilla on top of each to create a “pizza sandwich.”

Step 5: Top, Sauce, and Cheese

Spoon enchilada or taco sauce evenly over the tops of your tortilla stacks. Sprinkle both types of shredded cheese over each pizza, then scatter on the diced tomatoes, black olives (if using), and green onions. This is when your Mexican Pizza really starts to look irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Return the assembled pizzas to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Let them cool for a couple of minutes to make slicing easier, then cut each pizza into quarters and serve hot. You’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

How to Serve Mexican Pizza

Garnishes

The right toppings can take your Mexican Pizza from tasty to totally unforgettable. Try a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or some pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving adds a zesty pop that brings all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

This pizza is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think crisp tortilla chips with guacamole, a fresh corn salad, or a side of Mexican rice. These sides add even more color, crunch, and flavor to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, slice your Mexican Pizza into small wedges and skewer each with a toothpick for a fun, handheld appetizer. Or, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own pizza slices with extra salsa, hot sauce, or avocado. It’s guaranteed to impress your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Mexican Pizza (lucky you!), simply transfer the cooled slices to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so leftovers are never a disappointment.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Mexican Pizza for later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for another pizza night, just thaw and reheat!

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that crispy tortilla texture, so the oven is worth the extra few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give your Mexican Pizza an extra layer of toasty corn flavor and a slightly different texture. Just watch them closely as they crisp up in the oven, since they can brown a bit faster than flour tortillas.

What’s the best way to make the tortillas extra crispy?

For super crisp tortillas, try toasting them in a dry skillet or air frying before assembling. Brushing them with a little olive oil helps, too—just don’t skip this step if you love a crunchy “crust.”

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Definitely! Substitute the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans. You’ll still get all the delicious flavors and textures of classic Mexican Pizza, just with a meatless twist.

How do I keep the pizzas from getting soggy?

The key is to crisp the tortillas before you assemble and bake. Also, don’t overload with sauce—just enough to coat the top nicely without drenching the layers.

Can I prepare Mexican Pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the beef and bean layers in advance and crisp the tortillas ahead, but it’s best to assemble and bake the pizzas just before serving so the tortillas stay crisp and the cheese is perfectly melty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s sure to win over everyone at the table, give this Mexican Pizza a try. It’s easy, customizable, and so much fun to make (and eat!). Gather your favorite toppings, get creative, and make this crave-worthy dish your own—you’ll be coming back for seconds in no time!

Mexican Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Mexican Pizza recipe features layered tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheeses, topped with enchilada sauce and fresh toppings. It’s a delicious, Tex-Mex inspired main course perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 cup water

Base and Spread

1 can (16 oz) refried beans
8 small flour tortillas

Cheese and Sauce

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup enchilada sauce or taco sauce

Toppings

1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Other

1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

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Instructions

Prepare the beef: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Heat the beans: In a separate saucepan, warm the refried beans over low heat until smooth and spreadable.
Crisp the tortillas: Place 4 tortillas on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 4–5 minutes, flipping once, until they are lightly crisped. Remove from the oven.
Assemble the pizza layers: Spread each warmed tortilla evenly with refried beans, then layer seasoned beef on top. Cover each with a second tortilla to create a sandwich.
Add sauce and cheese: Spread enchilada or taco sauce over the top tortilla of each stack, then sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly.
Add toppings: Garnish each with diced tomatoes, black olives if using, and chopped green onions.
Bake to finish: Return the assembled pizzas to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the pizzas cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into quarters and serving.

Notes

Customize with jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles as a lighter alternative to beef.
For crispier tortillas, toast them in a skillet or air fryer before assembling the pizza.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired