Ingredients
For the Taco Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- ⅔ cup water
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Mexican Pizza Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons red enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Layers
- 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Hot sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Spatula
- Cheese grater
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Add:
- Taco seasoning
- Water
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Stir well and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the meat is coated and flavorful.
Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine:
- Tomato sauce
- Enchilada sauce
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Sugar
- Salt
Simmer over low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat.
Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
Preheat oven to:
400°F (200°C)
Place tortillas on a baking sheet.
Lightly brush both sides with oil.
Bake for:
5–8 minutes per side
until golden and crisp.
Alternatively, lightly fry tortillas in oil until crispy.
Allow them to cool slightly.
Step 4: Warm the Refried Beans
Heat the refried beans in a saucepan or microwave until easy to spread.
If the beans are thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Mexican Pizzas
Place one crispy tortilla on a baking sheet.
Spread a thin layer of refried beans over the tortilla.
Add a layer of seasoned taco meat.
Place another crispy tortilla on top.
Spread the pizza sauce over the top tortilla.
Sprinkle generously with:
- Mexican cheese blend
- Cheddar cheese
Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at:
400°F (200°C)
for 8–10 minutes
until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings
Remove from the oven.
Top with:
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Black olives
- Jalapeños
- Sour cream
Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Pizza pairs perfectly with:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Salsa and tortilla chips
- Street corn
- Pico de gallo
- Fresh fruit
- Horchata
- Margaritas or lime drinks
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover Mexican pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as the tortillas may become soft.
Tips for the Best Mexican Pizza
- Bake tortillas until crisp before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- Use thin layers of beans and meat so the pizza stays crunchy.
- Warm the refried beans before spreading for easier assembly.
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Add sauce only to the top tortilla to keep the layers crisp.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Add fresh toppings after baking for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Notes
- Ground chicken or turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter version.
- Add seasoned black beans, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables for variations.
- For extra spice, mix hot sauce or diced green chilies into the pizza sauce.
- Use corn tortillas for a more traditional tostada-style Mexican pizza.
- Make mini Mexican pizzas using smaller tortillas for parties and appetizers.
- Prepare the taco meat and sauce ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal.
