Homemade Mexican Pizza

This delicious Homemade Mexican Pizza is a crisp, cheesy, and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. With layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or party dish everyone will love.

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Ingredients

For the tortillas:

• 16 flour or corn tortillas (6-inch Fajita Mission size works well; Taco Bell uses flour tortillas)
• Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
• Salt

For the beef:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning
• ¾ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 Tbsp. enchilada sauce (or La Victoria taco sauce)

For assembling the Mexican pizzas:

• 1 (15 oz.) can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• Enchilada sauce (or La Victoria taco sauce)
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onions, chopped
• Black olives (optional)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Fry the tortillas

Use a toothpick to poke a few small holes in each tortilla to prevent bubbling. Heat about ¼ cup of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add one tortilla and fry for 1–3 minutes, flipping as needed until golden brown on both sides.
Remove to a paper towel–lined rack, sprinkle with salt, and repeat with remaining tortillas. Add more oil as needed.
(If you prefer to bake or air fry your tortillas, see the “Tips” section below.)

2. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil; set aside.

3. Cook the beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, return to heat, and stir in taco seasoning and ¾ cup water. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

4. Add cheese and sauce

Stir in ¾ cup cheese and 1 Tbsp. enchilada or taco sauce. Mix well and set aside.

5. Assemble the pizzas

Warm the refried beans slightly to make them easier to spread.

• On one fried tortilla, spread 2–3 tablespoons of refried beans.
• Add about ¼ cup of the beef mixture on top.
• Place another fried tortilla on top.
• Spread enchilada sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.

Repeat this process to make 8 Mexican pizzas.

6. Bake

Place the assembled pizzas on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are crisp.

7. Garnish and serve

Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and any of your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, or hot sauce. Slice into quarters and serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, cheesy, and full of bold Mexican flavors.
• Family-friendly and fun to assemble together.
• Customizable with your favorite toppings.
• Great for using up leftover tortillas or taco meat.

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Tips

• Crispier tortillas: For a lighter version, bake tortillas at 400°F for 5–7 minutes per side instead of frying.
• Prevent sogginess: Let tortillas cool slightly before assembling so they stay crisp.
• Easier spreading: Slightly heat the refried beans before spreading.
• Batch prep: You can make and freeze the beef mixture ahead of time for quick weeknight assembly.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Skip the beef and use sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans.
• Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
• Cheese options: Use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for extra spice.
• Taco Bell copycat: Use flour tortillas and mild red taco sauce for a closer flavor match.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Fry or bake the tortillas and cook the beef in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unbaked assembled pizzas. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a side salad for a complete meal. Add fresh lime wedges and hot sauce for extra zing. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual parties!