Mexican pizza is the perfect blend of two beloved cuisines—the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican food and the irresistible cheesiness of pizza. With a crispy tortilla base, savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a melty cheese topping, this dish offers everything you love about tacos and pizza in one bite.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend meal, or a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, Mexican pizza delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s also completely customizable, allowing you to adjust the toppings, heat level, and protein choices to suit your tastes.
Let’s dive into what makes Mexican pizza so special, expert tips for making it perfect every time, and exciting ways to customize this dish.
Why Mexican Pizza is a Must-Try Dish
1. The Best of Both Worlds
Mexican pizza brings together the richness of Mexican ingredients with the comfort and familiarity of pizza. You get the best of both—a crispy tortilla base instead of pizza dough, layers of flavorful meat and beans, and bubbly, golden cheese to tie everything together.
2. Quick, Easy, and Family-Friendly
Unlike traditional pizza, which requires yeast dough and a long rise time, Mexican pizza can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for:
- Busy weeknights when you need a fast meal
- Casual gatherings where everyone can build their own pizza
- A kid-friendly dish that can be made mild or spicy
3. Fully Customizable
Mexican pizza is a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Whether you love spicy peppers, fresh veggies, extra cheese, or a drizzle of sour cream, you can create a unique pizza every time.
4. A Fun Alternative to Tacos
If you love Taco Tuesday but want something different, Mexican pizza is the perfect switch-up. It uses the same delicious ingredients as tacos but transforms them into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced jalapeño pepper
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two pie plates or baking sheets.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Season the Meat
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well and set aside.
- Assemble the Base
- Lay one tortilla on each baking sheet.
- Spread refried beans, then top with seasoned beef.
- Cover with a second tortilla.
- Bake the Tortillas
- Bake for 10 minutes until crisp.
- Add Toppings
- Remove from oven and spread with salsa.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeños.
- Melt the Cheese
- Return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Slice and Serve
- Let cool slightly, then cut into four pieces.
- Top with sour cream if desired and serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 4)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 19g
Tips for Making the Best Mexican Pizza
1. Choose the Right Tortillas
The foundation of a good Mexican pizza is a crispy tortilla base. Here’s how to ensure yours holds up:
- Flour tortillas give the best texture—crispy yet sturdy.
- Corn tortillas can be used for a more authentic taste but may be smaller and more delicate.
- Pre-baking the tortillas for a few minutes before adding toppings prevents them from getting soggy.
2. Season the Meat Well
The ground beef (or alternative protein) is a key flavor component, so don’t skimp on seasoning. A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper gives it that bold, authentic taste.
For an extra kick, add:
- A dash of cayenne pepper
- A splash of hot sauce
- Smoky chipotle powder
3. Don’t Overload with Beans
Refried beans add creaminess and depth, but too much can make the pizza heavy and difficult to crisp up. Spread a thin, even layer so the flavors shine without overpowering the dish.
4. Use a Blend of Cheeses
For the best melt and flavor, mix cheeses:
- Cheddar for sharpness
- Monterey Jack for creaminess
- Queso Fresco or Pepper Jack for a unique twist
5. Layer Thoughtfully
To build the perfect Mexican pizza, follow this order:
- Tortilla
- Refried beans
- Seasoned meat
- Another tortilla
- Salsa
- Cheese & toppings
This ensures even distribution of flavors and textures.
6. Finish with Fresh Ingredients
While baked toppings are delicious, fresh ingredients add brightness and contrast. Try adding:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocados
- Shredded lettuce
- Pico de gallo
Ways to Customize Mexican Pizza
1. Make It Vegetarian
Swap out the ground beef for:
- Black beans or pinto beans
- Sautéed mushrooms and onions
- Grilled bell peppers and zucchini
2. Add a Spicy Kick
Love heat? Try:
- Sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers
- Spicy salsa or hot sauce drizzle
- Chipotle-seasoned meat
3. Experiment with Different Meats
While ground beef is the classic choice, you can use:
- Shredded chicken or carnitas for a heartier texture
- Chorizo for a smoky, spicy bite
- Ground turkey for a leaner option
4. Change Up the Cheese
Try:
- Cotija cheese for a salty, crumbly texture
- Queso fresco for mild creaminess
- Mexican blend cheese for convenience
5. Add a Crunchy Topping
For extra texture, sprinkle on:
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Crispy fried onions
Serving Suggestions
Mexican pizza pairs perfectly with Mexican-inspired sides. Here are some great options:
1. Classic Mexican Rice
A side of fluffy, seasoned rice makes this a complete meal.
2. Refried Beans or Black Beans
Serve with extra refried beans or black beans on the side for more protein.
3. Guacamole and Chips
A fresh batch of guacamole and tortilla chips adds crunch and creaminess.
4. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Grilled corn with cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder pairs beautifully with the pizza.
5. A Fresh Salad
A simple green salad with lime dressing helps balance the richness of the pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make Mexican Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pizzas up to the baking step, then refrigerate until ready to cook. Bake fresh for the best texture.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
3. Can I Freeze Mexican Pizza?
Yes! Assemble the pizzas without baking, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
4. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, and check that your salsa and refried beans are gluten-free.
5. Can I Use a Different Base Instead of Tortillas?
If you want to experiment, try:
- Pita bread for a thicker base
- Cauliflower crust for a low-carb version
- Flatbread for a softer texture
Conclusion: Why You Need to Try Mexican Pizza
Mexican pizza is more than just a fun twist on traditional pizza—it’s a flavor-packed, quick, and versatile dish that satisfies cravings for both Mexican food and pizza in one bite.
With its crispy tortilla base, savory layers, and endless topping possibilities, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep.
Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it to fit your preferences, one thing is certain—Mexican pizza will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
So next time you’re torn between tacos and pizza, why not have both? Try this irresistible Mexican pizza, and enjoy the best of both worlds!
Print
Quick & Easy Mexican Pizza
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 pizzas, 4 slices each) 1x
Description
Mexican pizza is a flavorful, fun fusion of two crowd-pleasers: pizza and Mexican cuisine. With a crispy tortilla base, savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, Mexican pizza delivers on taste, texture, and excitement.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced jalapeño pepper
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat two pie plates or baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease. - Season the Meat:
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the beef with spices. Remove from heat and set aside. - Assemble the Tortillas:
Place one tortilla in each pie plate. Spread a layer of refried beans over each tortilla, then top with half of the seasoned ground beef. Place a second tortilla on top to create the base of the pizza. - Bake the Tortillas:
Bake the tortillas in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until crisp. - Add Toppings:
Remove the pizzas from the oven and spread half of the salsa over each top tortilla. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over both pizzas. Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and sliced jalapeños. - Melt the Cheese:
Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the pizzas cool slightly, then slice each into 4 pieces. Top with sour cream if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Customizable Protein: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or spicy salsa, or by adding a dash of hot sauce to the toppings.
- Extra Toppings: For added flavor, try black olives, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of guacamole on top.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the ground beef and assemble the tortillas in advance, then bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
