The Mexican Pizza is a spectacular fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and the universally loved pizza format, creating a handheld masterpiece that is infinitely more exciting than a standard taco. This recipe masterfully layers textures and tastes, beginning with a foundation of crisp-fried corn tortillas that provide a sturdy, crunchy base reminiscent of a tostada. The first layer is a smear of warm, creamy refried beans, which acts as a savory “glue” and flavor anchor. On top of this rests a hearty, aromatic filling of ground beef, sautéed onions, and bold taco seasoning, simmered until perfectly spiced and moist. The assembly is then crowned with a second crispy tortilla, creating a distinct “crust” and “sauce” structure, and finished with a generous blanket of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and a confetti of fresh, vibrant toppings. The final bake in a hot oven gently melts the cheese, warms the layers through, and bonds everything into a cohesive, sliceable pizza that delivers an unforgettable crunch with every bite.
The true genius of this dish lies in its customizable nature and its perfect balance of rich and fresh elements. While the base of beans, beef, and cheese provides deep, comforting savoriness, the final toppings of cool grape tomatoes, spicy jalapeño slices, briny black olives, and sharp green onions introduce bursts of freshness, acidity, and heat that cut through the richness. This method of frying the tortillas separately ensures they remain shatteringly crisp, avoiding the sogginess that can plague other layered tortilla bakes. The Mexican Pizza is a fun, interactive meal that allows everyone to build their own masterpiece, making it a fantastic choice for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It’s a celebratory dish that takes the familiar and presents it in a new, irresistibly delicious form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Incredible Textural Contrast: Experience the perfect combination of a crispy fried tortilla crust, a creamy bean layer, savory beef, melted cheese, and fresh, crisp toppings.
- Fun and Customizable: This recipe is a canvas for your favorite toppings. Add guacamole, sour cream, pickled onions, or different salsas after baking to make it your own.
- A Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Its unique layered appearance and delicious flavor make it a guaranteed hit for game day, parties, or a fun family night.
- Better Than Takeout: Recreate a beloved restaurant-style favorite at home with fresh, high-quality ingredients tailored to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works well)
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- ¾ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 grape tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- ⅓ cup sliced black olives
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Fry the Tortilla “Crusts”
In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Working one at a time, carefully fry the corn tortillas for about 1 minute total, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. This keeps them crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
While the tortillas fry, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Halfway through, add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and ¾ cup of water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly reduced.
Step 3: Warm the Refried Beans
In a small saucepan, warm the refried beans over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and spreadable. If they seem too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen them.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place 6 of the crispy tortillas on the baking sheets. Spread a generous, even layer of warm refried beans over each tortilla. Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the beans. Sprinkle half of the combined cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef. Carefully top each one with a second crispy tortilla to create the “pizza” structure.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops of the pizzas. Arrange the sliced tomatoes, jalapeño, and black olives over the cheese. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for 1-2 minutes to set. Sprinkle with the chopped green onion before slicing each pizza into quarters with a sharp pizza cutter or knife. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Keep Tortillas Crispy: Frying the tortillas is key. Baking them will not yield the same sturdy, crisp texture needed to support the layers without getting soggy.
- Customize the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative can be used in place of the ground beef.
- Warm the Beans: Using warm refried beans makes them much easier to spread evenly without tearing the delicate fried tortillas.
- Topping Bar: For a party, set up a topping bar with bowls of salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and pickled jalapeños so guests can customize their own slice after baking.
Storage Options:
- Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the pizzas (up to the point of baking) a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers: Store leftover baked pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes to re-crisp the tortilla. Microwaving will make them soft.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze the assembled pizzas, as the fried tortillas will lose their texture upon thawing and reheating.
