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This Mexican pizza is cheesy, spicy, and so flavorful! It features tortillas, refried beans, salsa, cheese and any desired toppings. Both kids and adults love this fun and easy recipe. Great for busy weeknights, feeding family and friends, or for children!
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This Mexican pizza recipe is a crispy homemade pizza that will go down a treat on a weekly menu. Loaded up with tasty Mexican toppings, it is a super delicious recipe. The process is simple, thanks to the base of ready-made flour tortillas. In a quick 15 minutes, you will have a crispy, and absolutely delicious scratch-made pizza to win over a crowd. This restaurant quality Taco Bell copycat is just as good, if not better! This Mexican pizza is a fun alternative to tacos.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican pizza is a flavor-packed dish.
- It is full of the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.
- This recipe has savory seasoned meat, tangy salsa, creamy refried beans, and a kick of spices.
- This Mexican pizza recipe is easy to customize.
- There are so many fun and festive flavors to add.
- Make a double decker Mexican pizza by stacking the pizzas on top of one another.
- They are easy to whip up.
- They are one of the best recipes to make with kids. These pizzas are fun for family dinner time and Taco Tuesday!
- This recipe can be easily made gluten-free and vegetarian if needed.
- Mexican pizzas add a festive and fun element to any mealtime.
- Whether at a gathering, or a themed party, serving Mexican pizzas brings a fiesta-like atmosphere.
- Check out How to Make Your Own Pizza Night for another fun idea!
What Is a Mexican Pizza?
A Mexican pizza combines elements of both Mexican and Italian cuisines.
It is made with large tortillas as the base. It is then topped with layers of cooked and seasoned ground beef or chicken, refried beans, salsa, shredded Mexican blend cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and black olives. Fresh cilantro is optional.
The tortilla is baked or toasted until crispy, allowing all the flavors to meld together. It is often served with sour cream and guacamole on the side for added creaminess and freshness.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full Mexican pizza recipe and instructions.
Use large whole wheat or corn tortillas as the base for a Mexican pizza. If needed, use gluten-free tortillas. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free.
Cook some ground beef or chicken in a skillet. Use Mexican-inspired seasonings like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Refried beans add creaminess and a tasty flavor. Use canned refried beans or make them from scratch!
Choose a favorite salsa to add a vibrant and tangy element to the pizza. Opt for mild, medium, or spicy salsa.
A mixture of shredded Mexican cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla work well. This adds melty and cheesy goodness to the pizza.
Tomatoes add a juicy and refreshing element to the pizza. Choose bright, ripe tomatoes.
Green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Black olives give a savory and slightly salty taste.
Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant and herbaceous note.
Top with sour cream and guacamole if desired.
Taste & Texture
Mexican pizza tastes like a blend of bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. The seasoned ground beef or chicken provides a delicious and meaty taste.
The refried beans contribute a creamy and earthy flavor. The salsa adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick, which can be dialed up or down.
The texture is a blend of crunchiness from the tortilla and soft, gooey cheese.
The melted cheese brings a gooey and stringy texture when warm and freshly prepared.
The fresh toppings like tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and cilantro provide a refreshing crunch and juiciness.
How to Make
Step 1
First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
Place two tortillas on the baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tortilla. Leave a small border around the edges.
Step 3
Next, spread a layer of cooked ground beef or chicken on top of the refried beans.
Step 4
Spoon the salsa over the meat layer in one even layer.
Step 5
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Step 6
Place the remaining two tortillas on top of the cheese, creating a sandwich structure.
Step 7
Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the tortillas are crispy.
Step 8
Remove the pizzas from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 9
Slice each pizza into quarters.
Step 10
Top with chopped tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and cilantro if desired.
Step 11
Finally, serve hot Mexican pizzas with sour cream and guacamole!
Expert Tips for Success
Preheat the tortilla. Before assembling the pizza, lightly toast the tortilla in a skillet or oven for a few minutes. This helps prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy. It also creates a sturdier base to hold the toppings.
Season and sauté the ground meat well. For maximum flavor, season the ground beef or chicken with a blend of Mexican spices. Then, sauté them until fully cooked. This step adds depth to the meat and ensures even distribution of flavors.
Drain excess liquid. After cooking the ground meat, drain any excess liquid or grease to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.
Customize the heat level. Adjust the spiciness of the pizza by selecting a salsa that suits everyone’s preferences.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Roasted corn and poblano peppers add a sweet and smoky twist.
Pickled jalapeños add a spicy flavor!
Chipotle sauce adds extra flavor.
Cotija cheese adds a salty and slightly tangy note that pairs beautifully with the other toppings.
Add your favorite toppings! Last time I made these, I served them with fresh sliced avocado on top. They were a huge hit with my family and friends!
Cooking Methods
Oven
The oven is a traditional, go-to method for cooking a Mexican pizza. Preheat the oven to a high temperature, typically around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
This method ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld together while giving the tortilla a crispy texture.
Stovetop
The stovetop method is faster than the oven method. The pizza gets cooked on a preheated skillet or pan for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese melts.
I love the stovetop for creating an extra crispy crust.
Air fryer
Using an air fryer is a modern and healthy way to cook Mexican pizza.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the assembled pizza in the air fryer basket and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla becomes crispy. Be sure to adjust time as needed. All air fryers are different.
The air fryer method allows faster cooking and a crispy texture similar to oven-baked pizza.
This is my favorite cooking method! I use my air fryer every single day and have great results. I make this Mexican pizza at least once a week.
How to Serve & Store
Serve the pizza hot from the oven! Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and extra salsa.
To store Mexican pizza, allow it to cool completely after cooking. Once cooled, wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
It is best to store individual slices separately to prevent them from sticking together. Refrigerate the pizza for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheat in a warm skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Taco Bell still serves Mexican pizza. Check with your local Taco Bell restaurant or their official website for the most up-to-date information on their menu offerings.
Ground chicken, turkey, and pork are great. For a vegetarian option, omit meat entirely. Adjust the seasonings to compliment the chosen protein.
Sure! Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free.
Equipment Needed
USA Pan 3 Piece Cookie Sheet Set: These are the best pans for baking.
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: These parchment paper sheets are already cut and easy to use. Great for lining cooking pans.
Spatula: Remove the pizzas from the pan carefully.
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Enjoy this Mexican pizza recipe!
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