Mexican Pizza
Crispy fried tortillas layered with savory seasoned beef, refried beans, and gooey melted cheese. This fun Tex-Mex favorite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.
For 4 servings
9 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare your garnishes by dicing the tomatoes and slicing the green onions.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F or 175°C). Carefully fry the tortillas one at a time for 30-60 seconds per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Carefully drain most of the hot oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Stir the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef
- a.Add 1/4 cup of water, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- 5
Step 5
- a.While the beef simmers, place the refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds until warm and easily spreadable.
- 6
To assemble, place 4 of the fried tortillas on the prepared baking sheet
- a.Spread a layer of warm refried beans on each, followed by a layer of the seasoned ground beef. Place the remaining 4 tortillas on top.
- 7
Spoon the enchilada sauce over the top tortillas, spreading it to the edges
- a.Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend evenly over the sauce.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- 9
Remove from the oven
- a.Top with the diced tomatoes and sliced green onions. Let them rest for a minute before slicing into wedges and serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest tortillas, ensure your oil is hot enough. A small piece of tortilla should sizzle immediately when dropped in.
- 2Shred your own cheese from a block for superior melting compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- 3Warming the refried beans is a key step; it prevents them from tearing the crispy tortilla as you spread them.
- 4For a healthier alternative, you can bake or air fry the tortillas. Lightly spray them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.
- 5These are best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Substitute the ground beef with a can of drained and rinsed black beans, mashed slightly and mixed with the taco seasoning. Or, use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Protein SwapProtein Swap
Use ground chicken, ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Sauce VariationSauce Variation
Try using a green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) or your favorite chunky salsa in place of the red enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Packed
The ground beef provides a significant source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Good Source of Fiber
Refried beans are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to overall gut health.
Rich in Lycopene
The tomatoes and red enchilada sauce are excellent sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Mexican Pizza contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and the type of cheese.