Description
Craving a flavor-packed fusion, this Mexican Pizza blends zesty Tex-Mex boldness with crispy tortilla layers and melted cheese. Spicy ground beef, tangy salsa, and creamy toppings create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups refried beans
- 16 corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Salt (to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomato
- Sliced black olives
- Green onions
- Hot sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat for frying tortillas until they become golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer fried tortillas onto paper towels to absorb excess oil, then lightly season with salt.
- In another pan, brown ground beef over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate taco seasoning and water into the meat, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop robust flavors for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the oven by preheating to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for melting cheese and warming the pizzas.
- Arrange 8 crispy tortilla shells on a baking sheet, creating a foundation for layering ingredients.
- Spread a generous layer of enchilada sauce on each tortilla, followed by an even coating of refried beans and seasoned meat.
- Position a second crispy tortilla on top of each layered base, then cover with additional enchilada sauce and sprinkle shredded cheese.
- Bake the assembled pizzas for 10 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the edges become slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and optional hot sauce.
- For a healthier alternative, use an air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes to crisp the tortillas without excessive oil.
- Experiment with protein variations like ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat to customize the pizza.
- Slice the pizzas into quarters for easier serving and sharing, making them perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Notes
- Swap tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower wraps or zucchini-based flatbreads for a healthier, gluten-free version.
- Control oil absorption by using a minimal amount and blotting fried tortillas thoroughly with paper towels to reduce excess grease.
- Enhance flavor complexity by mixing different cheese varieties like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, and queso fresco for a more dynamic taste profile.
- Prepare components ahead of time by cooking meat and crisping tortillas in advance, making assembly quick and convenient during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 29-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 404 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg