Homemade Mexican Pizza

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade Mexican Pizza is a delightful dish that blends the best of Mexican and Italian flavors, creating a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy. Making this pizza at home allows you to customize the toppings and make it just the way you like it. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or for entertaining friends and family. You can load it up with all your favorite ingredients or keep it simple, depending on your dietary preferences. Plus, cooking this pizza at home is cost-effective compared to ordering from a restaurant. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make!

How to Make Homemade Mexican Pizza

Getting started with this recipe is simple and straightforward. You’ll need to gather your ingredients, prepare them, and then follow the easy steps to assemble and cook your Mexican pizza. There’s no need to worry about complex cooking techniques here; just a few straightforward steps, and you’ll have a delicious pizza ready to serve!

Ingredients

To make Homemade Mexican Pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 6 medium flour tortillas
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
• 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 1 green onion, diced
• 1 small can sliced black olives
• Optional: jalapeños or avocado slices

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your Homemade Mexican Pizza:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it will be hot enough to cook the pizza properly.

2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Spray two baking sheets with non-stick spray. This will help prevent your tortillas from sticking and make clean-up easier.

3. Crisp the Tortillas: Place three tortillas on each baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for about 3-5 minutes. Check them, flip them, and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes until they are golden and crispy. This step adds a delightful crunch to your pizza.

4. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned. Make sure to drain any excess grease. This step is crucial for keeping the pizza from becoming too greasy.

5. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will let the flavor blend nicely.

6. Warm the Refried Beans: While the beef is simmering, warm the refried beans in the microwave for 1 minute until they are heated through. This makes them easier to spread on the tortillas.

7. Assemble the Pizza: Now it’s time to build your pizzas! Start by spreading a layer of refried beans on one tortilla. Add the beef mixture on top of the beans, then layer a second tortilla over this. Spread red enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle on the shredded cheeses, diced Roma tomato, green onion, and black olives. Feel free to add sliced jalapeños or avocado for extra flavor.

8. Bake Again: Place the assembled pizzas back in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them.

9. Cool and Slice: Once the cheese has melted, take the pizzas out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Then, slice them up and serve warm.

How to Serve Homemade Mexican Pizza

Serving Homemade Mexican Pizza is all about enjoying the flavors you love! You can serve it directly from the oven, cutting it into wedges. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like a fresh salad or a side of tortilla chips with salsa. For an extra kick, consider serving some guacamole or sour cream on the side. These condiments add creaminess and enhance the flavors.

You can also set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their slices. Offer additional toppings like fresh cilantro, chopped peppers, or even hot sauce for those who like a little heat. This way, everyone can have their own perfect slice!

How to Store Homemade Mexican Pizza

If you have leftovers (which can happen but is unlikely), storing your Homemade Mexican Pizza is easy! Allow it to cool to room temperature first. Then, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the oven provides a better texture for the pizza.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Mexican Pizza. Make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as mentioned above.

Tips to Make Homemade Mexican Pizza

Here are some helpful tips to make your Homemade Mexican Pizza even better:

1. Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover taco meat or chicken, feel free to use that instead of cooking fresh ground beef. It saves time and adds great flavor.

2. Add Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for added nutrition and flavor.

3. Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or more vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

4. Experiment with Cheese: Try using different kinds of cheese like mozzarella, feta, or even crumbled queso fresco for a twist on the flavor.

5. Homemade Tortillas: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own tortillas for an even fresher taste.

Variation

Not only does this Homemade Mexican Pizza taste great, but it’s also highly customizable! You can easily switch up the ingredients:

• Seafood Version: Instead of beef, try shrimp or shredded fish. Top it with cilantro and a sprinkle of lime for a fresh taste.

• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap out the taco seasoning for BBQ sauce and use shredded chicken in place of the beef. Top with red onions and cilantro for a unique take.

• Breakfast Pizza: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage, and finish it off with diced tomatoes and green onions for a delicious breakfast option.

These variations keep things fun and exciting, letting you enjoy the same delightful flavors in new ways!

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for my Mexican pizza?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas! They will add a different texture and flavor to your pizza. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as they may cook faster than flour tortillas.

2. Can I make Mexican Pizza in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the pizza when you are ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time, especially for gatherings or busy weeknights.

3. What can I serve with Mexican Pizza?
Mexican Pizza goes well with a variety of sides. Consider offering a fresh salad, guacamole, sour cream, or tortilla chips with salsa to round out the meal.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas, and the rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

5. How spicy is this Mexican Pizza?
The spiciness depends on the taco seasoning and optional toppings like jalapeños. If you prefer a milder taste, you could use a mild taco seasoning and skip the spicy toppings.

Homemade Mexican Pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavors and fun. Whether you enjoy it with your family on a busy night or as a treat for a weekend gathering, you’re sure to delight in each bite. Try this easy recipe today, and you won’t be disappointed!