Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe
This Homemade Mexican Pizza is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish inspired by the classic Mexican fast food pizza, but made fresh at home with simple ingredients. It’s a fun and customizable meal that’s perfect for Taco Tuesdays, game nights, or when you’re craving something a little different!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Base:
- 2 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the tortillas)
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning, see below)
- 1/4 cup water
For the Homemade Taco Seasoning (optional):
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup refried beans (optional, for added flavor and texture)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (drained if using canned)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (for drizzling)
- Hot sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Taco Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning) and water to the meat. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the meat is well-coated with the seasoning and the water has mostly evaporated. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Tortilla Bases:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush both flour tortillas lightly with olive oil on both sides. This will help them crisp up in the oven and give them a nice golden color.
- Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and bake them for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to become golden and slightly crisp. Remove them from the oven.
3. Assemble the Mexican Pizza:
- Once the tortillas are crisped up, spread a thin layer of refried beans (if using) on one of the tortillas. This adds a creamy base and helps hold the toppings in place.
- Evenly spread the cooked taco meat over the refried beans (if using).
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meat layer.
- Top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and any other desired toppings (like green onions or cilantro).
4. Bake the Mexican Pizza:
- Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- After baking, remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve with sour cream, hot sauce, and any additional toppings like extra cilantro or salsa.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore the crispness of the tortillas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This homemade Mexican pizza comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Customizable: You can add or swap out ingredients based on your tastes, such as using ground chicken, adding jalapeños, or even making it vegetarian with black beans.
- Crispy and Cheesy: The crispy tortilla base and melted cheese make each bite irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the flavors of this fun, shareable dish.
Tips for Success:
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you want an extra crispy base, cook the tortillas in a cast iron skillet. It gives them a great crunch and a more authentic, “fried” texture.
- Toppings Galore: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try adding jalapeños, avocado slices, or a drizzle of chipotle ranch for an extra kick!
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños to the taco meat or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the cheese before baking.
This Homemade Mexican Pizza is a fun and tasty twist on pizza night, bringing together the best flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd!
