Description
A delicious fusion dish combining the best of Italian pizza with bold Mexican flavors, featuring crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for an explosion of taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 medium-sized flour tortillas (6-inch diameter)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 packet (2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 2 cups Mexican-blend shredded cheese
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil. Place tortillas on baking sheets in a single layer and bake for 2-3 minutes per side until they begin to crisp up but remain pliable.
- Take one crisped tortilla and spread about 2 tablespoons of refried beans evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edge. Top with approximately 3 tablespoons of the seasoned meat mixture, spreading it evenly. Place another tortilla on top and spread 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce. Sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Return the assembled Mexican pizzas to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy. For an extra cheese pull, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the Mexican pizzas from the oven and let them cool for 1-2 minutes. Top with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños (if using), fresh cilantro, and avocado. Finish with dollops of sour cream and a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For maximum flavor development, let the meat simmer an extra 2 minutes after the liquid reduces to allow spices to bloom.
- For a smoother sauce, blend the ingredients in a food processor before simmering.
- For extra crispiness, spray the tortillas with a fine mist of water before baking to create steam that helps develop a better crunch.
- Warming the refried beans for 30 seconds in the microwave makes them easier to spread without tearing the tortilla.
- Create a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own Mexican pizza for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- For a lower-carb option, replace flour tortillas with low-carb tortillas or flatbreads.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based crumbles.
- When reheating, use a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than a microwave for crispier results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1220mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Mexican pizza, fusion recipe, tortilla pizza, easy dinner recipe, homemade Mexican pizza, taco pizza, weeknight dinner, family meal