Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef and Cheese is a vibrant, flavor-packed fusion dish that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines. Imagine a crispy tortilla base layered with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, melted cheese, and colorful toppings like tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños — all baked to golden perfection.
It’s bold, cheesy, and bursting with southwestern spice — a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, planning a game night, or simply craving comfort food with a twist, this Mexican pizza hits all the right notes.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s fun, customizable, and comforting. It brings together all my favorite Tex-Mex flavors — seasoned beef, creamy beans, spicy salsa, and lots of melted cheese — layered beautifully on a crisp tortilla base.
It’s also incredibly easy to make at home, and the results are always restaurant-quality. The aroma of baked tortillas, sizzling beef, and bubbling cheese is pure heaven. Every bite offers that perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, spicy, and savory goodness. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser — everyone, from kids to adults, loves it.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Combines the comfort of pizza with the zest of Mexican flavors.
- Perfect for family dinners, parties, or movie nights.
- Customizable — you can make it spicy, mild, vegetarian, or loaded!
- Quick and easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup.
- It’s fun, colorful, and irresistibly delicious.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings (makes 2 large pizzas or 8 slices)
- Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving
Cuisine
Mexican / Tex-Mex Fusion
Course
Main Course / Dinner
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
- 4 large flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing)
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or chili powder + cumin + paprika mix)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup tomato sauce or salsa
For the Pizza Layers:
- 1 cup refried beans (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce or enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 small tomato, diced
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sour cream and guacamole for serving
Simple Cooking Directions
- Brown and season the ground beef.
- Layer tortillas with beans, meat, and sauce.
- Top with cheese and bake until golden.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortilla Base
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with vegetable oil.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 3–4 minutes per side until slightly crisp.
- Remove and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Mexican Pizza
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans on two tortillas.
- Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef over each.
- Place another tortilla on top to make two “pizza sandwiches.”
- Spread pizza sauce or enchilada sauce evenly over the top tortillas.
- Sprinkle each with shredded cheese.
- Add toppings like tomatoes, onions, olives, and jalapeños if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For an extra-crispy base, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (optional).
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Cut into slices or quarters.
- Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
How to Serve
Serve Mexican Pizza hot, straight from the oven, with:
- A dollop of sour cream and guacamole
- Fresh lime wedges
- Mexican rice or refried beans on the side
- A chilled drink like horchata, lime soda, or margarita
It’s a complete meal on its own — fun to eat and perfect for sharing.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican touch.
- Add a layer of melted cheese between tortillas for extra gooeyness.
- For a healthier version, bake or air-fry the tortillas instead of pan-frying.
- Customize the toppings — add bell peppers, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.
- If using store-bought taco seasoning, reduce added salt to balance flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Mexican Pizza: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Vegetarian Version: Use sautéed mushrooms, beans, and corn instead of meat.
- Spicy Supreme: Add spicy salsa, jalapeños, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese.
- Breakfast Mexican Pizza: Top with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheese for a morning twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving for too long — it may soften the tortilla base.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet or pizza pan
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Oven or air fryer
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Conclusion
Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — bold, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It perfectly combines the heartiness of Mexican spices with the familiarity of pizza. With every bite, you get layers of crunchy tortilla, savory beef, creamy beans, and melted cheese — a fiesta of textures and tastes.
It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Once you make it, you’ll realize why it’s a dish that never fails to please — fun, colorful, and downright irresistible.
Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef and Cheese
Description
Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef and Cheese is a vibrant, flavor-packed fusion dish that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines. Imagine a crispy tortilla base layered with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, melted cheese, and colorful toppings like tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños — all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
For the Pizza Layers:
Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef : Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (about 5–6 minutes). Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Tortilla Base : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with vegetable oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 3–4 minutes per side until slightly crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
-
Step 3: Assemble the Mexican Pizza : Spread a thin layer of refried beans on two tortillas. Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef over each. Place another tortilla on top to make two “pizza sandwiches.” Spread pizza sauce or enchilada sauce evenly over the top tortillas. Sprinkle each with shredded cheese. Add toppings like tomatoes, onions, olives, and jalapeños if desired.
-
Step 4: Bake the Pizza : Place the pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra-crispy base, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (optional).
-
Step 5: Slice and Serve : Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Cut into slices or quarters. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
