Mexican Pizza
Crispy flour tortillas layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, then topped with fresh diced tomatoes and green onions. A homemade version of the fast-food favorite that is quick to make and perfect for a fun family dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prep the toppings.
1.Dice the tomatoes and slice the green onions.2.Shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.3.Set all toppings aside for assembly. - saute · ~10 min
Cook the seasoned beef.
1.Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.2.Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (3-4 min).3.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 sec).4.Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula.5.Cook until browned, then stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.6.Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.TIPDrain excess fat after browning the beef for a crisper pizza. - fry · ~8 min
Crisp the tortillas.
1.Wipe the skillet clean and add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.2.Heat over medium heat. Fry each tortilla one at a time.3.Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.4.Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with all 8 tortillas.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan. Crisp tortillas make the base sturdy. - assemble · ~5 min
Assemble the Mexican pizzas.
1.Lay 4 crispy tortillas on a clean work surface.2.Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans on each tortilla.3.Top with the seasoned beef mixture.4.Place the remaining 4 tortillas on top to create the pizza tops.5.Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top tortillas. - bake · ~4 min
Melt the cheese.
Place the assembled pizzas back in the skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm until the cheese is fully melted, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 30-45 seconds per pizza.
TIPUsing a lid traps heat and melts the cheese evenly without overcooking the bottom. - garnish · ~1 min
Add fresh toppings and serve.
1.Top each pizza with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions.2.Drizzle with salsa or serve it on the side.3.Cut into quarters and serve immediately.TIPServe right away while the tortilla is still crisp.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crisp tortillas, press them flat with a spatula while frying.
- 2Drain the cooked beef well to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
- 3Warm the refried beans before spreading so they layer smoothly.
- 4Assemble pizzas just before serving to keep the base crunchy.
- 5Use a lid or foil tent in the skillet to melt cheese evenly.
- 6Cut with a sharp knife or pizza cutter to avoid crushing the layers.
- 7Store leftover components separately and reheat tortillas in a dry pan.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace ground beef with a mix of black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Keep the cumin and chili seasoning for a hearty, plant-forward version.
low oilLow-oil
Skip frying the tortillas; instead toast them in a dry non-stick pan until lightly charred for a lower-fat, still-crisp result.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the beef, and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Ground beef provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and satiety in this Tex-Mex dish.
Contains Dietary Fiber
Refried beans contribute soluble fiber from black or pinto beans, which supports digestive health and helps stabilize blood sugar.
Rich in Lycopene
Fresh diced tomatoes and salsa add lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health, especially when served raw.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but corn tortillas are smaller and more delicate. Fry them until crisp and handle gently to prevent breaking.
