Description
This Mexican Pizza recipe is a delicious Taco Bell copycat that layers seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese between crispy tortillas. You can cook it using an air fryer, oven, or pan-frying method, making it a versatile and quick meal ready in just 15 minutes. Topped with fresh tomatoes, red onion, olives, sour cream, and green onions, this flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 tbsp enchilada sauce
- 8 ounce refried beans (1/2 can)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend)
Toppings
- 4 tbsp enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 tomato (roma or beefsteak, seeds removed and diced)
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions (finely diced)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up into small pieces with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until the meat is completely cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning, water, and 4 tablespoons of enchilada sauce. Mix well until combined and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble the Pizzas: Lay one tortilla flat and spread a layer of refried beans over it. Add a generous portion of the cooked ground beef on top, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Cover with another tortilla to form a sandwich.
- Add Toppings to the Top: Spread 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce on top of the upper tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese evenly to cover the surface.
- Repeat Assembly: Prepare the remaining pizzas similarly until all tortillas and fillings are used.
- Cook the Pizzas: Choose your preferred cooking method:
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place one pizza at a time carefully in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy. Repeat with remaining pizzas.
- Oven Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. Arrange pizzas spaced apart on the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese melts and tortillas crisp up.
- Pan Frying: Heat a splash of oil in a large frying pan with a lid over medium heat. Cook one pizza at a time, covered, for 4-5 minutes until the bottom tortilla is crispy and cheese melts.
- Add Garnishes and Serve: Transfer the cooked Mexican pizzas to a serving plate. Top with diced tomatoes, red onion, black olives, sour cream, and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the toppings.
- Refried beans can be substituted with black beans for a different texture.
- Leftover cooked beef mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If using an oven, keep an eye on the tortillas to avoid over-browning.
- To make this vegetarian, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans.
