Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy | Spice Level: Medium | Yield: 2 large pizzas (4 servings)
A Note from the Chef
This Mexican Pizza is a vibrant fusion of two beloved classics—crispy tortilla layers loaded with savory taco-seasoned beef, melty cheese, refried beans, and all the fresh, zesty toppings your heart desires. It’s faster than delivery and packs a flavor punch that will make it a regular in your weeknight rotation. Customize the spice level and toppings to make it your own!
Ingredients
For the Base & Filling:
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4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
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1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
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1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
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1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning, or 2 tbsp homemade blend
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⅓ cup water
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1 can (16 oz) refried beans (traditional or black bean)
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1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
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½ cup enchilada sauce or mild taco sauce
For the Toppings (Customize to taste!):
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1 cup diced roma tomatoes
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½ cup sliced black olives
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¼ cup finely diced red onion
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¼ cup pickled jalapeños
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½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 avocado, diced or sliced
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½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
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Salsa, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla Crusts
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place two baking sheets inside to heat up.
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Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil or coat with cooking spray. This is the secret to a super crispy crust!
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Carefully place two tortillas directly onto the preheated baking sheets. Bake for 5-7 minutes, flip, and bake for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining two tortillas. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
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While the tortillas bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
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Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizzas
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Layer 1 (Bottom): Place one crispy tortilla on a cutting board or pizza peel. Spread a thin, even layer of refried beans (about ½ cup).
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Layer 2: Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef evenly over the beans.
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Layer 3 (Middle Crust): Carefully place a second crispy tortilla on top, pressing down gently.
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Layer 4: Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce over this tortilla. Sprinkle with a generous handful of shredded cheese.
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Repeat with the remaining ingredients to build the second pizza.
Step 4: Final Bake & Fresh Toppings
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Using a spatula, carefully transfer each assembled pizza back onto a baking sheet.
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Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes, or just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
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This is crucial: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the layers to set for cleaner slicing.
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Now, add the fresh, cold toppings! Scatter diced tomatoes, red onion, olives, jalapeños, and avocado over the melted cheese. Finish with a drizzle of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
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Slice each pizza into 4 or 6 wedges with a sharp pizza cutter or knife.
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Serve immediately with extra salsa on the side for dipping. Enjoy the incredible contrast of hot, cheesy, crispy layers with the cool, fresh toppings!
Chef’s Tips & Customizations
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For a Crispier Crust: Lightly fry the tortillas in a skillet with a teaspoon of oil for 60-90 seconds per side until golden and puffy.
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Shortcut: Use pre-cooked taco meat or leftover shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly!
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Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with 1.5 cups of cooked lentils or a plant-based ground “meat.” Add sautéed bell peppers and corn for extra veg.
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Spice Control: Use mild taco seasoning and sauce for a kid-friendly version, or kick it up with hot seasoning, extra jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
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Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas (you may need 3 per pizza as they are smaller).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, ¼ of one pizza)
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Calories: ~620 kcal
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Total Fat: 34g
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Saturated Fat: 14g
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Cholesterol: 95mg
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Sodium: 1420mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 48g
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Dietary Fiber: 8g
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Sugars: 6g
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Protein: 34g