If you have a craving for something that brings together bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant colors, this Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef, Refried Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the beloved elements of classic Mexican cuisine—creamy refried beans, seasoned ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and crisp fresh veggies—and layers them between crispy tortillas for a fun and flavorful twist on pizza night. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the rich and savory ground beef to the gooey melted cheese and fresh crunch of the vegetables.
- Flour tortillas: Choose medium tortillas for the perfect crispy base and top that hold all the delicious layers.
- Refried beans: Creamy and smooth, these add a luscious texture and help bind the pizza together.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics build a deep flavor foundation for the seasoned beef.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that adds a meaty bite, seasoned to pack a punch of savory goodness.
- Taco seasoning: Brings an authentic Mexican spice blend that ties the beef mixture to the rest of the dish.
- Enchilada sauce: Adds moisture and tang, giving the pizza an exciting saucy edge.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing stretch and creaminess.
- Mexican shredded cheese blend: A flavorful mix that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they bring brightness and color.
- Black olives: Salty and briny, a perfect contrast to the richer elements.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a crisp freshness and subtle crunch to finish.
- Oil: For crisping the tortillas just right without sogginess.
How to Make Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef, Refried Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
Start by heating one tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and release their wonderful aromas. Next, add the ground beef and sprinkle with taco seasoning, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through. Setting this savory mixture aside lets the flavors meld and prepares you for layering the pizza.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
It’s important to get your oven heated to 200°C (400°F) before assembling the pizzas. While prepping your ingredients, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures an easy cleanup and keeps your kitchen stress-free.
Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
Using the remaining tablespoon of oil, heat a separate pan and lightly crisp the tortillas on both sides until they turn golden brown. This step transforms the soft tortillas into delightfully sturdy bases and tops, adding that essential crunch that makes this Mexican Pizza extraordinary.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Lay one crisped tortilla on a baking sheet as your bottom layer. Spread a generous layer of refried beans all over it—this creamy bed keeps every topping in place. Spoon some of the seasoned ground beef on top of the beans. For the next layer, place a second tortilla and spread enchilada sauce evenly across it. Sprinkle this with a mix of mozzarella and Mexican shredded cheeses, making sure to leave a bit of space at the edges to prevent any cheesy overflow. Repeat these steps until all tortillas are layered and ready.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Pop the assembled pizzas into your preheated oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese melts fully and is bubbling with a lovely golden hue. The oven’s heat melds all the layered flavors together, creating that perfect marriage of crispy, melty, and savory.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Sprinkle diced tomatoes, black olives, and diced green bell pepper across the top for a burst of freshness and color that brightens the whole dish. For an extra creamy note, add a dollop of sour cream as a cooling complement.
How to Serve Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef, Refried Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of vibrant garnishes! Fresh cilantro leaves, slices of ripe avocado, or even a squeeze of lime juice can lift the flavors even more. These little extras add a refreshing note that balances the dish’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with simple side salads like a crisp romaine Caesar or a zesty cabbage slaw. You could also serve warm Mexican rice or refried beans on the side for an authentic feast that fills everyone up gladly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut your Mexican Pizza into small, shareable wedges or squares for easy finger food. You can also stack mini tortillas layered the same way in smaller portions for a tapas-style presentation that will impress guests and spark conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef, Refried Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices or whole assembled pizzas before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pizza slices onto a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese regains its gooeyness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the crisp texture will soften too much.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas are preferred for their flexibility and crisping ability, but corn tortillas can be used if you toast them well first. Keep in mind that corn tortillas tend to be more fragile and may break during layering.
What can I substitute for refried beans?
If you want to switch things up, mashed black beans or a bean dip of choice can serve as a great alternative, providing that creamy base layer with a slightly different flavor profile.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends largely on the taco seasoning you use. You can opt for mild seasoning if you prefer a gentler heat or add extra chili powder or jalapeños for a bolder kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of beans or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to maintain a hearty texture without meat.
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Crisping the tortillas in oil before assembling prevents sogginess by creating a sturdy, golden base that holds the toppings well even after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef, Refried Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort with colorful excitement on every plate. The layers of flavor and textures make it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again, perfect for gatherings or a fun family dinner. Give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a new favorite that feels festive and full of heart.
Print
Mexican Pizza with Ground Beef, Refried Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Mexican Pizza recipe offers a deliciously layered and crispy tortilla base topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Mexican cheeses. Finished with fresh diced tomatoes, olives, and green bell peppers, it combines vibrant flavors and textures for a fun and satisfying meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Tortilla Base
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
Ground Beef Mixture
- 12 ounces ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Layer Fillings
- 15 ounces refried beans
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Mexican shredded cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, stirring occasionally until browned and no longer pink. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Crisp the Tortillas: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in another pan. Crisp up the tortillas on both sides until golden brown to create a crispy base for the pizzas.
- Assemble the Pizza: On a prepared baking sheet, lay one tortilla as the base. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over it, followed by some of the ground beef mixture. Place a second tortilla on top, spread enchilada sauce on it, and then sprinkle with a mixture of mozzarella and Mexican shredded cheeses, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent cheese from spilling out. Repeat for remaining tortillas and layers.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the pizzas from the oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped green bell peppers. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to crisp the tortillas well to avoid sogginess when layering.
- Leave a cheese-free border on the edges to prevent melted cheese from running off during baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce as a topping.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your serving needs.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
