Layered Beef And Cheese Mexican Pizza
A flavorful homemade interpretation of the classic Taco Bell favorite, this layered Mexican pizza features crispy tortillas stacked with spiced ground beef, creamy refried beans, rich enchilada sauce, and a generous topping of gooey melted cheese. Finished with fresh toppings like tomatoes, scallions, and optional olives, this vibrant dish is a perfect crowd-pleaser for dinner.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground meat beef, turkey, or chicken
- ⅔ cup water
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning mix or one standard seasoning packet
For Building the Pizzas:
- 8 soft flour tortillas each about 6 inches in diameter (corn tortillas can be used if lightly fried beforehand)
- 15- ounce can of refried beans
- ¼ cup water used to loosen the beans
- 1 cup of mild taco sauce or red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups grated cheese blend cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican-style mix
- ½ cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced scallions
- ¼ cup sliced black olives optional
- Cooking oil for frying or nonstick spray if baking tortillas
Instructions
- In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground meat until no longer pink, stirring frequently to break it apart. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and ⅔ cup water. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the meat well.
- Meanwhile, place the refried beans in a small saucepan. Stir in ¼ cup water and warm the mixture over low heat, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
- To crisp the tortillas, either fry or bake them:
- For frying, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet and cook each tortilla individually for 1–2 minutes per side, or until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- For a lighter option, brush or spray each tortilla lightly with oil and bake on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
- To assemble, lay one tortilla on a baking tray. Spread a layer of the warm refried beans over the surface, followed by a layer of the seasoned meat.
- Place a second tortilla on top to create a sandwich. Spoon a layer of taco or enchilada sauce over the upper surface. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then add diced tomatoes, green onions, and olives if using.
- Transfer the assembled pizzas to a preheated oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and cut each pizza into quarters. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by additional taco sauce or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
For added convenience, tortillas can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. Adjust seasoning levels and toppings to suit personal preferences.