Mexican pizza homemade just the words conjure up images of crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and a fiesta of flavors! Remember those beloved Taco Bell Mexican pizzas? Well, get ready to recreate that nostalgic magic right in your own kitchen, but even better! We’re talking about a fully customizable, fresher, and tastier version that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the fast-food giant may have popularized the dish, the concept of layering Mexican-inspired toppings on a flatbread has roots in various cultures. Think of it as a delicious fusion, borrowing the best elements from both Mexican and Italian cuisines. The result? A culinary masterpiece that’s both comforting and exciting.

What’s not to love about a Mexican pizza homemade? The combination of a crispy base, savory seasoned ground beef (or your protein of choice!), creamy refried beans, tangy salsa, and a generous blanket of melted cheese is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect dish for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun weekend gathering, or even a game-day celebration. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile you can easily adapt the toppings to suit your preferences and dietary needs. So, ditch the takeout menu and let’s embark on a culinary adventure to create the ultimate homemade Mexican pizza!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Ground Beef Topping:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
1/2 cup water

For the Refried Beans Layer:

1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for smoother consistency)

For the Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Toppings:

1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
Salsa, for serving
Sour cream, for serving
Guacamole, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy crust.
Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air.

Preparing the Ground Beef Topping:

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Add Onion and Taco Seasoning: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and water.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is well-seasoned. Set aside.

Preparing the Refried Beans Layer:

Heat the Refried Beans: In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Optional: Add Sour Cream: For a smoother and creamier consistency, stir in the sour cream until well combined. This step is optional but I highly recommend it!
Keep Warm: Keep the refried beans warm until ready to assemble the pizza.

Assembling and Baking the Mexican Pizza:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a crispy crust.
Divide the Dough: Divide the dough in half. This recipe makes two medium-sized pizzas.
Shape the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a 12-inch circle. You can also use your hands to stretch the dough.
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. This makes it easier to transfer the pizza to the hot baking stone or sheet.
Dock the Dough: Use a fork to prick the dough all over. This will prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
First Bake (Pre-bake the Crust): Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This pre-baking step ensures that the crust is cooked through and crispy.
Remove from Oven: Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Spread Refried Beans: Spread half of the refried beans evenly over the pre-baked crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
Add Ground Beef: Sprinkle half of the ground beef mixture over the refried beans.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the ground beef.
Second Bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Repeat: Repeat steps 3-11 with the remaining dough and toppings to make the second pizza.

Adding the Fresh Toppings:

Remove from Oven: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Add Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, sliced green onions, and pickled jalapeños (if using) over the pizza.
Slice and Serve: Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole (optional).

Tips for the Best Mexican Pizza:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the pizza will taste. Use fresh vegetables, good quality cheese, and flavorful taco seasoning.
Don’t Overload the Pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Stick to a reasonable amount of each topping.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier pizza, add more jalapeños or use a spicier taco seasoning.
Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Some other great options include corn, avocado, and cilantro.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dough and ground beef topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pizza.
Reheating: Leftover pizza can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican pizza! It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite Mexican flavors in one easy-to-eat dish.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Mexican pizza homemade recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to a fiesta in your own kitchen. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves Mexican food, pizza, or just delicious, satisfying meals in general. The combination of the crispy tortilla base, the savory seasoned ground beef, the creamy refried beans, and the tangy toppings is simply irresistible. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your own liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a hotter salsa. If you’re a vegetarian, you can easily substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or even crumbled tofu. For a lighter version, use whole wheat tortillas and reduced-fat cheese. You could even try grilling the tortillas for an extra smoky flavor!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Serve your Mexican pizza homemade with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
Add a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for a complete Mexican feast.
For a fun twist, try making individual mini Mexican pizzas using smaller tortillas. These are perfect for parties or appetizers.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Consider adding other toppings like corn, olives, or bell peppers.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a dessert version with cinnamon sugar tortillas, chocolate chips, and marshmallows!

I’ve made this Mexican pizza homemade countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend gathering, or even a potluck. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your household.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Now, it’s your turn! I would absolutely love to hear about your experience making this Mexican pizza homemade. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes for you. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

I can’t wait to see your creations! Don’t forget to tag me on social media using #HomemadeMexicanPizza so I can see your masterpieces. Enjoy!