Mexican Pizza: Prepare to ditch the delivery apps and embark on a culinary adventure! Forget everything you thought you knew about pizza because this isn’t your average slice. We’re talking about a crispy, crunchy, flavor-packed fiesta in every bite. Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings piled high on a perfectly crisp tortilla base. Sounds amazing, right?

While not a traditional dish steeped in ancient history, the Mexican Pizza holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many, largely thanks to its popularity at Taco Bell. Though temporarily removed from their menu, the craving for this iconic dish never faded. It represents a delightful fusion of cultures, taking the familiar comfort of pizza and infusing it with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures the satisfying crunch of the tortilla, the creamy smoothness of the refried beans, and the juicy tenderness of the seasoned beef. The customizable toppings allow you to tailor it to your exact preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, offering a fun and delicious alternative to takeout. So, let’s get cooking and create your own unforgettable Mexican Pizza masterpiece!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Ground Beef Filling:

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

For the Refried Beans:

1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1/4 cup water (or more, to thin as needed)

For the Toppings:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 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 with a fresh batch.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes 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 and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy crust.

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling:

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.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat!

Preparing the Refried Beans:

Thin the Refried Beans: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the refried beans and water. Stir until smooth and heated through. Add more water if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. You want them to be easy to spread on the crust.

Assembling the Mexican Pizza:

Preheat the 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: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half. You’ll be making two pizzas.
Shape the Crusts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a thin circle, about 12 inches in diameter. You can also use your hands to stretch the dough. The thinner the crust, the crispier it will be!
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper. This makes it easier to transfer to the hot baking sheet or pizza stone.
Dock the Crust: Use a fork to prick the dough all over. This will prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
Bake the Crust: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the dough onto the preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
Repeat for Second Crust: Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining dough.
Spread Refried Beans: Remove the baked crust from the oven. Spread a thin, even layer of refried beans over the entire surface of each crust.
Add Ground Beef: Top the refried beans with the ground beef mixture, dividing it evenly between the two pizzas.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the ground beef.
Bake Again: Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Toppings: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions.
Serve: Slice the Mexican pizzas into wedges and serve immediately. Offer sour cream and hot sauce on the side for those who like a little extra zing!

Tips and Variations:

Crust Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the crust to your liking. For a thinner, crispier crust, roll the dough out very thinly. For a thicker, chewier crust, roll it out a bit thicker.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a vegetarian ground beef substitute.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a spicier taco seasoning for extra heat. You can also add some chopped jalapeños to the toppings.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough, ground beef filling, and refried beans ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pizzas.
Individual Pizzas: Instead of making two large pizzas, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and make individual pizzas. This is great for parties or when everyone wants their own customized toppings.
Grilling the Crust: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the pizza crusts instead of baking them in the oven. Grill over medium heat for a few minutes per side, or until lightly charred. Then, remove from the grill and add the toppings before returning to the grill for a few more minutes to melt the cheese.
Adding a Sauce: While refried beans act as the base, consider adding a thin layer of enchilada sauce or salsa underneath the beans for an extra layer of flavor.
Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding shredded lettuce, avocado slices, a drizzle of cilantro-lime dressing, or even some crumbled queso fresco.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican Pizza! It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite Mexican flavors in a pizza format. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature Mexican Pizza.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Mexican Pizza recipe is truly a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy-to-make meal. Forget ordering takeout; this homemade version is fresher, tastier, and allows you to customize it to your exact preferences. I promise, once you taste the crispy tortilla base layered with savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, tangy salsa, and melted cheese, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, a fun weekend treat, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering. But the best part about this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature Mexican Pizza masterpiece. For a vegetarian option, swap out the ground beef for seasoned black beans or lentils. Add a layer of guacamole for extra creaminess and healthy fats. If you like things spicy, incorporate some chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicier salsa. You could even try using different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile. Serving Suggestions: * Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool and tangy contrast to the savory flavors. * Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or diced tomatoes for added freshness and visual appeal. * Pair it with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal. * Cut the pizza into smaller wedges and serve as an appetizer at your next party. * For a lighter option, use whole wheat tortillas and reduce the amount of cheese. Variations to Explore: * Chicken Mexican Pizza: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken seasoned with taco seasoning. * Shrimp Mexican Pizza: Use sautéed shrimp seasoned with chili powder and cumin for a seafood twist. * BBQ Mexican Pizza: Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce to the base before adding the other toppings for a smoky and sweet flavor. * Breakfast Mexican Pizza: Top the tortilla with scrambled eggs, chorizo, cheese, and your favorite breakfast toppings. * Individual Mexican Pizzas: Use smaller tortillas to create individual pizzas for a fun and personalized meal. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness of homemade Mexican Pizza for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and variations to find your perfect combination. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve made this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable Mexican Pizza experience! Happy cooking! Print