If you’re craving a fun twist on classic flavors, this Mexican Pizza with Refried Beans and Ground Beef Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together crispy tortillas layered with creamy refried beans, perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings that brighten every bite. This dish is straightforward to make but delivers layers of flavor and texture that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds, turning taco night into a festive celebration of bold Mexican-inspired goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential for capturing the heart of this recipe. Each one plays a special role, whether it adds creaminess, spice, crispness, or that irresistible gooey cheese pull.
- Flour tortillas (6 medium): The sturdy and crispy base that holds everything together perfectly.
- Refried beans (15 ounces): Creamy and rich, they add smooth texture and earthy flavor.
- Small onion (1, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses a fragrant aroma that awakens the palate.
- Oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used to crisp the tortillas and sauté veggies for texture and taste.
- Ground beef (12 ounces): The protein hero, seasoned just right with taco spices.
- Taco seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings that familiar smoky, spicy kick to the meat.
- Enchilada sauce (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy, rich layer of flavor between tortillas.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that delicious stretchiness.
- Mexican shredded cheese (1 cup): A perfect blend that complements mozzarella and boosts flavor.
- Diced tomatoes (1/2 cup): Fresh and juicy topping to brighten each slice.
- Black olives (2 tablespoons): Briny and bold, a classic Mexican pizza garnish.
- Diced green bell pepper (1/2 large): Adds crunch and a pop of green color.
How to Make Mexican Pizza with Refried Beans and Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they release their irresistible fragrance and soften up. Next, add the ground beef along with the taco seasoning. Stir it well and cook until the beef turns a nice brown and is no longer pink, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor. Set this savory mixture aside for assembly.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the beef mixture cools slightly, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). To make cleanup effortless, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper—the perfect stage for your pizzas to come together and bake to perfection.
Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
In another pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Place each tortilla in the pan and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a delightfully crisp texture. These crispy tortillas act as the perfect crunchy canvas that contrasts beautifully with the creamy toppings.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Lay one crispy tortilla on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over it, creating a creamy base. Next, evenly spread some of that seasoned ground beef atop the beans. Place a second tortilla on top, then spread a layer of enchilada sauce over it for that tangy punch. Sprinkle each pizza generously with a mix of mozzarella and Mexican shredded cheeses, leaving a small border to prevent any cheese escape during baking. Repeat these steps for all six tortillas, building layers of deliciousness.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Slide your assembled pizzas into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. When you see the cheese melted and bubbling with golden spots, it’s time to take them out and get ready for the finishing touches.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings
Once the pizzas are out of the oven, sprinkle diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green bell peppers on top. These fresh ingredients add a burst of color, crunch, and brightness that perfectly balances the rich layers underneath. For an extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream is an optional but highly recommended topper.
How to Serve Mexican Pizza with Refried Beans and Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh garnishes can elevate this dish from delicious to irresistible. Cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeños for heat, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice add lovely brightness. Sour cream or guacamole on the side also provides a cooling contrast that complements the flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this Mexican pizza with simple, fresh sides such as a crisp garden salad, Mexican street corn (elote), or a bowl of salsa and tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal. These light sides keep the meal balanced and add more textures and flavors to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the pizzas into small wedges for a fun, shareable appetizer vibe. Serving them on colorful ceramic plates with bright napkins and a pitcher of lime-infused water makes for an inviting presentation perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mexican Pizza with Refried Beans and Ground Beef Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish much later, freezing is your friend. Wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, warm your leftover pizza slices in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving when possible since the crispy tortilla base can become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
You can, but corn tortillas are thinner and less sturdy, so they may not hold up as well during crisping and layering. Flour tortillas provide the best balance of texture and structure for this Mexican Pizza with Refried Beans and Ground Beef Recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild to medium thanks to the taco seasoning and optional jalapeño garnish. You can adjust the heat by adding more seasoning or spicy toppings to suit your taste.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace ground beef with cooked vegetables, tofu crumbles, or a meat substitute, and keep the refried beans and enchilada sauce for a fantastic vegetarian version of this recipe.
What kind of cheese works best?
A combination of mozzarella and Mexican shredded cheese blend is ideal because mozzarella melts beautifully while the Mexican blend adds the authentic flavor you want in this dish.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Crisping the tortillas in oil before assembling creates a sturdy, crunchy base. Also, be sure to leave edges clear of sauce and cheese to avoid overflow that can make the edges soggy during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pizza with Refried Beans and Ground Beef Recipe is your new go-to for a quick yet crowd-pleasing meal that feels festive any day of the week. With its layers of crispy tortillas, creamy beans, savory beef, and gooey cheese, every bite is an exciting dance of flavors and textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Print
Mexican Pizza with Refried Beans and Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Pizza recipe features a crispy tortilla base layered with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Mexican cheeses. Finished with fresh diced tomatoes, black olives, and green bell peppers, this flavorful pizza is quick to prepare and perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Base and Spread
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- 15 ounces refried beans
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 12 ounces ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Mexican shredded cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons black olives
- 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
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 the beef is 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. This will give them a delicious texture as the base for the pizza.
- Assemble the Pizza: On a prepared baking sheet, lay one tortilla as the base. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over the tortilla, followed by adding some of the ground beef mixture. Place a second tortilla on top, spread a layer of enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with one-third of both the mozzarella and Mexican shredded cheeses, leaving a small border around the edge to prevent cheese from spilling out. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizzas in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the pizzas from the oven. Garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped bell peppers. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Be sure to crisp the tortillas well to prevent sogginess under the toppings.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cleanup.
- Adjust taco seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.
- Optional: add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top before serving.
