Craving something that packs a punch of flavor and a hint of nostalgia? This homemade Mexican pizza has you covered—imagine crunchy tortilla bases laden with seasoned beef, beans, and gooey cheese, all melding into a fiesta of taste. Speaking of fiestas, remember when everyone was obsessed with the latest taco trend? Well, this pizza takes that up a notch, with every bite feeling like a party in your mouth!
Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chopped onion. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and cayenne. Incorporate minced garlic and stir well.
- In another skillet, fry the flour tortillas over medium heat with just enough vegetable oil to cover the skillet’s bottom. Cook until both sides are golden brown, about 1-2 minutes each, and drain on paper towels.
- Warm the refried beans to make them easier to spread. Layer the beans onto the fried tortillas.
- Add a portion of the seasoned ground beef and some shredded cheese on top of the refried beans, then place another fried tortilla on top.
- Spread a layer of taco sauce on the top tortilla and sprinkle more shredded cheese.
- Bake the assembled pizzas in a preheated oven at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your homemade Mexican pizzas!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 16 small Fajita-sized flour tortillas
- 1 can refried beans
- Taco sauce
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
- Vegetable oil
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the Mexican Pizzas?
- Absolutely! While Colby Jack cheese is recommended for its texture, shredded Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend can also be used for a delicious variation.
- Is it necessary to fry the tortillas, or can I use them without frying?
- Frying the tortillas gives them a crispy texture that resembles the classic Mexican Pizza style. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can skip frying and use them as is.
- Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
- Yes, you can replace ground beef with other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like cooked lentils or black beans to suit your dietary preferences.
- What are some recommended toppings for these Mexican Pizzas?
- Apart from diced tomatoes and green onions, you can add toppings like sliced jalapeños, black olives, avocado slices, or sour cream for extra flavor.
- How can I make these Mexican Pizzas spicier?
- To increase the spice level, consider adding more cayenne pepper to the beef seasoning or using a spicier taco sauce. Additionally, topping with sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce can add some heat.
Tips
- Before frying, ensure the tortillas are lightly fried for just 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Place them on paper towels afterwards to remove any excess grease, ensuring they remain crispy without being too greasy.
- For a richer flavor, consider shredding your own Colby Jack cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. This can improve the texture and meltability of the cheese on your Mexican pizzas.
- If you prefer convenience, you can substitute the individual spices with a store-bought Taco seasoning packet to simplify the preparation of the ground beef.
- To make the refried beans easier to spread on the tortillas, warm them up slightly. This will help create a smooth and even layer, making assembly quick and efficient.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality skillet is essential for browning the ground beef.
- Separate Skillet or Frying Pan – Needed for frying the tortillas.
- Baking Sheet – To bake the assembled Mexican pizzas.
- Paper Towels – To absorb excess grease from the fried tortillas.
- Spatula – Useful for flipping the tortillas and handling the ground beef.
