If you’ve ever found yourself craving Taco Bell’s famous Mexican Pizza or wanted a delicious fusion of Mexican flavors and American-style comfort food, this recipe is for you. Homemade Mexican Pizza is one of those satisfying meals that’s surprisingly easy to make, highly customizable, and loaded with flavor. With crispy tortilla layers, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, salsa, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, this dish is a winner for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
📝 Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
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6 large flour tortillas (8 to 10-inch size)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking spray (for crisping the tortillas)
For the Filling:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for sautéing)
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1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning mix
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½ cup water (for taco seasoning)
For the Bean Layer:
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1 can (15 oz) refried beans
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2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt (to thin out beans slightly – optional)
For the Sauce:
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1 cup tomato sauce or enchilada sauce
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½ cup salsa (your preferred level of spiciness)
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon cumin
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Salt to taste
For the Toppings:
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2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
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½ cup chopped black olives (optional)
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1 fresh tomato, diced
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½ cup green onions, sliced
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½ cup jalapeños (fresh or pickled, optional)
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Fresh cilantro for garnish
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Sour cream and guacamole for serving
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
To get that perfect crispy pizza crust feel, the tortillas need to be baked or pan-fried until golden.
Oven Method:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with oil or spray with cooking spray.
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Place tortillas on a baking sheet in a single layer (you may need two sheets).
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Bake for 4-5 minutes per side or until crispy and golden brown. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
Pan-Fry Method:
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Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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Add a tortilla and cook for about 2 minutes per side, pressing down to crisp evenly.
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Transfer to a wire rack to cool and repeat with remaining tortillas.
Once done, set the crispy tortillas aside to cool completely. They’ll firm up more as they cool, giving you the perfect pizza base.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
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Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil (if using), then the chopped onions.
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Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic.
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Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until no longer pink.
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Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened and flavorful.
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Set aside once done.
Pro Tip: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of chipotle sauce or diced green chilies to the beef mixture.
Step 3: Warm and Flavor the Refried Beans
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In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the refried beans.
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Stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to smooth the texture.
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Mix thoroughly and keep warm.
This creamy bean layer acts as the delicious glue between your crispy tortillas and the beef layer.
Step 4: Make the Pizza Sauce
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In a saucepan over low-medium heat, combine tomato sauce and salsa.
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Add chili powder, cumin, and salt to taste.
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Simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
You can use store-bought enchilada sauce or pizza sauce in a pinch, but this homemade blend adds a bold, customized taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Mexican Pizzas
Now for the fun part — building your pizzas!
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Take one crispy tortilla and spread a generous spoonful of refried beans over it.
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Add a layer of seasoned ground beef.
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Top with another tortilla to form the “pizza.”
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Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the tomato-salsa sauce over the top tortilla.
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Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese.
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Add toppings: black olives, tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions.
Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas. You should be able to make 3 large Mexican pizzas using 6 tortillas.
Step 6: Bake and Melt
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Place assembled pizzas on a baking sheet.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
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Let the pizzas cool for 2-3 minutes before cutting.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream swirls, or dollops of guacamole.
Pair it with a side salad, Spanish rice, or corn salsa for a complete Tex-Mex meal. If you’re hosting guests, offer a DIY topping bar so everyone can customize their pizza slice.
🧠 Pro Tips & Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for seasoned black beans or lentils. You can also add sautéed bell peppers and corn.
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Chicken Mexican Pizza: Use cooked shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices instead of beef.
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Spicy Lovers: Mix some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the salsa layer.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare all layers in advance and store separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
To Store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container. Will keep for 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving — it makes the tortillas soggy.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy to make on a weeknight
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Great for using up leftovers
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Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
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Fully customizable for all taste buds
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Perfect combo of crispy, cheesy, and savory
📌 Final Thoughts
Homemade Mexican Pizza isn’t just a copycat recipe — it’s a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you keep it classic or go bold with toppings and sauces, this is a guaranteed hit. The crispy tortilla base contrasts beautifully with the creamy beans, seasoned beef, zesty sauce, and gooey cheese — making every bite a layered flavor explosion.
This dish can turn a regular dinner into a celebration of comfort food, Mexican flair, and the joy of home cooking. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bring this Tex-Mex favorite to life — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
