Mexican Pizza is a delightful fusion dish that combines the hearty flavors of Mexican cuisine with the universally loved structure of a pizza. This recipe creates a savory, layered experience with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese between crisp tortillas, all topped with enchilada sauce and fresh tomatoes. It's a versatile meal that can be customized with various toppings and is perfect for a fun family dinner or a social gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas, taco size
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Preparation
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven is ready for baking the pizzas to melty perfection.
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small, crumbly pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed, infusing the beef with flavorful spices.
Step 3: While the beef simmers, heat a separate large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add half of the vegetable oil. Place the tortillas in the skillet, cooking them for 4-5 minutes and flipping frequently. You want the tortillas to be crisp but not too browned. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and oil.
Step 4: Assemble the pizzas by spreading about ¼ cup of refried beans onto each of four tortillas, creating a hearty base. Top the beans with an even layer of the seasoned taco meat.
Step 5: Place another tortilla on top of the meat layer to form the "second floor" of your Mexican pizza. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over this top tortilla, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 6: Scatter the diced tomatoes evenly across the sauced tortillas, then generously sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top, allowing for a cheesy, melty finish.
Step 7: Carefully transfer each assembled pizza onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and fully melted, and the pizzas are heated through.
Step 8: Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before slicing into quarters, making them easier to serve and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Mexican Pizza with a side of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for added flavor and texture. Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime can also enhance the dish with fresh, zesty notes.
Tips
- For a healthier version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add layers of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, for added nutrition and flavor.
- For those who enjoy a spicy kick, incorporate chopped chilies into the meat mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving. Protein: Roughly 20-25 grams per serving. Sodium: Approximately 600-800 mg per serving.
These nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and serving sizes.
Mexican Pizza offers a unique twist on traditional pizza, blending the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting, familiar form of a pizza. It's a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a perfect choice for any meal where you want to combine simplicity with bold flavor. Enjoy the process of creating and customizing your own Mexican Pizzas, and savor the delicious results!
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