I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when time was short, but cravings for something exciting and flavorful were high. I wanted something that was both simple to prepare and packed with the comforting elements of a hearty meal. I remember the delight of my family when they first tasted it—the crispy tortilla base with its gooey, cheesy topping quickly became a favorite. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Approx. 1/2 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 to 1/2 cup refried beans
1/4 to 1/2 cup salsa (jarred or homemade)
1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
2 flour tortillas (4-inch diameter)
Your choice of toppings (e.g., diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, sliced olives)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ground Meat
Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, add approximately 1/2 lb of ground beef or ground turkey. Cook the meat until it is browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using ground turkey, be mindful that it might release a bit more moisture, so you may need to cook it a little longer to ensure it’s fully browned.
Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of taco seasoning over the cooked meat. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning. If the meat seems dry, you can add a splash of water to help the seasoning blend in. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If needed, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Assemble the Pizza
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the tortilla from sticking.
Layer the Tortillas: Place one of the 4-inch flour tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. This tortilla will serve as the base of your pizza.
Add Refried Beans: Spread 1/4 to 1/2 cup of refried beans over the tortilla, smoothing them out with the back of a spoon. If you prefer a thicker layer, use up to 1/2 cup.
Add the Meat: Evenly distribute the cooked and seasoned ground meat over the beans, spreading it out to cover as much of the tortilla as possible.
Top with Another Tortilla: Place the second tortilla on top of the meat layer. This will form the top crust of your Mexican pizza.
3. Bake the Pizza
Initial Baking: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This step will crisp up the tortillas and help everything meld together.
Add Toppings: After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully spread salsa (1/4 to 1/2 cup) over the top tortilla. Sprinkle with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your preferred cheese. If you like a cheesier pizza, you can use more cheese.
Bake Again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
4. Cool and Serve
Cool Slightly: Once the cheese is melted and slightly golden, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. This allows the cheese to set a bit, making it easier to slice.
Add Final Toppings: After cooling slightly, garnish with your choice of additional toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sliced olives.
Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into wedges or squares and serve warm. This dish is perfect as a quick dinner, a fun appetizer, or a casual meal with friends and family.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives: Feel free to substitute the ground beef or turkey with other proteins such as chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of cheeses for added complexity.
Tortilla Choices: For a different texture, try using whole wheat tortillas or even corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
Vegetable Add-ins: Add extra vegetables to the meat mixture, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by choosing a hotter salsa or adding sliced jalapeños on top before baking.
Refried Beans: If you prefer, you can use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans for a different twist.
Summary
Mexican Pizza is a delightful blend of Mexican and Italian influences, offering a crispy tortilla base topped with a savory combination of seasoned meat, creamy beans, and melted cheese. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It can be customized with your favorite toppings and ingredients to suit any taste. Whether you’re preparing a casual meal for the family or an impressive dish for a gathering, Mexican Pizza is sure to be a hit. Its combination of flavors and textures makes every bite a satisfying experience, while its simplicity ensures it can be enjoyed any day of the week. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious fusion dish!
