Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
Frying and Tortillas
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 8 flour tortillas (taco size)
Beans and Sauce
- 15 ounce can refried beans
- 10 ounce can enchilada sauce
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Diced tomatoes (to taste)
- Sliced green onion (to taste)
- Sliced olives (to taste)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning packet and ¾ cup of water. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Heat Beans and Sauce: In separate small saucepans, gently heat the refried beans and enchilada sauce over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Fry Tortillas: In a clean skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry each flour tortilla lightly in the hot oil until golden and crisp on both sides, about 30 seconds per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
- Assemble the Bottom Layer: Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans onto half of the fried tortillas. Then top each with a portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly distributed.
- Top with Second Tortilla and Sauce: Place a second fried tortilla on top of each assembled tortilla. Spread the warm enchilada sauce evenly over the top tortillas.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend generously over the enchilada sauce layer. Place the assembled Mexican pizzas on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove the pizzas from the oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and sliced olives. Add a dollop of sour cream on each serving.
- Serve: Slice the Mexican pizzas into wedges and serve warm. They pair excellently with sides like Popeyes Coleslaw or a refreshing iced tea lemonade.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, consider using lean ground beef and baking the tortillas instead of frying.
- You can customize toppings based on preference, such as adding jalapeños or avocado slices for extra flavor.
- Make sure to drain excess oil from the beef after browning to avoid sogginess in the final dish.
- Use fresh grated cheese for best melting results.
- These Mexican pizzas are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and warm filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American