This homestyle Mexican pizza brings all the bold, cheesy, crunchy flavors you love into your own kitchen. Crispy fried tortillas are layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, rich melted cheeses, and a zesty sauce, then finished under the broiler for that irresistible golden top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures the classic fast-food favorite while tasting fresher and more satisfying. It’s easy to assemble, customizable for the whole family, and perfect for sharing. Every bite delivers crunchy tortillas, savory beef, and gooey cheese, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mexican Pizza
8 small flour tortillas
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
120 millilitres water
240 grams refried beans
120 grams shredded cheddar cheese
120 grams shredded Monterey Jack cheese
80 grams diced tomatoes, well drained
35 grams sliced black olives
15 grams sliced green onions
30 grams diced green chilies
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Taco Bell–Style Sauce
120 grams mayonnaise
30 grams diced pickled jalapeños
12 grams sugar
7 grams ground cumin
7 grams paprika
3 grams garlic powder
2 grams cayenne pepper
Salt to taste

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, diced pickled jalapeños, sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth and well blended. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
3. Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir and simmer for several minutes until thickened and evenly coated. Remove from heat.
4. Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each tortilla for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
5. Place one fried tortilla on a baking tray and spread an even layer of warmed refried beans over the surface.
6. Top with a second tortilla and spread a generous layer of seasoned ground beef evenly.
7. Add a third tortilla and spread a thick layer of the prepared sauce on top.
8. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly, then add diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and green chilies.
9. Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
10. Remove from the oven, let rest briefly, slice into wedges, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 large Mexican pizzas
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with seasoned beans or plant-based crumbles. Swap cheddar with a spicy cheese blend for extra heat, or omit green chilies for a milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Keep slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispness. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the components ahead of time?

Yes, the beef, sauce, and beans can be prepared in advance and assembled just before broiling.

How do I keep the tortillas crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot before frying and drain tortillas well on paper towels.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, but flour tortillas provide a sturdier, more classic layered texture.

What makes the sauce taste authentic?

The combination of mayonnaise, pickled jalapeños, and warm spices creates the signature tangy flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Increase the cayenne pepper or add extra jalapeños for more heat.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, baked pizzas can be frozen and reheated, though fresh toppings are best added after reheating.

What cheese melts best for this dish?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt smoothly and provide balanced flavor.

Can I bake instead of fry the tortillas?

Frying gives the best crunch, but baking lightly brushed tortillas can work as a lighter option.

How do I prevent soggy layers?

Drain tomatoes well and avoid overloading the layers with sauce or beans.

Can I serve this as an appetizer?

Yes, slice into smaller wedges for a fun party appetizer.

Conclusion

This copycat Mexican pizza delivers all the crunchy, cheesy satisfaction of the original with the comfort of homemade cooking. Easy to customize and perfect for sharing, it’s a recipe that turns any night into a fun and flavorful meal everyone will ask for again.

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