Crispy Copycat Mexican Pizza with Seasoned Beef Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve an extra-crispy texture, you can lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet for about thirty seconds on each side before assembling the pizza. This extra step helps build a firmer foundation that resists moisture from the sauce and toppings, ensuring the final result has the best possible crunch.

For a more customized flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the ground beef while it browns. This enhances the savory notes of the meat and complements the red sauce.

Be mindful of the salt content in pre-packaged seasoning blends, and adjust any additional salt accordingly to keep the dish well-balanced and flavorful.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Incorporate diced jalapeños and use a spicy red sauce to add heat to the pizza. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
• Vegetarian Style: Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans or a plant-based crumble. Add sautéed bell peppers and onions to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the tortilla texture will not hold up well upon thawing and reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes until crisp and heated through.

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It is best to keep the toppings separate if possible, but if the pizza is already assembled, it can be stored as is.

Consume within two days for the best quality, as the tortillas will soften over time when stored with the sauce and beef.

You can cook the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply assemble the pizza with the chilled beef, tortillas, sauce, and cheese, then bake as directed.

This preparation method saves significant time during the assembly phase, making the meal much quicker to prepare on a busy evening.

Serving ideas

Serve the pizza immediately while it is hot and the cheese is still melted. Use a sharp pizza cutter or a sturdy metal spatula to create clean slices. Placing the pizza on a warm serving platter can help maintain its temperature for a few extra minutes while you prepare any accompanying side dishes, such as a simple garden salad.

Consider offering additional toppings on the side, such as sour cream, mild salsa, or fresh cilantro, to allow individuals to customize their slices.

Because the pizza is quite substantial, serving it as a main course with a light vegetable accompaniment creates a balanced and satisfying meal that is perfect for casual dining or family gatherings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Copycat Mexican Pizza with Seasoned Beef

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup red sauce
• 1 cup melted cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup green onions

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C). Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Place one tortilla on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a layer of the cooked ground beef evenly over the tortilla. Top with the second tortilla. Spread the red sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle evenly with the cheese.
3. Bake the pizza in a preheated 400°F oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the tortillas are golden and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with diced tomatoes and green onions, and serve immediately.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.