Crispy Copycat Mexican Pizza Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a dash of cumin or chili powder to the ground beef while it browns. This simple addition enhances the savory depth of the meat and aligns perfectly with the red sauce. Adjust the seasoning levels based on personal preference, ensuring the beef is flavorful enough to stand up to the cheese and the tortilla base.

If serving for a group, keep the pizzas warm in a low-temperature oven while you finish any additional batches. Using a pizza cutter is essential for achieving clean slices through the crispy tortillas. To ensure the best texture, serve immediately after the final garnish, as the heat from the pizzas will start to soften the fresh toppings if they sit for too long.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or top the pizzas with a drizzle of spicy hot sauce before serving for an extra layer of heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans or a meatless ground protein alternative to create a delicious vegetarian version of this classic dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow leftovers to cool for no more than 2 hours before chilling.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the tortillas will lose their crisp texture and become soggy upon thawing and reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisp once again.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Because of the fresh toppings, it is best to remove them before storing if possible, although the pizzas can be stored whole for up to two days.

Note that the tortillas will lose some of their crispiness when refrigerated, so reheating is necessary to restore the desired texture.

The ground beef can be cooked and seasoned up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, simply reheat the meat slightly or use it cold, as it will warm up during the baking process.

The tortillas and toppings should be handled at the time of assembly to ensure the freshest possible result and to keep the tortillas from becoming soft.

Serving ideas

Serve these pizzas on a large wooden board or individual plates for a casual dining experience. Pair them with a side of fresh salsa or sour cream if desired.

Since the pizzas are quite filling, they work well as a main course for a family meal or as a fun addition to a game-day spread. The combination of textures makes them a crowd-pleaser that is easy to customize.

Ensure each pizza is sliced into quarters before serving to make them easier to handle. The fresh tomatoes and green onions add a necessary brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef, so be generous with these final garnishes.

If desired, offer additional red sauce on the side for dipping, providing an extra layer of flavor for those who enjoy a saucier experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Copycat Mexican Pizza

Prep 10 minCook 15 minTotal 25 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup red enchilada sauce
• 2 medium diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to guarantee safety. Drain any excess fat from the skillet before setting the meat aside for assembly.
2. Place four tortillas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a portion of the cooked beef over each tortilla and top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Cover each with a second tortilla to form a sandwich. Spread a layer of red sauce over the top tortilla and finish with a generous layer of cheese.
3. Bake the pizzas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and top with fresh diced tomatoes and sliced green onions before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

750 mg

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