Easy Crispy Mexican Pizza for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve an even crispier result, brush a very light coating of oil onto the top of the final tortilla before baking. This helps the tortilla toast more deeply and evenly in the oven.

Additionally, ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the baking sheet inside, as a hot environment is crucial for crisping.

For a more intense flavor, incorporate a small amount of taco seasoning into the ground beef while it browns. This infuses the meat with aromatic spices that complement the red enchilada sauce perfectly.

Always let the pizzas sit for one minute after removing them from the oven to allow the cheese to set slightly before slicing.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef while browning to introduce a spicy kick that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or a meat-free crumbles alternative for a vegetarian version that remains just as hearty and satisfying.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and heated through.

Allow any leftover pizza to cool completely on a wire rack for no more than two hours before placing it in an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

It is best consumed within two days, as the tortillas will gradually lose their crisp texture over time due to the moisture from the sauce and cheese.

You can brown the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, assemble the pizzas immediately before baking to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

Having the meat pre-cooked and the tomatoes diced will significantly reduce your active preparation time when you are ready to assemble and bake.

Serving ideas

Serve the Mexican pizza immediately while it is hot and the cheese is still molten. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice it into wedges, ensuring a clean cut through the crispy layers. It pairs well with a side of fresh salsa or a dollop of sour cream if desired for extra creaminess.

Consider serving the pizza alongside a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory, crunchy pizza. Place the pizzas on individual plates to ensure each guest enjoys the perfect crunch.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crispy Mexican Pizza for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 15 minTotal 25 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to guarantee safety. Drain any excess grease from the pan before proceeding to the next step.
2. Place four tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of the cooked ground beef onto each tortilla, then top with a small amount of red enchilada sauce. Cover with a second tortilla to create a sandwich. Spread more red sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle heavily with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Place the baking sheet into an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and top with fresh diced tomatoes before slicing and serving immediately.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

22.5 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

750 mg

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