Mexican Pizza Recipe

Tortillas: Large, round flatbreads made from wheat or corn, used as the base for the pizza.

Refried beans: Cooked and mashed beans, typically pinto beans, seasoned and fried, used as a spreadable layer.

Mexican blend shredded cheese: A mix of cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and others, providing a rich, melty topping.

Salsa: A sauce made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and various seasonings, adding a zesty flavor.

Ground beef: Beef that has been cooked and seasoned, providing a hearty, savory layer.

Tomatoes: Fresh, chopped tomatoes add a juicy, refreshing element.

Lettuce: Chopped lettuce adds a crisp, fresh texture.

Sour cream: A creamy, tangy topping that complements the other flavors.

To ensure your tortillas stay crisp and don't become soggy, lightly brush them with a thin layer of olive oil before adding the refried beans. This will create a barrier that helps maintain their texture during baking.

• large tortillas - Substitute with pita bread: Pita bread can provide a similar texture and can hold the toppings well.

• refried beans - Substitute with black bean puree: Black bean puree offers a similar creamy texture and rich flavor.

• mexican blend shredded cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and has a similar sharp flavor.

• salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo provides a fresh, chunky texture and similar flavor profile.

• cooked and seasoned ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned similarly to ground beef.

• chopped tomatoes - Substitute with diced bell peppers: Diced bell peppers add a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor.

• chopped lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach provides a similar leafy texture and is packed with nutrients.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor while being lower in fat.

• Allow the Mexican pizza to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the tortillas soggy.
• Wrap each pizza slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain freshness and makes it easy to grab a single serving.
• Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
• For longer storage, freeze the wrapped slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Frozen Mexican pizza can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
• Avoid adding lettuce and sour cream before storing or freezing. These toppings are best added fresh after reheating to maintain their texture and flavor.
• For a quick meal, reheat in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, though the tortilla may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Mexican pizza on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tortilla from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the ground beef is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want a crispier tortilla.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a slice of Mexican pizza on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the lettuce and tomatoes from getting too soggy.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before enjoying, as the cheese and sour cream can get very hot.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the Mexican pizza in the skillet.
  3. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the ground beef is warmed through and the tortilla is crispy.
  5. Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Mexican pizza in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. The tortilla should be crispy and the cheese melted when done.

• Oven: Used to bake the tortillas and melt the cheese until bubbly and golden.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the tortillas on while baking.

• Spatula: Helps in spreading the refried beans evenly over the tortillas.

• Measuring cup: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like refried beans, cheese, salsa, and ground beef.

• Spoon: Useful for spooning salsa over the beef and for dolloping sour cream on top.

• Knife: Essential for chopping tomatoes and lettuce.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to mix and season the ground beef before cooking.

• Skillet: Used to cook and season the ground beef before adding it to the tortillas.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when removing the hot baking sheet from the oven.

Pre-cook the beef: Cook and season the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded Mexican blend cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Ready-made salsa: Opt for store-bought salsa to cut down on prep time.

Chop veggies in advance: Chop the tomatoes and lettuce earlier and keep them in airtight containers.

Assemble in batches: Lay out all tortillas and assemble them simultaneously to streamline the process.