Name: Mexican Pizza Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 2 (12-14 inch) pizzas
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water (105-115°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans; 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water); 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional); Sour cream or Mexican crema, for serving; Salsa, for serving; Guacamole, for serving (optional)

Mexican pizza homemade – just the words conjure up images of crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and a fiesta of flavors! Remember those beloved Taco Bell Mexican pizzas? Well, get ready to recreate that nostalgic magic right in your own kitchen, but even better! This isn't just a copycat recipe; it's an elevated, customizable experience that will have everyone begging for more.

While the fast-food version holds a special place in many hearts, the concept of a "Mexican pizza" actually draws inspiration from various culinary traditions. Think of tostadas, those crispy, open-faced tortillas piled high with delicious toppings. Our Mexican pizza homemade recipe takes that idea and runs with it, offering a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that's both familiar and exciting.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of crispy and creamy, spicy and savory. The crunchy tortilla base provides a satisfying foundation for layers of flavorful refried beans, seasoned ground beef (or your favorite protein!), melted cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. It's quick, easy to customize to your liking, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a fun and flavorful meal. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and embrace the deliciousness of homemade!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Refried Beans:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ground Beef Topping:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water

For the Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Toppings:

1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
Sour cream or Mexican crema, for serving
Salsa, for serving
Guacamole, for serving (optional)

Making the Pizza Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the flour and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the olive oil and the yeast mixture.
Mix the Dough: Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy crust!

Preparing the Refried Beans:

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the refried beans, vegetable broth (or water), chili powder, and cumin.
Simmer and Mash: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency.
Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cooking the Ground Beef:

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add Onion and Seasoning: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and water.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the beef is well-seasoned. Set aside.

Assembling and Baking the Mexican Pizza:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza stone with olive oil.
Punch Down Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
Divide and Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half into a thin circle, about 12-14 inches in diameter. You can adjust the size depending on your preference. The thinner the crust, the crispier it will be!
Transfer Dough to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer one of the dough circles to the prepared baking sheet.
Spread Refried Beans: Spread the refried beans evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
Add Ground Beef: Sprinkle the cooked ground beef evenly over the refried beans.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the ground beef.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
Repeat: Repeat steps 5-9 with the remaining dough and toppings to make the second pizza.

Adding the Fresh Toppings:

Cool Slightly: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before adding the fresh toppings. This will prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Add Lettuce: Sprinkle the shredded lettuce over the pizza.
Add Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes.
Add Olives: Add the sliced black olives.
Add Green Onions: Add the sliced green onions.
Add Jalapeños (Optional): If desired, add the pickled jalapeños.
Serve: Cut the pizza into slices and serve immediately with sour cream or Mexican crema, salsa, and guacamole (if using).

Tips for the Best Mexican Pizza:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the pizza will taste. Freshly grated cheese and good-quality ground beef make a big difference.
Don't Overload the Pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Be mindful of the amount of each topping you use.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier pizza, add more chili powder to the refried beans or use a spicier taco seasoning for the ground beef. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the sour cream.
Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Other great options include corn, avocado, bell peppers, and different types of cheese.
Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust recipe or store-bought gluten-free pizza crust.
Prepare Ahead: You can make the dough, refried beans, and ground beef ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you want to make the pizza.
Crispy Crust Secret: For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican Pizza! It's a fun and delicious meal that's perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Mexican pizza homemade recipe is truly a game-changer. It's quick, customizable, and delivers an explosion of flavor that will have everyone begging for more. Forget ordering takeout; this is a fun, interactive meal that the whole family can get involved in creating. The crispy crust, the savory seasoned ground beef, the creamy refried beans, and the tangy toppings all come together in perfect harmony. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you completely satisfied. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible flavor, it's the sheer versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Vegetarian? Simply swap out the ground beef for seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu. Looking for a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a hotter salsa. Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free pizza crust or even a large tortilla for a thinner, crispier base. The possibilities are endless! Speaking of variations, let's talk about some serving suggestions. While this Mexican pizza homemade is delicious on its own, you can elevate it even further with a few simple additions. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color. And for those who like a little heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or a few slices of jalapeño peppers will do the trick. You can also get creative with the toppings. Instead of shredded cheddar cheese, try using a blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a spicier flavor. Add some grilled corn for a touch of sweetness and texture. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try topping it with some crumbled chorizo or shredded chicken. The beauty of this recipe is that you can really make it your own. Another fantastic serving suggestion is to cut the pizza into smaller squares and serve it as an appetizer at your next party. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone raving about your culinary skills. You can even set up a toppings bar and let your guests customize their own mini Mexican pizzas. I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It's easy to follow, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers exceptional results. It's the perfect weeknight meal, a fun weekend project, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Mexican pizza homemade recipe a try. I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. And once you've made it, I'd love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your feedback in the comments below. Let's create a community of Mexican pizza lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations! Don't be shy – let me know what you think! I can't wait to see what delicious variations you come up with. Happy cooking!