Mexican pizza is more than just a pizza. It’s a layered dish that combines pizza and Mexican flavors. It starts with flour tortillas, similar to Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza.
The recipe includes ground beef, refried beans, Colby Jack cheese, and taco sauce. This mix makes it taste amazing. We’ll look at the Mexican pizza ingredients, how to make it at home, and different versions for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Mexican pizza features layers of tortillas filled with savory ingredients.
- A classic recipe uses ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and taco sauce.
- Preparation time is roughly 30 minutes, with a cook time of about 10 minutes.
- This dish is customizable to cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians.
- Taco Bell reintroduced their Mexican pizza in May 2022.
- The estimated caloric content is around 655kcal per serving.
Introduction to Mexican Pizza
Mexican pizza is a mix of Mexican flavors and pizza. It started as a creative blend of two cuisines. This dish became famous when Taco Bell added it to their menu.
In May 2022, Taco Bell brought back the Mexican pizza because of fan requests. A change.org petition with over 170,000 signatures showed how much people missed it. After its return, demand skyrocketed, with one customer ordering 180 pizzas at once. By September 15, 2022, demand was seven times higher than expected, making it a staple again.
This dish is a quick and tasty choice for those interested in Tex-Mex. It has ground beef or vegetarian mince, seasonings, and classic toppings. Ingredients like enchilada sauce, cream cheese, and refried beans make it hearty. Pairing it with dips like creamy jalapeno sauce makes it even better.
Ingredients for a Homemade Mexican Pizza
Making Mexican pizza at home means choosing the right ingredients is key. You’ll need ground beef, refried beans, and flour tortillas. These add to the flavor and texture. Shredded cheese, like Colby Jack, makes it extra tasty.
Adding different toppings can make your pizza special. It’s easy to make and tastes great.
Main Ingredients Overview
A typical Mexican pizza recipe makes two pizzas. It requires:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb. (1/4 lb. per tortilla used) |
| Refried Beans | 16 oz. can (about 40% of the pizza) |
| Flour Tortillas | 4 (preferred size: 6 inches) |
| Shredded Cheese | 8 oz. Colby Jack (roughly 15% of the pizza) |
| Enchilada Sauce | 20% of each pizza |
| Additional Toppings | Varies (diced tomatoes, olives, green onions) |
Customizing Your Pizza
One of the best things about making Mexican pizza is you can make it your own. You can choose not to use beef and go for a vegetarian option. Try using ground turkey or plant-based proteins instead.
For a crunchier crust, use corn tortillas. You can also add black olives, jalapeños, or creamy avocados. This lets you create a pizza that suits your taste perfectly.
What is a Mexican Pizza Made Of?
A traditional Mexican pizza is a mix of flavors and textures. It starts with two fried flour tortillas as the base. These tortillas hold everything together and add a nice crunch.
The heart of the pizza is the refried beans. They make a creamy layer that goes well with the other ingredients.
The next layer is seasoned ground beef with taco seasoning, water, and enchilada sauce. This mix adds flavor, blending taco and pizza tastes. A lot of shredded cheese is added on top, like cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack. This makes the cheese all gooey and melted.
After that, a third tortilla is placed on top, covered in more cheese. The pizza is finished with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, red onions, sour cream, olives, and green onions. Each topping adds its own special flavor.
Want to make your Mexican pizza your own? The components of Mexican pizza can be changed. You can use chicken, shrimp, steak, or even vegetarian and gluten-free options. This lets you make a pizza that fits your taste.
Every part of a Mexican pizza is important for a great meal. Try different ingredients to find your favorite Mexican pizza.
Preparation Steps for Making Mexican Pizza
Making a tasty Mexican pizza at home takes a few steps. Each step adds to the dish’s flavor and texture. By following these steps, you can make a meal as good as a restaurant’s in your kitchen.
Cooking the Meat
Begin by cooking ground beef for Mexican pizza. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks. For extra flavor, mix chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the beef. This makes every bite delicious.
Frying the Tortillas
Then, fry tortillas to get crispy tortillas for pizza. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry flour tortillas until they’re golden and crispy. Watch them closely to avoid burning and get the right texture.
Assembling the Pizza
To assemble Mexican pizza, start with a fried tortilla at the bottom. Add refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and cheese on top. Repeat with another tortilla, more cheese, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. This melts the cheese and blends the flavors.
For a full recipe, see this Mexican Pizza recipe. It makes about eight pizzas, perfect for parties or meal prep. Leftovers can be stored for two days or frozen for two months.
Popular Variations of Mexican Pizza
Mexican pizza offers a wide range of flavors, pleasing many tastes worldwide. The vegetarian version is especially popular, offering a meat-free option. It swaps out ground beef for beans, lentils, or sautéed veggies. Plant-based cheese adds to the dish, keeping the Mexican taste alive.
Vegetarian Options
Vegetarian Mexican pizza is incredibly versatile. It lets you mix and match plant-based toppings to suit various tastes. Try using:
- Black beans with spices for texture.
- Grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
- Plant-based cheeses that melt well for a real taste.
- Fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Regional Ingredients
Regional Mexican pizzas add unique ingredients, showing off local flavors. You might find:
- Chorizo for a spicy twist with beans.
- Different cheeses, like queso fresco or cotija, for extra richness.
- Pineapple for a sweet contrast.
- Herbs or spices that are special to certain areas, boosting the flavor.
Exploring these regional toppings lets you see how Mexican pizza changes with culture. Each version adds a new spin to this favorite dish, inviting creativity and discovery.
The Role of Tortillas in Mexican Pizza
Tortillas are key in making Mexican pizza. They add structure and flavor. The type of tortilla used changes the pizza’s texture and taste.
Flour tortillas give a crispy texture after baking. This is important for a Taco Bell-like Mexican Pizza. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, bring a traditional flavor that goes well with the fillings.
Using tortillas in Mexican food is more than just a base. It’s about honoring cultural traditions. The way tortillas are cooked can also affect the pizza. For example, frying them briefly before adding toppings makes them crispy.
Here’s a brief comparison of the two popular types of tortillas:
| Type of Tortilla | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best for Mexican Pizza? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flour Tortillas | Rich, slightly sweet | Crispy when baked | Yes |
| Corn Tortillas | Earthy, savory | Firm, less crisp | Yes, but offers a different experience |
As Mexican food becomes more popular, trying different tortillas for Mexican pizza is exciting. You can use this Mexican pizza recipe to get started. The right tortillas make the dish truly special, showing off Mexican culinary traditions.
Cheese Selections for Mexican Pizza
Cheese is key in Mexican pizza, adding flavor and texture. Popular cheeses like Colby Jack, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack melt well. This makes the pizza gooey and delicious.
Trying cheese blends can make the pizza even better. Mixing cheeses creates a rich flavor profile. Here’s a table showing different cheeses and their qualities:
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Melting Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Colby Jack | Rich, slightly tangy | Excellent |
| Cheddar | Sharp, creamy | Good |
| Monterey Jack | Buttery, mild | Very good |
| Pepper Jack | Spicy, zesty | Good |
Choosing the right cheese mix can really change the pizza. Each blend brings something new. So, whether you stick with classics or try new mixes, you’ll find the perfect cheese for your Mexican pizza.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Serving Mexican pizza lets you make each dish your own. You can pick from many toppings to match your taste. This makes every meal special and fun.
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Fresh salsa
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Pickled red onions
- Fresh cilantro
Want to add protein? Try chorizo, carne asada, or shrimp. Vegetarians can go for refried beans and veggies like bell peppers and black olives. This makes for a tasty and filling meal.
Make your table pop with a colorful setting. Serve it with a garden salad or Mexican rice. As everyone adds their favorite toppings, it becomes a fun, interactive meal. It’s a great way to share and enjoy Mexican flavors together.
Whether you pick a few toppings or go all out, Mexican pizza is sure to please. It’s a great way to make memories and enjoy good food together.
Healthy Alternatives and Modifications
Making a low-calorie Mexican pizza lets you enjoy tasty flavors while staying healthy. Use healthier cooking methods and swap out ingredients for less calories. Baking tortillas instead of frying cuts down on fat, making it a smart choice for a healthy pizza.
Choose lean meats or plant-based proteins for a good amount of protein. This keeps your pizza satisfying without adding too many calories.
Reducing Calories
For a tasty low-calorie Mexican pizza, start with the Taco Bell version at 530 calories. A homemade version can be made for just 275 calories. Using a Green Giant Cauliflower Pizza Crust, which is 80% cauliflower, also lowers calories.
Each serving of this healthier pizza has about 196 calories. This shows how you can make a healthier pizza without losing flavor.
Substituting Ingredients
Changing ingredients is key to a better pizza. Use whole wheat tortillas for more fiber and choose reduced-fat cheese for fewer calories. Homemade refried beans are a better choice than canned ones, which are high in fat.
These simple swaps make your pizza healthier. For tips on making great tortilla wraps, check out this guide.
| Version | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taco Bell Mexican Pizza | 530 | 19 | 49 | 29 |
| Homemade Mexican Pizza | 275 | 18 | 31 | 8 |
| Healthier Mexican Pizza | 196 | 15 | 8 | 12 |
Conclusion
Mexican pizza is a colorful and zesty dish that’s both tasty and flexible. It suits many tastes and diets. The dish is made with seasoned beef, a three-cheese blend, refried beans, and fresh toppings.
Making Mexican pizza is a fun and rewarding task. You can easily adjust the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer it with meat or without, you can add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or black olives.
Start your cooking adventure by trying out new recipes. Look for ones that use homemade tortillas and sauces. For example, this recipe for homemade tortillas can make your Mexican pizza even better. Making your own version is a way to celebrate flavors and enjoy every bite just the way you like it!