Mexican Pizzas with Crispy Fried Tortillas | CookOS

Mexican Pizzas

Name: Mexican Pizzas with Crispy Fried Tortillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 12 small flour tortillas; 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying; 1 can (16 oz) refried beans; 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided; 1 cup taco sauce; 1 tomato, diced; 2 green onions, sliced

Mexican pizzas are a Tex-Mex twist featuring seasoned ground beef and refried beans layered between two crispy fried flour tortillas, then topped with melted cheese, taco sauce, tomatoes, and green onions. They're quick, customizable, and require no special equipment.

🍴Copycat

🌍Tex-Mex 🏷️Mexican pizza 🏷️Taco 🏷️Ground beef 🏷️Cheesy

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Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
12 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
1 cup taco sauce
1 tomato, dicedoptional
2 green onions, slicedoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
2
Add your preferred taco seasonings to the beef and stir to combine.
3
In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry each flour tortilla for about 1 minute per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5
To assemble, place 6 of the crispy tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of refried beans on each, followed by a scoop of the seasoned taco meat, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
6
Place a second crispy tortilla on top of each pizza.
7
Spread taco sauce over the top tortilla of each pizza, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
8
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions before slicing and serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat tortillas dry before frying to prevent oil splatter and ensure even browning.
Warm refried beans before assembling to help them spread easily and meld with other layers.
Assemble pizzas just before serving toppings to keep the fried tortilla base crispy.
Use two spatulas when flipping or removing pizzas from the skillet to prevent them from breaking.

Substitutions

Ground beef → ground turkey or chorizo (adjust seasoning to taste)
Colby Jack cheese → cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend (similar melting properties)
Refried beans → black beans, pinto beans, or bean dip (drain excess liquid)
Taco sauce → salsa or enchilada sauce (adjust heat level as preferred)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover assembled pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

Equipment

large skillet or deep-sided frying pan · instant-read thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)

Common Questions

Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake tortillas at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy, but they won't achieve the same golden, crunchy texture as fried tortillas.

What temperature should the oil be for frying?

Heat vegetable oil to 350–375°F. Test with a tortilla piece; it should sizzle immediately and brown in 1–2 minutes.

Can I make these ahead?

Assemble and fry the tortilla bases up to 2 hours ahead, then store in an airtight container. Add toppings just before serving to keep tortillas crisp.