Mexican Pizza Recipe is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, combining crispy tortillas, savory meat, melted cheese, and bold spices. Popularized by fast-food chains like Taco Bell, this homemade Mexican pizza recipe takes the dish to the next level with fresh ingredients and customizable toppings. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a fun party dish, this easy Mexican pizza recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right tortillas to layering flavors perfectly. By the end, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy, and fully loaded Mexican pizza that rivals any restaurant version.
What is Mexican Pizza?
Mexican Pizza Recipe is a Tex-Mex dish that combines the elements of a traditional pizza with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Instead of pizza dough, it uses crispy tortillas as the base, layered with seasoned meat, refried beans, salsa, cheese, and toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions.
This dish became famous in the U.S. thanks to Taco Bell, which introduced its own version in the 1980s. However, homemade Mexican pizza is healthier, tastier, and easily customizable. You can adjust the spice level, choose different proteins, or make a vegetarian version.
Ingredients for the Perfect Mexican Pizza
To make the ultimate homemade Mexican pizza, you’ll need a combination of fresh, flavorful, and crispy ingredients. Below is a breakdown of the essential components and how to select the best options for your dish.
Essential Ingredients
1. Tortillas (The Pizza Base)
Mexican pizza uses tortillas instead of pizza dough, giving it a thin and crispy crust. Here are your best options:
- Flour Tortillas – Crispier when baked or fried, perfect for a sturdy base.
- Corn Tortillas – More authentic Mexican flavor but slightly more delicate.
- Low-Carb or Whole Wheat Tortillas – A healthier alternative for those watching their carbs.
⭐ Pro Tip: To achieve the perfect crisp, lightly toast the tortillas before assembling the pizza.
2. Protein Choices (Meat or Plant-Based Options)
Mexican pizza is known for its savory and well-seasoned filling. Here are some of the best options:
- Ground Beef – The classic choice, seasoned with taco spices.
- Shredded Chicken – A lighter, juicy alternative.
- Chorizo – Adds a bold, smoky kick.
- Black Beans or Refried Beans – A great plant-based protein for vegetarian versions.
- Tofu or Jackfruit – Vegan-friendly options that absorb flavors well.
⭐ Pro Tip: For extra flavor, cook your protein with garlic, onions, cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
3. Sauce Selection
Instead of traditional pizza sauce, Mexican pizza calls for zesty, spicy, and tangy sauces:
- Enchilada Sauce – A deep, rich Mexican flavor.
- Salsa (Chunky or Smooth) – Fresh and tangy.
- Taco Sauce – A mild but flavorful option.
- Homemade Spicy Tomato Sauce – Blend tomatoes, jalapeños, and spices for a fresh taste.
⭐ Pro Tip: Spread a thin layer of sauce over the tortilla before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
4. Cheese Choices
A Mexican pizza isn’t complete without gooey, melty cheese! Choose from:
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp and rich flavor.
- Mexican Blend Cheese – A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Asadero.
- Queso Fresco or Cotija – A crumbly, salty cheese for extra authenticity.
- Mozzarella – For a mild, stretchy texture.
⭐ Pro Tip: Mix two types of cheese for the best flavor and texture.
5. Toppings for Extra Flavor
Customizing your Mexican pizza with toppings is the best part! Some delicious options include:
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds a fresh, juicy bite.
- Sliced Jalapeños – For those who love heat.
- Green Onions or Cilantro – Brings freshness to each bite.
- Black Olives – A briny, salty contrast.
- Avocado or Guacamole – Creamy and delicious.
⭐ Pro Tip: Add toppings after baking to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Pizza
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to put everything together and create a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Mexican pizza! Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
Preparing the Tortilla Base
The key to a perfect Mexican pizza is a crispy tortilla that holds all the delicious toppings without getting soggy. Here’s how to prep it:
🔹 Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place tortillas on a baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with oil.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crispy.
🔹 Stovetop Method:
- Heat a dry skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Toast each tortilla for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy.
- Set aside on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
⭐ Pro Tip: If you want extra crispiness, fry the tortillas in a little oil for 30 seconds per side, then drain on paper towels.
Cooking the Meat or Veggie Filling
While the tortillas are crisping, prepare your protein or vegetarian filling:
🔹 For Ground Beef or Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add ½ cup diced onions and sauté until soft.
- Stir in 1 pound of ground beef or shredded chicken.
- Season with:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook until fully browned, then drain excess fat.
🔹 For Vegetarian Options:
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 can of black beans or refried beans.
- Season with the same spices as the meat version.
⭐ Pro Tip: Add ½ cup of salsa to the cooked protein for extra juiciness and flavor!
Assembling the Mexican Pizza
Now it’s time to put everything together!
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans on one crispy tortilla.
- Add a layer of cooked meat (or beans for vegetarian option).
- Place another crispy tortilla on top like a sandwich.
- Spread a spoonful of enchilada sauce, taco sauce, or salsa on top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the sauce.
- Add toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or olives.
⭐ Pro Tip: Press lightly on the top tortilla before adding sauce to help everything stick together.
Baking the Mexican Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place assembled pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Final Touches and Garnishing
Once out of the oven, add fresh toppings for an extra burst of flavor:
Sour cream drizzle for creaminess.
Fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
Sliced avocado or guacamole for a buttery texture.
⭐ Pro Tip: Let the pizza cool for 2 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts!
Variations and Customizations for Mexican Pizza
One of the best things about Mexican pizza is how versatile it is! You can tweak the recipe to fit different dietary needs, spice preferences, and flavor combinations. Whether you’re making it for kids, spice lovers, or those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, there’s a version for everyone.
1. Vegetarian and Vegan Mexican Pizza 🌱
If you want to skip the meat while keeping all the delicious flavors, try this plant-based version!
Meat Substitutes:
Black beans or refried beans – A classic, protein-packed alternative.
Lentils – Cooked and seasoned lentils mimic ground beef well.
Soy-based crumbles (Beyond Meat, TVP, or tofu) – Absorbs taco seasoning beautifully.
Jackfruit – Shredded jackfruit has a meaty texture similar to pulled chicken.
Cheese Alternatives:
Vegan shredded cheese – Brands like Daiya or Violife melt well.
Cashew queso – A creamy, dairy-free alternative.
Nutritional yeast – Sprinkled on top for a cheesy, umami taste.
⭐ Pro Tip: Use vegan refried beans and dairy-free tortillas to keep it fully plant-based.
2. Spicy Mexican Pizza for Heat Lovers 🌶️
Love spicy food? Here’s how to add an extra kick to your pizza:
Spicy Sauces: Use chipotle salsa, habanero sauce, or spicy enchilada sauce instead of regular taco sauce.
Extra Spices: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot paprika to the meat or beans.
Toppings: Try fresh sliced jalapeños, diced habaneros, or pickled serrano peppers.
Spicy Cheese: Use pepper jack cheese for an extra bite.
⭐ Pro Tip: Drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy contrast!
3. Kid-Friendly Mexican Pizza 👧🧒
If you’re making this for kids, you might want a milder, more fun version. Here’s how:
Use mild taco sauce instead of spicy enchilada sauce.
Choose mild cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.
Stick to simple toppings – Kids love black olives, diced tomatoes, and mild salsa.
Cut into smaller, fun shapes – Use a large cookie cutter to make mini Mexican pizzas!
⭐ Pro Tip: Let kids customize their own pizza with different toppings before baking for a fun experience!
4. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Mexican Pizza 🥑
Watching your carbs? No problem! Try these swaps:
Use low-carb tortillas or cheese crisps as the base.
Skip the beans and use extra cheese or avocado instead.
Load up on high-protein toppings like seasoned beef, chicken, or chorizo.
Use sugar-free salsa and homemade taco seasoning to avoid hidden carbs.
⭐ Pro Tip: Swap out the tortillas completely and make a cheese-crust Mexican pizza by baking shredded cheese until crispy!
5. Ultimate Loaded Mexican Pizza 🍕
Want to go all out? Try this fully loaded version!
Base: Crispy flour tortillas
Sauce: Spicy enchilada sauce + a drizzle of queso
Meat: A mix of seasoned ground beef and shredded chicken
Cheese: A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco
Toppings: Jalapeños, black olives, pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado, green onions
⭐ Pro Tip: Serve with lime wedges and a side of guacamole for extra freshness!
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Pizza
Mexican pizza is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides, dips, and drinks takes it to the next level! Here are some perfect accompaniments to elevate your meal.
1. Best Dips & Salsas to Serve with Mexican Pizza
Mexican pizza already has plenty of flavors, but adding a dip or salsa makes every bite even better! Here are some great options:
🥑 Guacamole – A creamy, rich dip made with avocado, lime, and cilantro.
🌶️ Salsa Roja – A classic red salsa with tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers.
🧄 Queso Dip – A warm, cheesy dip infused with jalapeños.
🍅 Pico de Gallo – Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, and lime juice for a light contrast.
🥣 Sour Cream or Crema – A cooling balance to spicy toppings.
⭐ Pro Tip: Serve a trio of dips (guacamole, salsa, and queso) for variety!
2. Side Dishes to Complete the Meal
Want to serve your Mexican pizza with a hearty side dish? Try these tasty options:
🌽 Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn with mayo, cheese, and chili powder.
🍚 Mexican Rice – A fluffy, tomato-infused rice with a hint of spice.
🫘 Refried Beans – A warm, creamy side dish packed with protein.
🥗 Southwest Salad – Mixed greens, black beans, corn, and avocado with a lime dressing.
🌮 Mini Tacos – Serve alongside for a taco-pizza combo night!
⭐ Pro Tip: A simple side of tortilla chips with salsa or queso is a great low-effort option!
3. Best Drink Pairings for Mexican Pizza
A great drink pairing enhances the flavors of your meal. Whether you prefer something refreshing, boozy, or sweet, here are some top choices:
🍹 Classic Margaritas – A tangy lime margarita (on the rocks or frozen) complements the dish perfectly.
🍺 Mexican Beer (Corona, Modelo, Dos Equis) – Light and refreshing.
🥭 Agua Fresca (Horchata, Jamaica, or Tamarind) – A non-alcoholic, fruity Mexican drink.
🥤 Homemade Limeade or Lemonade – Sweet, tart, and refreshing.
🍷 Sangria – A fruity red wine punch with citrus flavors.
⭐ Pro Tip: For a fun twist, make a spicy mango margarita with Tajín on the rim!
4. Presentation & Plating Tips
Want to impress your guests with restaurant-style presentation? Try these plating ideas:
Slice the Mexican pizza into quarters and serve on a wooden board.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of sour cream.
Serve with small dipping bowls for salsa, queso, and guacamole.
Use colorful plates and napkins to enhance the Mexican theme.
⭐ Pro Tip: Add a small bowl of pickled jalapeños on the side for extra spice!
- Want more pizza variations? Check out this White Pizza Recipe for a creamy, cheese-loaded alternative.
- Looking for a veggie option? Try this Veggie Pizza Recipe, featuring a crispy crust and colorful toppings.
- Craving dessert? Pair your meal with this Easy Churro Cheesecake Recipe for a sweet and crunchy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a Mexican Pizza have on it?
A traditional Mexican pizza consists of crispy tortillas layered with seasoned ground beef or beans, refried beans, melted cheese, enchilada or taco sauce, and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions. Some variations include sour cream, guacamole, or black olives for extra flavor.
2. Does Taco Bell use flour or corn tortillas for Mexican Pizza?
Taco Bell uses flour tortillas for their Mexican Pizza. The tortillas are lightly fried to achieve a crispy texture, making them sturdy enough to hold the layers of meat, beans, and cheese.
3. Why did Taco Bell stop selling Mexican Pizza?
Taco Bell discontinued the Mexican Pizza in 2020 due to menu streamlining and environmental concerns over the packaging waste. However, after overwhelming customer demand, Taco Bell brought it back in 2022, making fans very happy!
4. Does the Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell have meat?
Yes, Taco Bell’s standard Mexican Pizza contains seasoned ground beef. However, they also offer a vegetarian version where the beef is replaced with refried beans, making it a meat-free option.
Conclusion
This Mexican Pizza Recipe is the perfect fusion of bold Mexican flavors and the comfort of pizza, making it a delicious and versatile meal for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it loaded with seasoned meat, made vegetarian with beans, or spiced up with jalapeños, this dish is easy to customize and fun to prepare at home.
By following this step-by-step Mexican Pizza Recipe, you can create a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that rivals any restaurant version. The best part? You can tweak this homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe to fit your taste, making it spicy, mild, vegetarian, or fully loaded with toppings.
Pair this Mexican Pizza Recipe with guacamole, salsa, or a refreshing margarita, and you have a meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy this easy Mexican Pizza Recipe tonight! 🌮🍕
Mexican Pizza Recipe – Easy & Crispy Homemade Delight
Equipment
- Baking sheet (for crisping tortillas)
- Large skillet or frying pan (for cooking meat/beans)
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Parchment paper (for baking)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Base:
- 4 large flour tortillas or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for crisping the tortillas
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken, beans for vegetarian option
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce or taco sauce
- 1/4 cup salsa chunky or smooth
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sour cream guacamole, or cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Crisp the Tortillas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush both sides of the tortillas with oil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway until they are golden and crispy.
- Set aside on a wire rack to cool.
- Cook the Meat or Beans
- Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until soft.
- Add ground beef (or beans for vegetarian) and cook until browned.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Mexican Pizza
- Spread refried beans over one crispy tortilla.
- Add a layer of cooked meat (or beans for vegetarian option).
- Place another crispy tortilla on top, pressing lightly.
- Spread enchilada sauce or taco sauce over the top tortilla.
- Sprinkle with cheese and add toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, and black olives.
- Bake the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve
- Remove from oven and let it cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Slice and serve warm with extra salsa on the side!
Notes
Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeños, cayenne, or chipotle sauce to the filling.
Keto-Friendly: Use low-carb tortillas and skip the beans.
Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the meat and prep toppings in advance for a quick meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.