Craving that iconic fast-food Mexican Pizza but dreaming of a version that’s even better? Look no further! This homemade copycat Mexican Pizza recipe is designed to deliver a superior flavor experience, right in your own kitchen. Forget the drive-thru and prepare to impress your taste buds with this easy-to-follow recipe that truly elevates a beloved classic.
This post is sponsored by the Dairy Council of Arizona. While I have been compensated for my work, all opinions expressed are genuinely my own.
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There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating your favorite fast-food dishes at home, especially when the homemade version turns out significantly better than the original. Copycat recipes allow you to take full control of the ingredients, ensuring quality, freshness, and often, a healthier outcome. While crafting this Mexican Pizza from scratch might take a little extra time – a worthwhile investment, I assure you – it’s far from difficult. The secret to its unparalleled flavor lies in preparing key components like the taco seasoning, refried beans (recipe coming soon!), and enchilada sauce yourself. These homemade elements infuse the Mexican Pizzas with a depth of flavor that simply can’t be matched by store-bought alternatives. However, if time is a constraint, don’t fret; quality canned products can certainly work well in a pinch to get this delicious meal on the table.
Our family typically doesn’t dine out very often, preferring to be selective about the places we visit. Yet, this doesn’t diminish my occasional cravings for the nostalgic flavors I once enjoyed! That’s precisely why I love the challenge of taking a beloved dish and making it even better at home. Unlike the deep-fried tortillas found in some famous fast-food versions, our homemade Mexican Pizza tortillas are pan-fried or baked to a perfect crisp, offering a lighter, yet equally satisfying crunch. What truly sets this recipe apart, however, is the generous addition of fresh, vibrant toppings. Juicy tomatoes, crisp green onions, and savory black olives transform this pizza, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness. If you’re old enough to remember, you might recall a time when the fast-food Mexican Pizzas also came with these wonderful extra ingredients – a testament to how good they truly make this dish!
The Essential Role of Dairy: More Than Just Delicious
For many, myself included, the absolute best part of any pizza – whether it’s a traditional pepperoni pie or this zesty Mexican Pizza – is the cheese! That irresistible, ooey-gooey, melted goodness is pure culinary delight. Honestly, in my opinion, there’s no better way to ensure your family gets their daily dose of dairy than with delicious cheese. Incorporating cheese into snacks or family recipes like this Mexican Pizza is a fantastic strategy, guaranteeing everyone enjoys their dairy intake. It’s a simple pleasure that offers vital nutrients, making it a win-win for both taste and health.
However, it’s a poignant truth that not all families have the privilege of enjoying such luxuries. Many communities face significant challenges in accessing nutrient-rich foods, and milk is often among the most difficult to obtain. As a spokesperson for the United Food Bank rightly points out, “Hungry families in Arizona are missing out on nutrient-rich milk because it’s not typically donated to food banks, even though it’s in high demand. Most people don’t realize how challenging it is to get milk into our food bank. We’re hopeful this program will increase awareness and inspire people to take action.” This highlights a critical need and underscores the importance of community support to bridge this nutritional gap.
June Dairy Month: Supporting Arizona Families
In an inspiring effort to address the urgent need for milk, Arizona Milk Producers, in collaboration with Shamrock Farms and the Arizona Diamondbacks, has pledged to donate an impressive 1,600 gallons of milk to families in need. Arizonans have a unique opportunity to directly contribute to this noble cause by participating in various June Dairy Month activities. This initiative not only provides essential nutrition but also fosters a sense of community engagement and collective action.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are actively supporting the program during their Saturday, June 20th game against the Padres. During this special event, Shamrock Farms will donate 10 gallons of milk to the United Food Bank for every baseball hit or run scored by our beloved hometown team. Furthermore, for every home run hit, the local dairy will generously donate a substantial 100 gallons of milk, up to a total of 500 gallons! This exciting game-day promotion makes supporting a great cause both fun and impactful. In addition to the on-field donations, attendees at Chase Field can find the Arizona Milk Producers booth (conveniently located near the Sandlot), where buy-one-give-one Shamrock Farms milk coupons will be distributed, extending the generosity directly to the community.
Your Daily Dose of Dairy Can Make a Difference
Residents across Arizona are warmly encouraged to visit dairycouncilofaz.org throughout the month of June (June 1 – 30) to take part in the “Daily Dose of Dairy” program. By simply participating, you’ll have the exciting chance to win a daily prize, which includes a $25 grocery gift card and a valuable Shamrock Farms free dairy certificate. What’s even more impactful is that with each entry, the recommended daily intake of dairy – equivalent to three servings – will be thoughtfully donated to the United Food Bank. This innovative approach allows your participation to directly translate into tangible support for food-insecure families in our community. All entrants are also automatically eligible to win the fantastic grand prize: a $250 grocery gift card and an exclusive Arizona Milk Producers prize pack. As a vital part of this overarching program, Arizonans are also invited to easily make their own milk donation to the Great American Milk Drive, further simplifying the process of providing essential nutrition to those who need it most. Donating is made effortless, requiring just a few clicks on the Arizona Milk Producers website. Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that more families have access to this vital nutrient.
6
servings
Homemade Mexican Pizza
Jamie Sherman
15
mins
10
mins
25
mins
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
4-Inch Pizza Wheel, Stainless Steel
-
Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet (2 Pack), Silver
Ingredients
-
1
lb.
lean ground beef -
1
envelope
taco seasoning,
1.25 oz. (or use homemade for best flavor) -
12
taco-size flour tortillas -
1
can
refried beans,
16 oz. (or homemade for superior taste) -
1
can
enchilada sauce,
10 oz. (consider homemade for richness) -
2
cups
shredded cheddar cheese,
8 oz. -
1
medium
tomato,
seeds removed and chopped -
3
green onions,
chopped -
1
can
sliced black olives, drained,
2.25 oz. -
Sour cream,
for serving (optional)
Instructions
-
**Prepare the Beef:** In a large skillet, brown and crumble the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease thoroughly. Add the packet of taco seasoning (or your homemade blend) and 3/4 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the water has evaporated and the beef is well-seasoned. Set this flavorful beef mixture aside.
-
**Assemble the Pizza Layers:** Take 6 of the taco-size flour tortillas and spread approximately 1/3-cup of refried beans evenly onto each one. Next, evenly divide the seasoned beef mixture among these 6 bean-covered tortillas, spreading it over the beans. Finally, place a plain tortilla on top of each bean and meat layer, creating your Mexican pizza base.
-
**Preheat Oven:** While preparing the pizzas, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). This high temperature is crucial for quickly melting the cheese and heating the pizzas through.
-
**Crisp the Tortillas:** Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Carefully place the assembled pizzas into the hot skillet, one at a time (or as many as your skillet can comfortably hold without overcrowding). Cook for 3-5 minutes on the first side, or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and slightly crispy. Gently flip each pizza over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, ensuring the other side also turns golden brown. As they finish, transfer the crispy pizzas to a large baking sheet, ready for the final toppings. Repeat this process with any remaining pizzas.
-
**Final Toppings & Bake:** Once all pizzas are on the baking sheet, generously spread enchilada sauce over the top tortilla of each pizza. Sprinkle each with about 1/3-cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Finish by scattering the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and black olives over the cheese. Bake the pizzas in the preheated 500°F oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the entire pizza is thoroughly heated.
-
**Serve and Enjoy:** To serve, use a pizza cutter to slice each Mexican Pizza into fourths. For an extra touch of creaminess and flavor, serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy your homemade, superior Mexican Pizza!
Notes
- If you only have larger tortillas on hand, simply cut your finished pizzas in half after baking for easier serving.
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly brush the outside of the tortillas with a little oil before crisping them in the skillet.
- Feel free to customize your toppings! Sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cilantro can add a wonderful kick.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
pizza
,
Calories:
684
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
59
g
,
Protein:
35
g
,
Fat:
34
g
,
Saturated Fat:
13
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
13
g
,
Trans Fat:
0.3
g
,
Cholesterol:
85
mg
,
Sodium:
2716
mg
,
Potassium:
501
mg
,
Fiber:
9
g
,
Sugar:
7
g
,
Vitamin A:
1446
IU
,
Vitamin C:
7
mg
,
Calcium:
464
mg
,
Iron:
7
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Just like this Mexican Pizza, my family absolutely adores meals with plenty of melty cheese. What’s your family’s favorite way to get their daily dose of dairy? Do you start your day with creamy yogurt parfaits? Are grilled cheese sandwiches a lunch staple? Or perhaps rich chocolate milk with dinner is a cherished tradition? I’d love to hear your creative and delicious ways to enjoy dairy – leave a comment below and share your family’s favorites!
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few other Mexican-style dishes you may savor:
- 7 Layer Burritos
- Margarita Chicken Tacos
- Black Bean & Corn Enchilada Quinoa Casserole
- Beef Enchiladas