📝 About This Recipe
This nostalgic fusion masterpiece elevates the iconic fast-food classic into a gourmet home kitchen experience. Featuring two layers of crispy, golden-fried flour tortillas sandwiching savory seasoned beef and creamy refried beans, it's topped with a vibrant 'Enchilada-style' pizza sauce and a molten blend of Mexican cheeses. Each bite offers a perfect crunch followed by a symphony of smoky cumin, bright tomatoes, and zesty jalapeños, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game night or a fun family dinner.
🥗 Ingredients
The Crispy Base
- 8 pieces Flour Tortillas (8-inch 'soft taco' size)
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (for shallow frying)
The Savory Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor)
- 1 can (15 oz) Refried Beans (warmed with a splash of water for spreadability)
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion (finely diced)
Pizza Sauce and Toppings
- 1/2 cup Enchilada Sauce (red, mild or medium)
- 1/2 cup Salsa (thick and chunky)
- 2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend (shredded Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Asadero)
- 2 pieces Roma Tomatoes (seeded and diced)
- 3 pieces Green Onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Pickled Jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons Black Olives (sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent, about 7-9 minutes.
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2
Drain the excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat perfectly. Set aside.
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3
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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4
In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry each flour tortilla for about 30-45 seconds per side until they are golden brown and stiff, but not burnt. Drain on paper towels.
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5
In a small bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce and the chunky salsa to create your 'Mexican Pizza Sauce'.
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6
Place four of the fried tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. These will be your base layers.
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7
Spread a generous, even layer of warmed refried beans (about 3 tablespoons) onto each of the four base tortillas.
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8
Top the beans with a layer of the seasoned ground beef mixture, pressing down slightly with a spoon to secure it.
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9
Place a second fried tortilla on top of the beef layer, creating a sandwich effect.
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10
Spread 2 tablespoons of the pizza sauce mixture over the top tortilla, then sprinkle generously with the Mexican cheese blend.
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11
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden in spots.
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12
Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, black olives, and jalapeños.
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13
Allow the pizzas to rest for 2 minutes—this helps the layers set so they don't slide when cut. Slice into quarters using a pizza wheel and serve immediately.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the ultimate crunch, ensure your oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying the tortillas; if the oil is cold, the tortillas will become greasy rather than crispy. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a mixture of sautéed bell peppers, corn, and black beans. Always warm your refried beans before spreading; cold beans will tear your fried tortillas. Don't over-sauce the top layer or the tortilla will lose its structural integrity and become soggy. Use a blend of cheeses like Sharp Cheddar for tang and Monterey Jack for a superior melt.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of cool sour cream or Mexican crema to balance the spices. A side of homemade guacamole or sliced avocados adds a rich, buttery texture to the meal. Pair with a crisp Mexican lager with a lime wedge or a refreshing hibiscus Agua de Jamaica. For a complete feast, serve alongside a simple cilantro-lime rice or a grilled corn elote salad.