Crunchy, saucy, cheesy — the weeknight win you can eat with your hands.

Craving a fast, fun dinner? This is it. Think crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and big flavor in every bite. No fuss. No stress. Just happy faces around the table.

Quick Answer

The best Mexican pizza recipe uses crisp flour tortillas, a thick salsa-tomato sauce, seasoned beef or black beans, refried beans as “glue,” and lots of melty cheese. Bake until bubbly, then finish with fresh toppings. It’s ready in about 25–30 minutes.

What You Need

• 8 small flour tortillas (6–7 in) or 8 tostadas
• 1 lb ground beef or 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup mild red salsa
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (no salt added if you can)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
• 2 tbsp oil (for crisping tortillas)
• 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt
• Fresh toppings: diced tomato, green onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeño
• Optional: sour cream, hot sauce, sliced black olives

Make the Sauce (Thick = No Sog)

Stir salsa and tomato sauce in a small pot. Simmer 5 minutes. Turn off heat. The sauce should coat a spoon. If thin, simmer 2 more minutes.

Crisp the Tortillas

Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush tortillas lightly with oil. Bake on two sheets 4–5 minutes per side until golden and firm. Set aside. (Using tostadas? Skip the baking.)

Cook the Filling

Beef: Brown meat in a pan. Drain. Stir in spices and 2 tbsp water. Cook 1 minute more.

Beans: Warm black beans in a pan with 2 tbsp water and a pinch of salt.

Refried beans: Warm gently so they spread easily.

Build and Bake (Stack, Sauce, Cheese)

1. Place 4 crisp tortillas on a lined sheet.
2. Spread each with a thin layer of refried beans.
3. Add beef or black beans (about 1/3 cup each).
4. Top with 1–2 tbsp sauce. Place a second tortilla on top.
5. Spoon more sauce over the top tortilla (about 2–3 tbsp).
6. Add cheese (about 1/2 cup each).
7. Bake 6–8 minutes until cheese melts. Broil 1–2 minutes for extra bubbly tops.

Pro Tips for Max Crunch

• Keep sauce thick. Thin sauce = soggy top.
• Warm refried beans so the stack holds tight.
• Broil at the end for that pizza-shop look.
• Let the pizzas rest 2 minutes before cutting.

Easy Swaps and Add-Ons

• Protein swap: turkey, chorizo, rotisserie chicken, or all-bean.
• Cheese swap: Oaxaca or pepper jack for extra pull.
• Veg boost: corn, bell pepper, sautéed onions, or mushrooms.
• Heat level: mild salsa for kids, chipotle for spice fans.

Air Fryer or Skillet Option

Air fryer: Build one pizza at a time. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until melty and crisp.

Skillet: Crisp tortillas in a dry pan, then assemble and cover on low to melt cheese. Finish under broiler.

Serve It Like a Pro

Cut into quarters. Top with diced tomato, green onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Add tiny sour cream dots. Drizzle hot sauce. Done!

Store and Reheat

• Fridge: 3 days in a sealed box.
• Reheat: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp.
• Freeze parts: Keep crisp tortillas, cooked meat/beans, and sauce separate.

FAQ: Tiny Questions, Big Flavor

Flour or corn? Flour gives that classic crunch and chew. Tostadas are great for extra crisp.

No meat? Use black beans or refried beans only. Still tasty!

Too spicy? Pick mild salsa and skip jalapeños. Flavor stays big.

Gluten-free? Use corn tostadas and check labels on beans and sauce.

Five-Star Flavor, Zero Fuss

This Mexican pizza hits every box: crunchy, saucy, cheesy, fast. Make it your way. Slice, share, smile. Then make another — because the pan will be empty.

Mexico's Best Fiesta Favorites

Top-Trending Gift Ideas