Craving something delicious and unique for dinner? Mexican pizza blends the flavors of Mexico with the fun of pizza. This guide will walk you through making a Mexican pizza that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using an air fryer or a traditional oven, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, gather these ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 can of refried beans
• 1 cup of salsa
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup of sour cream (optional)
• 1/2 cup of guacamole (optional)

Preparing the Ground Beef

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
2. Add Taco Seasoning: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

Assembling the Mexican Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas

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If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 370°F. For oven users, preheat to 400°F.

1. Crisp the Tortillas: Place the tortillas in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp. If you’re using an oven, bake them for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

1. Spread Refried Beans: Take a crisp tortilla and spread a layer of refried beans on it.
2. Add Ground Beef: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef over the beans.
3. Top with Another Tortilla: Place another crisp tortilla on top of the beef layer.

Step 3: Add Toppings

1. Spread Salsa: Spread a layer of salsa over the top tortilla.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the salsa.
3. Add Tomatoes and Olives: Scatter diced tomatoes and sliced black olives over the cheese.

Step 4: Cook the Pizza

1. Air Fryer Method: Place the assembled pizza back into the air fryer and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Oven Method: If using an oven, bake for about 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnishing and Serving

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1. Add Fresh Toppings: Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the air fryer or oven. Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro on top.
2. Optional Additions: Add a dollop of sour cream and guacamole if desired.

Mexican Street Corn Pizza Variation

If you want to take your Mexican pizza to another level, try adding a street corn twist. Here’s how:

Ingredients for Street Corn Topping

• 2 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder

Step-by-Step for Street Corn Topping

1. Prepare the Corn: Grill the corn until it’s slightly charred, then remove the kernels.
2. Mix Topping: In a bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder.
3. Add to Pizza: After spreading the refried beans and ground beef, add a layer of the street corn mixture before placing the top tortilla.
4. Cook: Follow the same cooking instructions as the basic Mexican pizza.

Tips and Tricks

Using an Air Fryer

• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Check Frequently: Since air fryers can vary, check the pizza frequently to avoid burning.

Using an Oven

• Use a Pizza Stone: For a crispier crust, consider using a pizza stone.
• Broil for Extra Crisp: If you want an extra crispy top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.

Extra Flavor Enhancements

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice.
• Creamy Avocado: Add freshly sliced avocado on top for a creamy texture.

Why This Recipe Works

This Mexican pizza recipe works because it combines familiar flavors in a new and exciting way. The crispy tortillas serve as a perfect base for the savory beans, seasoned beef, and melted cheese. The fresh toppings add a burst of color and flavor that elevates the dish.

Final Thoughts

Making a delicious Mexican pizza at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a meal that’s both fun and flavorful. Whether you stick with the basic recipe or try the Mexican street corn variation, your taste buds are in for a treat. Happy cooking!