Mexican Pizza Recipe

preheat and prepare crusts

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). If using flour tortillas, brush both sides lightly with vegetable oil and place on a baking sheet. If using pre-baked pizza crusts, place them on a baking sheet or pizza stone.

Spread about 3–4 tablespoons (about 1/4 cup) of refried beans evenly over each tortilla or crust, leaving a 1/2-inch edge. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese over the beans on each pizza.

cook beef

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef and break up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and 1/4 cup water. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 2–3 minutes until mixture is slightly thickened and well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Divide the cooked spiced beef evenly among the prepared bean-and-cheese topped crusts, spreading in an even layer.

Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and crust edges are crisp, about 8–12 minutes for tortillas and 10–14 minutes for thicker crusts. Watch closely so tortillas do not burn.

make guacamole

While pizzas bake, halve and pit the avocados. Scoop flesh into a bowl and mash to desired consistency. Add lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt; mix. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped cilantro if using.

prepare sour cream

If you like a thinner or tangy drizzle, whisk 1 teaspoon hot sauce or water into 1/2 cup sour cream until smooth. Adjust to taste.

When pizzas come out hot from the oven, let them sit 1 minute. Top each with diced tomato, diced red onion, sliced jalapeño, sliced black olives and shredded lettuce.

Spoon or dollop guacamole over the center of each pizza (about 2–3 tablespoons per pizza) and drizzle or dollop sour cream (about 1–2 tablespoons per pizza). Sprinkle crumbled Cotija if using and add cilantro.

Cut pizzas into quarters or sixths and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each slice.