Easy Mexican Pizza (Print Version)

Layered fried tortillas with savory beef, beans, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes for a crispy, tasty dinner option.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein and Vegetables

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
04 - 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
05 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions

→ Spices and Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
11 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Base and Toppings

12 - 6 small fajita-size flour tortillas
13 - 1 can (16 ounces) vegetarian refried beans
14 - 1 cup taco sauce
15 - 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
16 - Vegetable oil for frying

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess grease and set aside.
02 - Return the skillet to medium heat. Add salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic to the browned beef and onions. Stir and cook for 1 minute to blend flavors.
03 - In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat to cover the bottom. Fry each flour tortilla for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
04 - Heat refried beans gently until spreadable, either in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
05 - Place a fried tortilla on a baking sheet. Spread a layer of refried beans on top, followed by a portion of seasoned beef and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Top with another fried tortilla, spread taco sauce over it, and add more shredded cheese.
06 - Preheat oven to 400 °F. Bake the assembled pizzas for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove pizzas from the oven. Immediately sprinkle diced tomatoes and chopped green onions on top. Cut into quarters and serve warm.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Drain excess grease from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy texture. Fry tortillas just until golden for optimal crunch without excessive oil absorption. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has improved texture.