What Is a Mexican Pizza Made Of?

Mexican pizza combines Mexican flavors with a pizza structure, offering a unique fusion dish. Whether you make it at home or order it from a fast-food chain, its layers of tortillas, beans, and seasoned meat create a distinct meal.

History of Mexican Pizza

Taco Bell introduced Mexican pizza in 1985 as the Pizzazz Pizza. In 1988, they rebranded it to Mexican pizza. You can make a fresher version by following this perfect Mexican pizza recipe.

What Is Mexican Pizza Made Of?

Mexican pizza typically consists of several key components, which together create its unique flavor and texture:

1. Tortilla Crust

Unlike traditional pizza, Mexican pizza uses tortillas as the crust. The tortilla can be either corn or flour depending on the recipe. Corn tortillas are commonly used because they provide a crispy texture, especially when fried or baked​. However, some variations use flour tortillas for a softer bite.

2. Filling

The filling is a significant part of what makes Mexican pizza distinct. Here are some of the common ingredients used:

• Seasoned ground beef or chicken: Seasoning typically includes chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika​.
• Refried beans: These can be either black beans or pinto beans, adding creaminess and flavor to the dish​.

3. Toppings

The toppings on a Mexican pizza add layers of flavor and texture. The most common toppings include:

• Cheese: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend is typically used to top the pizza​.
• Vegetables: Diced tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeños are commonly added for extra flavor and color​.
• Sauce: Instead of pizza sauce, Mexican pizza is often topped with salsa or enchilada sauce, providing a spicy and tangy element​.

Variations of Perfect Mexican Pizza Recipe

There are countless ways to customize Mexican pizza to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Some popular variations include:

• Vegetarian Mexican Pizza: This version replaces meat with extra beans or vegetables, such as sautéed peppers and onions. Some vegetarian versions use plant-based meat alternatives for the filling​(A Couple Cooks).
• Vegan Mexican Pizza: Swap out the cheese for a plant-based alternative, and ensure the tortillas are cooked in oil rather than butter. Beans and a variety of vegetables, like avocado or spinach, can be used to make a vegan version​.
• Healthy Mexican Pizza: You can make a lighter version by using whole-wheat tortillas, ground turkey, or even a cauliflower crust. Reducing the amount of cheese and adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini also adds nutritional value​.

Mexican pizza is versatile and can be made vegetarian or even gluten-free. If you’re looking to explore these variations, you can easily swap out ingredients like meat or use gluten-free tortillas. More details on this can be found in the perfect Mexican pizza recipe.

How to Make Mexican Pizza at Home

Making Mexican pizza at home is a fun and customizable process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own delicious Mexican pizza.

Ingredients of Mexican Pizza:

• 4 flour or corn tortillas
• 1 pound ground beef (or chicken)
• 1 can refried beans (black or pinto)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
• 2 diced tomatoes
• 1 diced jalapeño
• 2 chopped green onions
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef: In a pan, sauté the ground beef with minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
2. Prepare the tortillas: Either fry the tortillas in a shallow pan with oil until crispy, or bake them in the oven for a healthier option​.
3. Layer the pizza: Spread a layer of refried beans onto each tortilla, followed by the seasoned beef. Top with a second tortilla.
4. Add toppings: Spread salsa or enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Sprinkle cheese, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions evenly over the pizza​.
5. Bake the pizza: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pizzas for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling​.
6. Serve and enjoy: Slice the pizza into quarters and serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for added flavor​.

FAQs About Mexican Pizza and Ingredients

What is Mexican pizza?

Perfect Mexican pizza Recipe is a fusion dish that layers traditional Mexican ingredients such as beans, meat, and cheese on a tortilla base, similar to pizza. It often includes two tortillas with a filling of beans and beef, topped with salsa, cheese, and vegetables​.

Where did Mexican pizza originate?

Mexican pizza was popularized by Taco Bell in the mid-1980s. Its introduction as the Pizzazz Pizza in 1985 evolved into the Mexican pizza by 1988. Due to customer demand, it became a staple menu item until its removal and eventual return in 2022.

Can I make Mexican pizza vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! By replacing the ground beef with extra refried beans or plant-based meat substitutes and using dairy-free cheese, you can create a vegetarian or vegan version of Mexican pizza​.

How do I store Mexican pizza?

If you have leftovers, you can store your Mexican pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven rather than a microwave​.

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

A typical Mexican pizza made with seasoned beef, refried beans, cheese, and tortillas can contain around 346 calories per serving, with 11g of fat, 34g of carbohydrates, and 27g of protein​. You can serve Mexican pizza with sides like guacamole, Spanish rice, or tortilla chips with salsa to create a complete meal​.

Conclusion

The beauty of Mexican pizza lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer a classic Taco Bell-style pizza with beef and beans or a more health-conscious version loaded with veggies, there are countless ways to enjoy this fusion dish. The combination of crispy tortillas, seasoned fillings, and rich toppings makes Mexican pizza an irresistible treat for any meal. Now that you know how to make it, why not try customizing it to your tastes and bringing a bit of Mexican flavor to your kitchen?