Mexican Pizza Bake: Easy Weeknight Comfort Food

Name: Mexican Pizza Bake: Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 oz Mexican seasoning ( I used Malcom’s grande gringo ); 3 quesadilla sized tortillas; 1/2 stick butter; 1 can refried beans; Sliced jalapeños ( I used pickled ); Quesadilla cheese; Pico; Green onion

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Big Ks Que

Hey yall ! My name is Kevin , but just Call me Bigk ! Backyard bbq is my passion, so back in 2020 we turned on the camera and started sharing our journey with yall. Come on in fix ya a plate , and welcome to the family -Big K

A person wearing a “Big K’s Que” apron is seasoning browned ground meat in a cast iron skillet with a bottle of Grillin’ Gravy seasoning. Steam rises from the pan on a stovetop.

There's something about a Mexican Pizza Bake that just screams comfort food to me. It's the perfect blend of crispy tortillas, spicy ground beef, and gooey cheese that makes it a hit for any weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you pull this beauty out of the oven, your family will come running, and those plates will be empty faster than you can say "Taco Tuesday."

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This recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it's also super customizable. You can load it up with your favorite toppings or keep it simple if you're in a hurry. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you might have lying around.

Who doesn't love a meal that checks all those boxes?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

First off, the flavor is out of this world. You get that savory kick from the seasoned ground beef, the creamy refried beans, and of course, the melty, stretchy cheese pulling everything together. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel warm and cozy inside, making it perfect for those chilly weeknights or anytime you need a little comfort.

Another reason to love this Mexican Pizza Bake is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can throw it all together in no time. Honestly, this is one of those recipes that even the kids can help with, making it a fun family project.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies in there if you want to layer on the pico or green onions.

A person wearing a Big K’s Que apron folds a tortilla wrap with shredded meat and cheese on a patterned wooden cutting board. Only their hands and torso are visible.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

Alright, let's get down to the good stuff. For this Mexican Pizza Bake, you’ll need a pound of ground beef, some Mexican seasoning-I'm all about that Malcom’s Grande Gringo for some extra flavor-quesadilla-sized tortillas, and of course, refried beans. I also use a half stick of butter to grease up the pan and get that crispy crust going.

Don’t forget the toppings! I like to add sliced jalapeños for a little heat, but you can totally adjust that based on your taste. And let’s be real, you can never go wrong with a generous sprinkle of quesadilla cheese and a fresh scoop of pico and green onions on top.

It’s a fiesta of flavors, and you’ll want to have everything ready to go before you start cooking.

How To Make It

Making this Mexican Pizza Bake is a breeze. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and I promise, the results will have you grinning from ear to ear. We’ll start with some prep work before diving into the cooking, so let’s get to it.

Preparation

First, you'll want to brown that ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it's nice and cooked through. Once that's done, drain any excess fat and mix in that delicious Mexican seasoning.

You want to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.

A person wearing a black apron labeled BIG KS QUE is sprinkling shredded cheese from a bag onto tortillas in a glass baking dish on a kitchen counter.

Next, cut your tortillas in half. This will help you create those perfect triangles that fit just right in your baking dish. Now, grease your pan with that half stick of butter-this is where the magic happens, giving you a golden, crispy bottom layer.

Layer those refried beans on the bottom, followed by a scoop of that seasoned beef, and then sprinkle on a good amount of cheese. Don't skimp here; I go heavy on the cheese because, well, cheese.

Cooking

Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Once it's ready, fold those tortilla halves into triangles and arrange six of them in your greased pan.

Make sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. Top them off with even more cheese-because we want that gooey goodness-and pop it in the oven.

As it bakes, you'll hear that satisfying sizzle, and the smell will start to fill your kitchen. You're looking for that golden-brown color to form on the top, which usually takes about 20 minutes. When you pull it out, the cheese should be bubbling and slightly crispy on the edges, creating that perfect contrast with the soft tortillas underneath.

A smiling man in a kitchen holds a freshly baked pie in a glass dish towards the camera, with a white cloth draped over his hand and wooden cabinets in the background.

Serving & Variations

Once your Mexican Pizza Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a minute before you dive in. Top it with fresh pico and chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some avocado slices or sour cream on the side to balance that spice.

A person wearing a Big Ks Que apron uses a pizza cutter to slice a flour tortilla on a wooden cutting board.

This dish is super versatile, so feel free to mix and match your ingredients. Got leftover chicken? Throw that in!

Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the beef for some black beans or sautéed veggies. A common consensus among home cooks is to get creative with toppings; don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need for the Mexican Pizza Bake?

You will need tortillas, ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, refried beans, cheese, diced tomatoes, and any additional toppings such as jalapenos or olives.

How long do I need to bake the Mexican Pizza Bake?

Bake the Mexican Pizza Bake at 400F for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.

Is the Mexican Pizza Bake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using beans as the protein source and omitting any meat.

Can I prepare the Mexican Pizza Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Mexican Pizza Bake ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it-an easy, delicious Mexican Pizza Bake that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s all about comfort, flavor, and a little bit of fun in the kitchen. I can't wait for you to try it and make it your own!