If you love pizza and enchiladas, you’re in for a treat! This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza wrapped up in a warm, soft tortilla. The result is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner, game day, or any casual gathering. Here’s everything you need to make these irresistible pizza enchiladas from scratch, plus tips, variations, and serving ideas that will make you a kitchen superstar.
What Are Pizza Enchiladas?
Pizza enchiladas are essentially enchiladas filled with traditional pizza ingredients like seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, mozzarella, and pizza sauce. They’re rolled in flour tortillas and baked until the cheese melts and bubbles on top, giving you a crispy, cheesy, savory meal that’s both familiar and new.
This dish is perfect for pizza lovers who want a fun twist, or for anyone craving something hearty and cheesy but with a Mexican-inspired twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
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Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps.
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Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings!
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Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this dish.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake later.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Filling:
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1 lb lean ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor.
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1 cup diced yellow onion: Sweetness and texture.
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1 medium green bell pepper, diced: Adds crunch and freshness.
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3 oz pepperoni, chopped: Classic pizza ingredient for spice and umami.
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1 tablespoon chopped garlic: Essential aromatic.
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â…“ cup pizza sauce: The heart of the pizza flavor.
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to deepen flavor.
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1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and balances flavors.
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey cheese everyone loves.
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â…“ cup crumbled bacon: Adds smoky crunch.
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8 large flour tortillas: Soft wraps for your enchiladas.
For the Topping:
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2 cups pizza sauce: For layering on top.
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2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: To melt and brown beautifully.
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3 oz pepperoni slices: Classic topping.
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ÂĽ cup crumbled bacon: For added smoky crunch on top.
Step-By-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for melting cheese and crisping up your enchiladas without drying them out.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This creates a flavorful base for your filling.
3. Add Veggies and Pepperoni
Once the beef is browned, toss in diced onion, green bell pepper, and chopped pepperoni. Cook until the vegetables soften and the pepperoni starts to crisp around the edges.
4. Garlic and Seasoning
Add chopped garlic and stir for 2 more minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning for that signature pizza flavor.
5. Mix in Cheeses and Bacon
Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and crumbled bacon until well combined and creamy.
6. Prepare Tortillas
Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable and easy to roll without cracking.
7. Assemble Enchiladas
Spoon generous portions of the filling onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
8. Add Sauce and Toppings
Pour pizza sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and crumbled bacon on top.
9. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas start to brown.
10. Rest and Serve
Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to cut and serve.
Prep Time and Nutrition
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 8
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Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Pro Tips for the Best Pizza Enchiladas
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Warm Your Tortillas: This prevents cracking and tearing when rolling. Use a microwave or skillet for 10-15 seconds.
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Don’t Overfill: Overstuffing tortillas can cause them to burst open while baking. Keep the filling amount manageable.
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Maintain Even Thickness: When chopping veggies and pepperoni, keep pieces uniform for consistent cooking.
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Customize Your Toppings: Love mushrooms, olives, or jalapeños? Add them to the filling or on top for your perfect pizza enchilada.
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Make Ahead: Assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add extra baking time when cooking from cold.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: If unsure, make sure the internal temp of the beef mixture reaches 160°F to ensure safe cooking.
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Baking Dish Choice: Use a glass or ceramic dish for even heat distribution.
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian: Swap beef for black beans or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
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Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling.
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Cheese Lovers: Add a layer of provolone or extra mozzarella.
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Low-Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or substitute with large lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly option.
Serving Suggestions
These pizza enchiladas are filling on their own but can be paired with:
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A fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
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Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
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Sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
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A side of roasted vegetables.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The beauty of pizza enchiladas is in the blend of textures and flavors. The soft tortillas cradle the savory beef and melted cheese filling, while the crisped cheese and pepperoni on top provide an irresistible crunch. The combination of familiar pizza seasonings with Mexican-style preparation offers something new but comforting.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but special, or for entertaining guests who love bold, cheesy flavors. Plus, it’s easy to double the recipe for bigger crowds!
Final Thoughts
Pizza enchiladas are an ingenious way to enjoy two favorites in one bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing something unique to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The balance of meaty, cheesy, and saucy flavors paired with a golden crust on top creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Try it out, customize it your way, and enjoy the delicious fusion of pizza and enchiladas in your own kitchen!