Why You’ll Love Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef Recipe
These pizza enchiladas bring the classic pizza flavor you love into an unexpected form that’s fun to eat and share. The familiar ingredients like pepperoni and mozzarella make picky eaters happy, and the dish comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s also easy to prep ahead and makes excellent leftovers, ideal for feeding a crowd or saving time later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Filling
lean ground beef
diced yellow onion
green bell pepper
chopped pepperoni
chopped garlic
pizza sauce
Italian seasoning
ricotta cheese
shredded mozzarella cheese
crumbled bacon
large flour tortillas
Topping
pizza sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
pepperoni slices
crumbled bacon
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Add diced onion, bell pepper, and chopped pepperoni to the skillet and cook until vegetables soften and pepperoni releases some of its oils.
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Stir in chopped garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Remove the skillet from heat and mix in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and crumbled bacon until everything is well combined.
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Lay out the tortillas and place a generous scoop of the beef mixture down the center of each. Roll the tortillas tightly and arrange them seam‑side down on a lightly greased baking sheet.
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Pour pizza sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, add pepperoni slices, and scatter crumbled bacon on top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and starting to brown at the edges.
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Let cool briefly before serving so the cheese sets slightly.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 8 enchiladas, serving approximately 8 people (one enchilada per person).
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and baking time is around 25 minutes, for a total time of about 45 minutes.
Variations
• Meat alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or try a plant‑based crumbled meat for a vegetarian twist.
• Veggie boost: Add diced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition and texture.
• Cheese changes: Swap or mix mozzarella with provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep leftover pizza enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. A microwave will work in a pinch but may make the tortillas softer.
FAQs
What kind of tortillas work best for pizza enchiladas?
Large flour tortillas are ideal—they’re soft and flexible, making them easier to roll without cracking.
Can I make pizza enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate covered for a few hours before baking, which helps reduce dinner‑time stress.
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant‑based crumbles work well in place of ground beef.
How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?
Avoid adding too much sauce inside the tortillas and ensure the filling isn’t too wet before rolling. Baking until the edges crisp slightly also helps.
Is it okay to freeze these?
Yes, wrap individual enchiladas tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating for best texture.
What sides pair well with pizza enchiladas?
Salads like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness. Garlic bread or breadsticks also complement the pizza flavors.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy Italian sausage to the filling for extra heat.
How do I reheat leftover enchiladas?
Warm them in the oven at about 350°F until heated through—this helps maintain texture better than the microwave.
Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, you can leave out the bacon or substitute it with another savory ingredient like sun‑dried tomatoes or olives.
What if I don’t have ricotta?
You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese or use extra mozzarella for a creamier filling.
Conclusion
These pizza enchiladas with ground beef are a creative and satisfying way to bring familiar pizza flavors into a new format. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe delivers hearty, cheesy comfort in every bite.
