Description
This Cheesy Spicy Mexican Pizza Burritos recipe combines bold Mexican flavors with the comforting heartiness of a burrito. Filled with seasoned refried beans, zesty salsa, melted Mexican cheese, and optional ground beef or turkey, these burritos are baked to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and a melty, flavorful inside. Topped with fresh vegetables and served with sour cream and guacamole, they make a perfect flavorful meal or party dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Protein and Cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or turkey (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Serving
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the burritos to a crispy golden finish.
- Prepare Bean Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the refried beans with taco seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and infuse the beans with heat and flavor.
- Arrange Tortillas: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface or on a baking sheet to prepare them for layering the fillings.
- Spread Beans: Spread a generous layer of the seasoned refried beans over each tortilla, leaving about an inch around the edges to facilitate rolling.
- Add Meat (Optional): Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef or turkey over the refried bean layer if using for added protein and flavor.
- Layer Salsa and Cheese: Spoon salsa over the meat and beans, then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly on top to add a creamy, melty texture once baked.
- Add Vegetables: Top the burritos with diced jalapeños, black olives, diced bell peppers, and sliced green onions, adding layers of fresh crunch and spice.
- Roll Burritos: Carefully roll each tortilla into a burrito shape, folding in the sides as you go to secure all the fillings inside.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the rolled burritos seam side down on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote crisping.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the tops of the burritos with olive oil to help them crisp beautifully in the oven while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas turn golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling and melted.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the burritos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to allow the fillings to set, then slice each burrito in half for serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side for added creaminess and flavor contrast.
Notes
- You can omit the meat to make this recipe vegetarian without losing flavor.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Use your preferred type of salsa — mild, medium, or hot — depending on your heat tolerance.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped tightly in foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican