Pizza Enchiladas Ground Beef

This hearty pizza enchilada recipe combines two family favorites into one irresistible dish. The rich pizza flavors wrapped in soft tortillas create a unique twist that satisfies both pizza and Mexican food cravings in one delicious meal.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy sports season when my family wanted both pizza and Mexican food on the same night. These enchiladas became an instant hit and now make a regular appearance on our monthly meal rotation.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides the hearty base flavor use 80/20 for best flavor or lean if preferred
• Yellow onion and green bell pepper: add classic pizza veggie flavors choose firm vegetables for better texture
• Pepperoni: brings that unmistakable pizza flavor look for thicker cut varieties for better results
• Minced garlic: gives aromatic depth fresh is always best but jarred works in a pinch
• Pizza sauce: creates the signature flavor choose a high quality brand or homemade for best results
• Italian seasoning: ties all the flavors together with classic pizza herbs
• Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess and authentic pizza texture whole milk ricotta provides best richness
• Mozzarella cheese: creates that essential stretchy cheese pull use freshly shredded for best melting
• Bacon crumbles: add smoky depth and satisfying texture thick cut bacon yields best results
• Flour tortillas: serve as the enchilada wrapper large burrito size works best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat breaking it apart continuously with a wooden spoon until no pink remains about 5 to 7 minutes. The thorough browning creates a flavor foundation for the entire dish so take your time with this step.

Add Vegetables and Pepperoni:

Incorporate the diced onion bell pepper and chopped pepperoni into the skillet with the browned beef. Continue cooking until the vegetables soften and become translucent about 4 minutes. The pepperoni will release its flavorful oils during this process infusing everything with pizza flavor.

Incorporate Aromatics:

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for precisely 2 minutes stirring frequently. This brief cooking time allows the garlic to release its aroma without burning which would create bitterness. You'll know it's perfect when the kitchen fills with that wonderful garlic scent.

Create the Filling Mixture:

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in pizza sauce Italian seasoning ricotta cheese shredded mozzarella and crumbled bacon. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the cheeses begin to melt slightly from the residual heat. This creates a cohesive filling with balanced flavors.

Fill the Tortillas:

Lay each tortilla flat on your work surface and spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the beef mixture down the center. Avoid overfilling as this makes rolling difficult. Leave about an inch of space on each end to allow for proper folding and sealing.

Arrange in Baking Dish:

Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Place each filled tortilla seam side down in the dish arranging them snugly against one another. This positioning prevents them from unraveling during baking and helps maintain their shape.

Add Toppings:

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the arranged tortillas ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce then arrange pepperoni slices and bacon crumbles decoratively across the top for that classic pizza appearance.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for thoroughly melted cheese with light browning around the edges and bubbling sauce. These visual cues indicate perfect doneness and maximum flavor development.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the finished enchiladas to rest for 5 to 7 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the filling set properly making it easier to serve intact portions. The resting time also allows the flavors to further meld together.

Save This

My family particularly loves the combination of pepperoni and bacon in this recipe. The first time I made it my teenage son who typically picks at his dinner asked for seconds and then requested it again the very next night. That moment cemented this dish as a family favorite.

Make Ahead Options

These enchiladas can be fully assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap then aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake remove the plastic wrap but keep the foil in place for the first 15 minutes of baking then uncover for the final 10 minutes to achieve perfect browning. This make ahead capability makes them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Freezer Instructions

Pizza enchiladas freeze exceptionally well making them perfect for meal prep. To freeze unbaked assemble the enchiladas in a freezer safe aluminum pan and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bake as directed adding approximately 10 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively freeze individual portions after baking for quick microwave meals.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. For mushroom lovers add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when cooking the vegetables. Olive enthusiasts can incorporate 1/2 cup of sliced black or green olives into the filling. For a spicier version add diced jalapeños or substitute pepper jack for part of the mozzarella. Vegetarians can replace the ground beef with plant based crumbles or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini while maintaining all the pizza flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas shine when served with complementary sides. A simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette creates a balanced meal. For a more substantial spread consider garlic bread or breadsticks for authentic pizza restaurant vibes. A side of marinara sauce for dipping adds another layer of pizza flavor. For presentation sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma.

Common Queries

→ Can I use another meat besides ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage make excellent substitutes and pair well with the pizza flavors.

→ How do I prevent tortillas from cracking when rolling?

Warm tortillas briefly before filling. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear as you roll.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the meat and bacon, swap in mushrooms or extra veggies like olives, or use a plant-based meat alternative for the filling.

→ What side dishes go well with this dinner?

Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to complement the bold flavors.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Absolutely. Cover and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the filled tortillas and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before topping and baking.