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Pizza Enchiladas for Dinner
Pizza Enchiladas combine the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines in one irresistible dish. This creative fusion transforms ordinary dinner into an exciting culinary adventure. Your family will love this unique twist on traditional enchiladas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect fusion of pizza and enchilada flavors that kids and adults both adore
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish, making weeknight dinners easier
- Customizable recipe that lets you add your favorite pizza toppings
- Great for meal prep and freezes beautifully for busy weeks ahead
- Budget-friendly dish that feeds 8 people generously
Why This Pizza Enchiladas Recipe Works
The genius behind this recipe lies in its simplicity. Ground beef provides hearty protein while pepperoni adds authentic pizza flavor. Ricotta cheese creates creamy texture inside each enchilada.
The double layer of pizza sauce ensures every bite bursts with Italian seasonings. Mozzarella cheese melts perfectly, creating those Instagram-worthy cheese pulls. Turkey bacon adds smoky crunch without overpowering other flavors.
Unlike traditional enchiladas, these use flour tortillas that hold up better to pizza sauce. The combination creates a dish that’s familiar yet excitingly different.
What You’ll Need for Pizza Enchiladas
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 oz beef pepperoni, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup crumbled turkey bacon
For assembly:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 oz beef pepperoni slices
- ¼ cup crumbled turkey bacon
Tools
- Large skillet for cooking filling
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cooking spray
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Pizza Enchiladas
Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
| Step 1: | Preheat your oven to 375°F |
| Step 2: | Drop lean ground beef into large skillet over medium-high heat |
| Step 3: | Crumble ground beef well as it cooks until fully browned |
| Step 4: | Add diced onions, bell peppers, and chopped pepperoni. Cook until veggies soften |
| Step 5: | Add chopped garlic, stir well, cook for 2 minutes |
| Step 6: | Remove skillet from heat |
| Step 7: | Mix in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, ricotta, mozzarella, and turkey bacon |
| Step 8: | Lay out tortillas and scoop filling down center of each |
| Step 9: | Spray baking sheet with cooking spray |
| Step 10: | Roll up tortillas and place on prepared baking sheet |
| Step 11: | Pour pizza sauce over rolled tortillas |
| Step 12: | Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top |
| Step 13: | Add pepperoni slices and crumbled turkey bacon |
| Step 14: | Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and edges brown |
| Step 15: | Serve hot and enjoy! |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure easier handling
- Don’t overfill enchiladas – use about ½ cup filling per tortilla for best results
- Let filling cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting than pre-shredded varieties
- Place enchiladas seam-side down to keep them from unrolling during baking
Serving and Storage Tips for Pizza Enchiladas
Serving Tips
Serve these enchiladas hot from the oven when cheese is bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano for authentic Italian flair. A simple green salad makes the perfect side dish.
Consider offering additional toppings like crushed red pepper, grated Parmesan, or extra pizza sauce. Kids love dipping their enchiladas in ranch dressing. For parties, cut enchiladas in half for easier serving.
These enchiladas pair wonderfully with garlic bread or breadsticks. Try our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for another crowd-pleasing dinner option.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Pizza Enchiladas
Don’t use corn tortillas – they’ll break apart with pizza sauce. Avoid overfilling tortillas which causes messy rolling and uneven cooking. Never skip draining excess grease from ground beef.
Resist using too much sauce inside filling. This creates soggy enchiladas nobody wants. Don’t forget to spray your baking dish or enchiladas will stick terribly.
Avoid overbaking which dries out enchiladas. Watch for golden-brown cheese edges as your cue. Never use cold filling – room temperature works best for even heating.
You Must Know
- These enchiladas freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when properly wrapped
- You can prepare filling 2 days ahead and refrigerate until assembly time
- Leftover enchiladas reheat perfectly in microwave or oven for quick lunches
- Recipe easily doubles for large gatherings or meal prep sessions
Suggestions for Pizza Enchiladas
Experiment with different proteins like ground turkey or Italian sausage. Vegetarians can substitute seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles. Add mushrooms, olives, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Try different cheese combinations like provolone or fontina. White pizza sauce creates an elegant variation. Consider our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for another Italian-inspired dinner.
Make mini versions using small tortillas for appetizers. Check out this Enchizza recipe for more fusion inspiration. For traditional options, explore Mexican Pizza variations.
FAQs:
Yes! Assemble enchiladas, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
Cottage cheese works perfectly when drained well. Cream cheese mixed with Italian seasoning also creates similar creamy texture.
Use less sauce in filling, drain meat thoroughly, and don’t oversaturate with topping sauce. Baking at proper temperature ensures crispy edges.
Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free tortillas and check all sauce labels. The recipe works identically with these substitutions.
Caesar salad, garlic knots, or roasted vegetables complement perfectly. For lighter options, try cucumber salad or fresh fruit.
Conclusion
Pizza Enchiladas revolutionize weeknight dinners with their creative fusion approach. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Your family will request this dish repeatedly.
The versatility makes it perfect for customization based on preferences. Whether feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, everyone finds something to love. For dessert, try our Keto Cloud Cake Recipe.
Ready to transform taco Tuesday? These Pizza Enchiladas bring excitement to your dinner table. For quick pizza fixes, see this Easy Tortilla Pizza Recipe. Start cooking and watch your family’s faces light up!
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Juneteenth BBQ Meatballs – Easy Baked Recipe for 12
- Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe – Easy Mexican Pasta Dinner
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Pizza Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Pizza Enchiladas combine Italian and Mexican flavors in one irresistible fusion dish. This family-friendly recipe features ground beef, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella wrapped in flour tortillas.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 oz beef pepperoni, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup crumbled turkey bacon
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 oz beef pepperoni slices
- ¼ cup crumbled turkey bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F
- Drop lean ground beef into large skillet over medium-high heat
- Crumble ground beef well as it cooks until fully browned
- Add diced onions, bell peppers, and chopped pepperoni. Cook until veggies soften
- Add chopped garlic, stir well, cook for 2 minutes
- Remove skillet from heat
- Mix in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, ricotta, mozzarella, and turkey bacon
- Lay out tortillas and scoop filling down center of each
- Spray baking sheet with cooking spray
- Roll up tortillas and place on prepared baking sheet
- Pour pizza sauce over rolled tortillas
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top
- Add pepperoni slices and crumbled turkey bacon
- Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and edges brown
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking
- Use about ½ cup filling per tortilla for best results
- Let filling cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting
- Place enchiladas seam-side down to keep them from unrolling
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: italian mexican fusion, enchilada casserole, pizza dinner ideas, ground beef enchiladas, pepperoni recipes, family dinner recipes, easy weeknight meals
