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Pizza enchiladas are that kid-pleasing and crowd-loving dinner you whip up when everyone wants comfort food but you are short on time. This recipe blends the bold, tomatoey flavors of pizza with the coziness of cheesy enchiladas. Everything comes together in one baking dish so your weeknight feels a whole lot more special with barely any fuss.
From the first time I tested this out on a rainy Tuesday, my family never looked back. Pizza enchiladas have become our go to dinner for sleepovers and game nights because everyone builds their own the way they like.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: Adds heartiness and classic pizza flavor Always choose beef that is bright red and has little visible fat for best results
- Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed deeply this gives natural sweetness Pick onions that feel firm and have a dry outer skin
- Green bell pepper: Adds freshness color and a familiar pizzeria taste Look for one that is heavy for its size with shiny skin and no soft spots
- Pepperoni: Packs a savory punch and gives that unmistakable pizza vibe Get thick cut or mini slices for extra flavor
- Garlic: Minced fine for a boost of depth Use fresh cloves over jarred for the best taste
- Pizza sauce: Provides the tomato base Try to pick a sauce with few additives and a bright tomato flavor
- Italian seasoning: Blends basil oregano and thyme Choose a fresh looking blend for the boldest aroma
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild helps to bind the filling Go for whole milk ricotta for best texture
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stringy cheese experience Freshly grated melts smoother than bagged shreds
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled brings salt and smoky notes Use thick sliced for the best crumble texture
- Flour tortillas: The cozy wrapper Large tortillas hold the filling without tearing Get the freshest you can to prevent splitting
- Extra pepperoni and bacon: For topping You want the flavors of pizza both inside and out
- Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking Pick a neutral option like olive oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Sauté the Beef and Veg Fillings:
- In a large skillet set over medium high heat cook ground beef breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned and no longer pink in the center This builds a savory flavor base for the enchilada filling Drain off any excess grease from the pan to prevent the filling from becoming too oily
- Cook the Vegetables and Pepperoni:
- Add diced onion bell pepper and chopped pepperoni to the beef Stir and let everything cook together for five to seven minutes until the onion turns translucent and peppers soften The pepperoni will start to release its spicy oils so the whole mix gets flavored
- Garlic and Aromatics:
- Stir in minced garlic Cook the mix for another two minutes so the garlic infuses into the beef and vegetables Be careful not to let the garlic brown which would make it bitter
- Combine and Build the Cheesy Filling:
- Remove the skillet from the heat Stir in half a cup of pizza sauce Italian seasoning ricotta cheese one cup shredded mozzarella and the crumbled bacon Mix until the cheese melts slightly and every bite is speckled with meat and veggies
- Fill and Roll the Tortillas:
- Place tortillas out on a clean surface Spoon an even amount of filling down the middle of each tortilla Keep the filling centered to make rolling easier
- Assemble in the Baking Dish:
- Roll up each tortilla tightly Starting from one edge roll all the way to the seam Set each enchilada seam side down in a lightly greased baking dish so they hold their shape
- Top with Sauce and More Cheese:
- Pour the rest of your pizza sauce over the top Spread evenly to coat the tortillas completely Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese Finish with extra pepperoni slices and more crumbled bacon
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until cheese is fully melted bubbly and lightly golden around the edges
- Rest and Serve:
- Take the dish out of the oven Let the enchiladas sit for a few minutes so the filling sets a bit Slice and serve while hot
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I am obsessed with good ricotta cheese in these enchiladas It makes the filling so creamy and rich My kids always want to help sprinkle the bacon on top for extra crunch and flavor and honestly it is the best part
How to Store Leftovers
Store cooled enchiladas covered tightly in the refrigerator They reheat best in a hot oven or air fryer which keeps the tortillas from getting soggy If you plan to freeze wrap individual enchiladas in foil or plastic then pop them in a zip top bag You can reheat straight from frozen but add a little bit of fresh pizza sauce on top to keep things saucy
Swapping Ingredients
This recipe begs for swaps Try ground turkey instead of beef if you like a lighter filling For vegetarians crumbled tempeh or seasoned lentils hold up deliciously well Switch out mozzarella for Monterey Jack or provolone and swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter touch Any veggie goes mushrooms zucchini and chopped spinach all win rave reviews
How to Serve Pizza Enchiladas
These are a meal by themselves but they really shine with something green on the side A tossed salad with Italian dressing or broccoli baked on the same sheet tray adds color and crunch Garlic bread is always a winner for soaking up cheesy sauce Extra marinara works as a fun dipping sauce for kids
A Nod to Fusion Cooking
Pizza enchiladas are pure weeknight innovation inspired by Tex Mex comfort and love of classic pizzeria flavors While not traditional Mexican or Italian food they capture the spirit of family meals where creativity and taste rule I love how this dish brings everyone to the table
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or even chicken work well and keep the dish flavorful and juicy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Popular additions include mushrooms, zucchini, or olives. Sauté them with the onions and peppers for extra flavor.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer for the best texture. Cover with foil if needed to prevent drying out.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
Replace the beef with lentils or crumbled tempeh. The result remains hearty and delicious.
- → Can these be frozen?
Absolutely. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen, adding extra sauce if needed.