It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You want pizza but also something hearty. These pizza enchiladas are the answer to your dinner dilemma. They combine the best of two worlds. You get the comfort of enchiladas with pizza flavors. It is fast, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
If you are craving something creamy and comforting, look no further. This recipe delivers a massive flavor punch. It uses simple pantry staples you likely have. You can have a hot meal ready quickly. Your family will think you spent hours cooking. It is practical and useful for your busy life.
Why You Will Love These Pizza Enchiladas
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It is ready in under 45 minutes total. Your kids will love the pepperoni and melted cheese. It fits perfectly into your fall comfort food rotation. You only need one skillet and one baking dish. Cleanup is a breeze for any home cook.
The fusion of flavors is truly unique. You get the soft texture of a tortilla. You also get the zesty taste of marinara. It is a crowd-pleasing meal for everyone. No one will leave the table hungry. It is much cheaper than ordering takeout.
You can customize the toppings easily. Use whatever you have in your fridge. It is a great way to use leftovers. This dish is reliable and consistently delicious. You will find yourself making it every week. It is the ultimate quick weeknight dinner solution.
How This Comes Together
Making these is surprisingly simple and fast. You start by browning the beef with onions. Then you mix in savory pizza sauce. Roll the mixture into soft flour tortillas. Top it all with more cheese and toppings. It is a fail-proof method for a great meal. Even beginners can master this dish quickly.
What You Will Need
Grab these simple ingredients from your local grocery store. Most are probably in your pantry already.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cups pizza sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onion until meat is fully cooked; drain excess grease.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the beef mixture; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Distribute the beef mixture evenly among the 8 tortillas, adding 1 tablespoon of mozzarella to each before rolling tightly.
- Place tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining pizza sauce over the tortillas and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange pepperoni slices and black olives over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crisp.
How To Serve It
These are best served hot and bubbly. The cheese should be stretching with every bite. You can serve them with a fresh salad. A crisp Caesar salad works perfectly here. It provides a nice contrast to the cheese. Garlic bread is another great side option.
This dish is perfect for casual hosting. Your guests will love the fun twist. It is easy to portion out for kids. You can even serve it with ranch. Many people love ranch with their pizza. It makes for a fun family dinner night. Everyone will be asking for seconds today.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for three days. Keep the container in your refrigerator. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F. This keeps the tortillas from getting soggy. The microwave also works for a quick lunch. Meal prep enthusiasts will love this recipe.
You can also freeze the assembled dish. Do not bake it before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil. It lasts for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight first. Then bake as directed in the recipe. It is a time-saving freezer meal option.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t skip draining the excess beef grease.
- Avoid overfilling tortillas so they roll easily.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Chop your onions while the beef browns.
- Let the kids add the pepperoni toppings.
- Broil for two minutes for extra crispiness.
- Use high-quality mozzarella for the best melt.
- Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Add diced green peppers for more crunch.
- Use spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
- Swap flour tortillas for low-carb versions.
- Add fresh basil after baking for brightness.
- Try a white pizza sauce for variety.
Quick Questions
Can I use corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas work best for this recipe. They hold the pizza sauce much better. Corn tortillas might crack or get mushy. Stick with flour for the best texture.
Is this dish very spicy?
No, this dish is quite mild. It tastes just like a classic pizza. You can add red pepper flakes. That will give it a nice kick. It is very kid-friendly as written.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap the beef. Use a plant-based meat crumble instead. Or just use extra vegetables like mushrooms. It will still be delicious and cheesy.
I hope your family loves this mashup as much as mine does. It is a guaranteed win for any busy night. Enjoy your dinner!
— Ethan
Cheesy Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onion until meat is fully cooked; drain excess grease.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the beef mixture; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Distribute the beef mixture evenly among the 8 tortillas, adding 1 tablespoon of mozzarella to each before rolling tightly.
- Place tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining pizza sauce over the tortillas and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange pepperoni slices and black olives over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crisp.
