Mexican Fiestada Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A fun, homemade version of the iconic cafeteria favorite.
• Simple ingredients with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Easy to customize with toppings you love.
• Budget-friendly and quick to make.
• Kid-approved and great for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Pizza sauce or enchilada sauce
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar
• Pizza dough, flatbreads, or tortillas as the base
• Garlic powder and onion powder (optional)
• Olive oil
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, green onions, salsa, or sour cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F).
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a small amount of water, cooking until well coated.
4. Mix pizza sauce or enchilada sauce into the meat mixture to create the signature Fiestada-style topping.
5. Roll out pizza dough (or arrange flatbreads/tortillas) on a baking sheet lightly brushed with olive oil.
6. Spread the meat mixture evenly over the crust.
7. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Slice into wedges and serve warm with desired toppings.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6 people
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~12–15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Fiestada: Add jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning.
• Chicken Fiestada: Swap beef for seasoned shredded or ground chicken.
• Vegetarian Fiestada: Use black beans, pinto beans, or seasoned plant-based crumbles.
• Crispy Tortilla Base: Use large flour tortillas for a thin, crunchy crust.
• Double-Cheese Version: Add a layer of cheese under the meat for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 190 °C (375 °F) oven for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Microwave gently if reheating a single slice.

FAQs

What kind of crust works best for Fiestada pizza?

Pizza dough, flatbread, or large tortillas all work—choose based on whether you prefer thick, medium, or thin crust.

Should I use pizza sauce or enchilada sauce?

Either works. Pizza sauce gives a classic flavor, while enchilada sauce creates a more authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

Can I make the topping ahead of time?

Yes, the meat mixture can be made 1–2 days ahead and refrigerated until ready to assemble.

How spicy is this pizza?

It depends on your seasoning. Use mild taco seasoning for a kid-friendly version, or add chili flakes for heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well and absorbs seasoning nicely.

How can I make it healthier?

Use whole-wheat crust, lean meat, reduced-fat cheese, or add extra vegetables like peppers and onions.

Do I need to pre-bake the crust?

If using fresh pizza dough, a brief 5-minute pre-bake can help keep the crust from getting soggy.

Can I double this recipe?

Easily—just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.

What cheeses melt best for this pizza?

Mexican blend, cheddar, Colby Jack, or a mix all melt beautifully.

Is this similar to the school cafeteria Fiestada?

Yes, this version recreates the classic flavors while allowing you to adjust seasoning and toppings.

Conclusion

Mexican Fiestada Pizza is a nostalgic, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner idea that blends pizza night with bold Tex-Mex flair. With its customizable toppings, quick prep, and satisfying taste, it’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or when you’re craving a fun twist on pizza. Enjoy this homemade take on a beloved classic!

Mexican Fiestada Pizza

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A nostalgic, Tex-Mex inspired pizza topped with seasoned beef, zesty sauce, and melty cheese on a crisp crust—your favorite school-lunch Fiestada made fresh at home.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2–3/4 cup pizza sauce or enchilada sauce
• 1–2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
• Pizza dough, flatbreads, or large tortillas
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• Garlic powder & onion powder (optional)
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, green onions, salsa, sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water; cook until coated.
4. Add pizza or enchilada sauce to create the Fiestada-style topping.
5. Brush a baking sheet with olive oil and place pizza dough, flatbreads, or tortillas on it.
6. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the crust.
7. Top generously with shredded cheese.
8. Bake 12–15 minutes, until the crust is crisp and the cheese bubbly.
9. Slice into wedges and serve with desired toppings.

Notes

• Pre-bake fresh dough for 5 minutes to avoid sogginess.
• Use enchilada sauce for a more authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
• The beef topping can be made 1–2 days ahead.
• Try tortillas for a thin, crispy school-lunch style crust.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg