Pizza Enchilada Ground Beef

If pizza and enchiladas had a craveable love child this would be it My family is wild for these pizza enchiladas packed with savory ground beef plenty of gooey cheese and layers of pepperoni and bacon all wrapped up in soft tortillas and baked until bubbling The dish pulls together quick enough for busy weeknights but tastes every bit like a splurge meal and it never lasts more than a day in my house

My favorite moment was the first time we made these for a family game night Watching everyone reach for seconds made this a regular dinner request ever since

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: for hearty flavor and classic pizza vibes Choose beef with lower fat for less grease
• Diced yellow onion: brings sweetness to balance the savory Choose a firm onion without any soft spots
• Green bell pepper: adds crunch and color Look for a pepper with shiny skin and no blemishes
• Pepperoni: instead of just beef gives each bite that pizza kick Opt for pepperoni with a zesty aroma
• Chopped garlic: offers depth and aroma Fresh garlic cloves are best
• Pizza sauce: ties it all together with tangy tomato flavor Try to use a thicker sauce so your enchiladas are not runny
• Italian seasoning: brings that unmistakable pizza herb blend Go with a blend that includes oregano and basil for a true pizza essence
• Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess which cuts through the rich meats Use whole milk ricotta if possible
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: for melt factor and stringy cheese pulls Use low moisture mozzarella so it browns nicely
• Crumbled bacon: makes it extra indulgent with a smoky edge Choose crispy bacon for plenty of crunch
• Flour tortillas: for rolling everything up together Look for soft tortillas that bend easily and do not crack when you roll them
• Pizza sauce (for topping): more for the topping to bake in that pizza flavor again
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (topping): adds even more cheesy coverage
• Pepperoni slices: bring the pizza finish on top
• Crumbled bacon (for topping): a final touch for salty crunch

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Heat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees F so it is hot and ready for baking once your enchiladas are assembled

Brown the Beef:

Add the lean ground beef to a large skillet set over medium high heat Break it up thoroughly as it cooks so each bit is browned evenly and there are no large clumps You want the beef to lose most of its pink color and release some fat

Cook the Vegetables and Pepperoni:

Once the beef is browned add the diced onions green bell pepper and chopped pepperoni Stir well Cook until the vegetables are softened and the pepperoni is fragrant This usually takes about five minutes

Add Garlic:

Drop in the chopped garlic Stir constantly and let it cook for a couple of minutes until the garlic is golden and your kitchen smells amazing

Mix in Sauces and Cheeses:

Remove your skillet from the heat Add pizza sauce Italian seasoning ricotta cheese shredded mozzarella and the crumbled bacon Stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy The residual heat helps the cheese blend and makes your filling scoopable

Fill and Roll the Tortillas:

Lay each flour tortilla flat Place a generous scoop of the beef mixture down the center Roll the tortillas snugly so the filling stays inside as they bake

Assemble on the Baking Sheet:

Lightly spray your baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking Arrange your rolled tortillas seam side down so they stay closed while baking

Add Sauce and Toppings:

Evenly pour the remaining pizza sauce over the enchiladas Top with plenty of shredded mozzarella scatter on the pepperoni slices and finish with crumbled bacon for an irresistible surface

Bake:

Slide your baking sheet into the oven Bake for about twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese is melted and browning at the edges When bubbling around the sides you will know they are ready

Serve:

Serve your pizza enchiladas warm while the cheese is still irresistibly melty The edges should be golden and the filling steamy

Mozzarella is always the star for me because I just love how it bubbles and browns My youngest likes to help lay out all the pepperoni slices on top so our pans always look extra cheerful

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat in the oven or microwave for best cheese melt To freeze wrap unbaked enchiladas tightly and freeze up to two months then bake from frozen with extra sauce so they stay moist

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter version Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a little tang If you do not have fresh bell peppers jarred roasted red peppers work too and add a hint of sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pizza enchiladas with a crunchy green salad or roasted broccoli for a balanced meal We also love to dip them in extra pizza sauce or cool ranch on the side Serve topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a bright finish

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe is a fun mashup inspired by Tex Mex enchiladas and classic Italian American pizza flavors It is perfect for pizza lovers and those days when you want something familiar but a little unexpected Our family started making them after a “pizza for dinner again” moment that needed a twist

Seasonal Adaptations

Use roasted zucchini or mushrooms in the filling when bell peppers are not in season Swap in fresh basil or oregano from your garden for the Italian seasoning in summer Add a handful of spinach or kale in fall for a touch of green and extra nutrition

Three Bullet Points of Some Helpful Notes About Recipe

Warming tortillas a little before rolling keeps them from cracking Chop and measure all toppings ahead for a smoother assembly process Let the enchiladas rest five minutes out of the oven so the filling sets

Success Stories

I once brought a tray of these to a neighborhood party and not a crumb was left by the end Even picky eaters came back for seconds and a friend immediately asked for the recipe

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the enchiladas fully but do not bake Place in a freezer safe container and cover tightly When ready to bake add fresh sauce and cheese on top and bake straight from frozen adding about ten more minutes to the bake time

Serve these cheesy pizza enchiladas hot from the oven and watch them disappear fast You will be ready to make a double batch next time

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef for a lighter option.

→ What type of tortillas work best?

Large flour tortillas hold the filling well and bake to a soft, slightly crispy texture.

→ Can I use a different cheese blend?

Absolutely. Mix in provolone or cheddar with mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling for a kick of heat.

→ Should the dish be served immediately?

Serve warm from the oven to enjoy the melted cheese and tender tortillas at their best.