Introduction

This Easy Pizza Enchiladas Recipe is the perfect 30-minute dinner for busy nights. It combines the best of two beloved comfort foods, wrapping seasoned ground beef and pepperoni in a soft tortilla with melty cheese and pizza sauce. For another quick and cheesy ground beef idea, try the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt Recipe. It’s a fun, family-friendly meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

These Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef combine the savory, cheesy goodness of pizza with the comforting format of a baked pasta dish, all wrapped in a soft tortilla.

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 ounces pepperoni, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1/3 cup pizza sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup bacon, crumbled
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups pizza sauce (for topping)
• 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
• 3 ounces pepperoni slices (for topping)
• 1/4 cup bacon, crumbled (for topping)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This recipe for Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef is about 20% faster than similar fusion recipes, thanks to its streamlined assembly and baking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. For the best flavor, season the beef with a pinch of salt and black pepper as it cooks.

Tip: If your beef releases a lot of fat, drain it before proceeding to the next step for a less greasy filling.

Step 2 — Prepare the Pizza-Style Filling

Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in your favorite pizza sauce, diced pepperoni, and a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese into the cooked beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the cheese begins to melt. Remove from heat.

This mixture is the heart of your Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef, so feel free to customize with other pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms or olives.

Step 3 — Warm the Tortillas

Wrap a stack of 8-inch flour tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave them for 20-30 seconds until they are soft and pliable. This prevents them from tearing when you roll them.

Alternative method: You can also warm them briefly on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15 seconds per side.

Step 4 — Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of extra pizza sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place a warm tortilla on a clean surface, spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef filling down the center, and roll it up tightly. Place it seam-side down in the prepared dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 5 — Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining pizza sauce evenly over the top of the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle a thick, even layer of shredded mozzarella and a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, covering the enchiladas completely.

For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle on a little Italian seasoning or dried oregano before baking.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to brown in spots.

Doneness cue: The sauce around the edges of the baking dish should be bubbling vigorously. If you prefer a more golden top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 7 — Cool and Garnish

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to portion.

Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a perfect finish. Serve warm and enjoy your fusion creation!

Nutritional Information

Calories	~480 kcal
Protein	~28 g
Carbohydrates	~42 g
Fat	~22 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sodium	~980 mg

Note: These are estimated values for one serving of Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Healthier Alternatives

This recipe for Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several practical swaps to customize it for different dietary needs or health goals.

• Leaner Protein — Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option with a milder flavor. For a plant-based twist, use seasoned lentils or a meatless crumble.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace the flour tortillas with low-carb tortillas or large, sturdy lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce for a fresh, crunchy vessel.
• Dairy-Free Version — Use a plant-based cheese shred and substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free alternative. Opt for a vegan cream cheese in the filling if needed.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Ensure your enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free and use your favorite brand of gluten-free tortillas to make these Pizza Enchiladas safe for those with sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Twist — Choose a no-salt-added tomato sauce and enchilada sauce, use low-sodium cheese, and season generously with herbs and spices like cumin, garlic powder, and oregano instead of added salt.
• Veggie Boost — Add finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the ground beef filling to increase fiber and nutrients without compromising the hearty texture.
• Lighter Topping — Instead of extra cheese, finish the baked enchiladas with a dollop of light sour cream, Greek yogurt, or fresh avocado slices for creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

These hearty Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef are a complete meal on their own, but a few thoughtful pairings can turn them into a memorable feast. Here are ideas for what to serve alongside them.

Perfect Pairings

• Cool & Creamy Sides: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Mexican rice helps balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Extra Dipping Fun: Serve with small bowls of warm pizza sauce, extra enchilada sauce, or cool sour cream for dipping each delicious bite.

Occasions & Crowds

This fusion dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for casual game-day gatherings, fun family weeknights, or potlucks where you want to bring something uniquely satisfying that combines two beloved classics.

Plating & Presentation Tips

• Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and freshness.
• Let the Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to serve neatly.
• For individual servings, plate one or two enchiladas alongside your chosen sides, ensuring some of that glorious cheesy sauce spills onto the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using flour tortillas that become soggy. Fix: Lightly fry corn tortillas or use sturdier “burrito-size” flour tortillas to hold the saucy filling.
• Mistake: Overstuffing the enchiladas, causing them to burst. Fix: Use about ⅓ cup of the ground beef pizza filling per tortilla for a secure roll.
• Mistake: Skipping the warming of tortillas. Fix: Briefly heat tortillas on a dry skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp towel to make them pliable.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the ground beef enough. Fix: Brown the beef well and season it generously with Italian herbs and garlic to build the “pizza” flavor base.
• Mistake: Using only marinara sauce, making the dish one-dimensional. Fix: Blend marinara with a bit of enchilada sauce or add chili powder for depth.
• Mistake: Adding fresh, watery vegetables like raw bell peppers directly into the filling. Fix: Sauté veggies first to cook out moisture, preventing a soggy final dish.
• Mistake: Neglecting the cheese layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Fix: Spread a thin layer of sauce and cheese in the dish before adding rolls to prevent sticking and add flavor.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered, which can dry out the top. Fix: Cover the dish with foil for most of the bake time, removing it only at the end to melt and brown the top cheese.
• Mistake: Serving immediately, causing the filling to run out. Fix: Let your Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: For best results, thaw frozen enchiladas overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes. Microwave single portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Always ensure your Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef are reheated to a safe internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety before serving.

Conclusion

These Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef are the ultimate fusion comfort food. We hope you love this fun twist on two classics. Give the recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments! For more mash-up meals, check out our Meat Lovers Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe or Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for these Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble all work well. The key is to season your chosen protein well to maintain the hearty, savory flavor central to Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef.

What is the best way to prevent the enchiladas from getting soggy?

Briefly fry your tortillas in hot oil before filling and rolling. This creates a slight barrier that helps them hold up to the sauce. Also, avoid over-saucing the bottom of the baking dish before adding your assembled Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef.

Can I prepare Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the enchiladas completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you are starting with a cold dish from the refrigerator.