Pizza Enchiladas Ground Beef

Pizza enchiladas deliver the best of two worlds for busy weeknights when everyone is craving something cheesy and comforting These tortilla rolls are packed with savory beef crisped pepperoni fresh green peppers soft onions and a hidden layer of creamy ricotta then baked under a bubbly blanket of mozzarella more pepperoni and a sprinkle of bacon It is a family favorite that always gets smiles at our table

I remember the first time I made these pizza enchiladas after a little league practice and my kids absolutely devoured them The leftovers disappeared faster than I expected and now it is a requested meal on pizza nights

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: gives a hearty base go for the leanest you can find to avoid excess grease
• Diced yellow onion: adds gentle sweetness and aroma choose firm unbruised onions
• Green bell pepper: brings freshness and extra nutrition look for bright glossy skins
• Pepperoni chopped: amps up the classic pizza flavor get one with a smoky profile for depth
• Chopped garlic: brightens and ties the flavors together fresh cloves always beat prechopped
• Pizza sauce: moistens the mix and carries tomatoey goodness taste a few brands to find your favorite
• Italian seasoning: brings herby notes do not be shy about using a quality blend
• Ricotta cheese: makes the filling rich and creamy check for smooth texture without graininess
• Mozzarella cheese: creates the signature melt and stretch shred your own for best melt
• Crumbled bacon: infuses smoky crunch cook until crisp and blot excess fat for best flavor
• Flour tortillas: work as the rollable base choose large soft tortillas for easier assembly
• Extra pizza sauce for the top: ensures every bite stays saucy
• More mozzarella cheese on top: makes a golden bubbly crust use whole milk cheese if you can
• Pepperoni slices and bacon for topping: add visual appeal and lots of flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned This step develops richness while the beef crisps up slightly

Build the Aromatics:

Add diced onions bell peppers and chopped pepperoni Stir well and cook until the vegetables are soft and the pepperoni releases its oils letting the flavors blend together

Add Garlic:

Stir in chopped garlic letting it cook gently for about two minutes to keep its aroma vibrant but not bitter

Mix the Filling:

Take the skillet off the heat Stir in pizza sauce Italian seasoning ricotta shredded mozzarella and crumbled bacon Mix until smooth and all elements are evenly distributed

Fill the Tortillas:

Lay tortillas on a clean work surface Place generous scoops of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla Try not to overfill to make rolling easier

Prepare for Baking:

Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray Arrange filled tortillas seam side down so they do not unravel while baking

Top and Finish Assembly:

Pour pizza sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas Make sure to cover right to the edges for flavor in every bite Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella then arrange pepperoni slices and scatter bacon on top

Bake to Perfection:

Bake in a preheated oven at 375F for twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese is fully melted and starts to brown around the edges

Serve:

Let cool slightly before serving so the cheese sets and you get picture perfect slices

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One of my favorite parts about this dish is the way the crisped bits of pepperoni blend into the cheesy filling It is always a treat to sneak an extra pepperoni onto my plate and I have fond memories of my sister helping me layer on the cheese as kids

Storage Tips

Pizza enchiladas store well in the refrigerator covered tightly for up to three days Reheat in a moderate oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp edges Microwaving works in a pinch but you may lose some texture If freezing wrap individually then reheat from frozen adding a little extra sauce if they look dry

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can sub for beef If you want a veggie version try lentils or crumbled tempeh Change out the bell pepper for mushrooms or zucchini Mozzarella blends nicely with provolone or Monterey Jack for a twist Cottage cheese can take the place of ricotta in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Serve pizza enchiladas with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for balance My family likes a simple marinara drizzle on top and a side of garlic bread Try cutting them into smaller pieces for a fun party platter

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Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza enchiladas are a creative mashup of Tex Mex and Italian American traditions bringing together two family favorites They show how home cooks experiment with flavors and formats to keep weeknight dinners interesting and memorable

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of tortillas work best for this dish?

Large flour tortillas are ideal, as they roll easily and hold the rich beef and cheese filling.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted and will pair well with the other ingredients.

→ How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?

Be sure to drain excess liquid from the cooked filling and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

→ What toppings can be added for extra flavor?

Try adding sliced olives, jalapeños, or extra chopped herbs after baking for a fresh finish.

→ Are leftovers good the next day?

Absolutely! Store covered in the fridge and reheat in the oven to enjoy warm and melty enchiladas.