Introduction
Pizza Enchiladas with Pepperoni & Beef are a bold fusion dish that blends the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza with the rolled comfort of enchiladas. Packed with seasoned beef, zesty sauce, pepperoni, and melty cheese, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day feasts.
Origin
Fusion foods like this combine elements from different culinary traditions. This recipe draws inspiration from Mexican enchiladas and Italian-American pizza flavors, reflecting modern cooking’s love for creative mashups that deliver familiar tastes in exciting new ways.
Cultural Significance
Dishes like Pizza Enchiladas symbolize contemporary home cooking—fun, inventive, and designed for sharing. They’re especially popular at family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where comfort food is the star.
Ingredients
Main Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas (medium)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 30–40 pepperoni slices
Topping
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- Extra pepperoni for garnish
Optional Additions
- Sliced mushrooms or bell peppers
- Black olives
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Cooked sausage instead of beef
Tips for Success
✔ Drain excess grease from beef to prevent soggy tortillas
✔ Warm tortillas slightly so they roll easily
✔ Don’t overfill or rolls may burst
✔ Cover with foil for first half of baking to keep moisture in
Instructions
1. Cook Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
2. Assemble Rolls
Lay tortillas flat. Spoon filling down center. Add mozzarella, cheddar, and pepperoni. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in greased baking dish.
3. Add Sauce & Cheese
Pour remaining pizza sauce over rolls. Sprinkle mozzarella and top with pepperoni.
4. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving.
Description
These enchiladas are cheesy, saucy, and packed with savory meat and pepperoni flavor. The tortillas soak up the sauce while staying tender, creating a comforting, pizza-like bite in every roll.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving – 2 rolls)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 30 g
Conclusion
Pizza Enchiladas with Pepperoni & Beef bring together two favorite comfort foods into one irresistible dish. They’re fun to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Recommendation
Serve with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Fresh green salad
- Marinara dipping sauce
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To lighten the dish, use whole-wheat tortillas, lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and add vegetables like spinach or peppers for extra nutrients without losing flavor.