Introduction
Pizza Enchiladas are the perfect example of comfort food creativity, blending two well-loved classics into one irresistible dish. I first made these when I could not decide between pizza night and a Mexican-inspired dinner, and the result was far better than expected. Soft tortillas wrapped around a hearty pizza-style filling, baked in sauce and cheese, create a meal that feels familiar yet exciting. The flavors are unmistakably pizza-inspired, but the enchilada format adds structure and makes serving easy. This dish is especially popular with families because it is fun, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you are feeding picky eaters or looking for a casual dinner idea that feels different from the usual routine, Pizza Enchiladas deliver bold flavor, melty cheese, and comforting appeal in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines the flavors of pizza with the convenience of baked enchiladas and works well for make-ahead meals.
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Pizza Enchiladas: A Fun, Cheesy Mashup the Whole Family Will Love
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas
- Diet: Halal
Description
Pizza Enchiladas are a fun fusion dish that combines classic pizza flavors with cheesy baked enchiladas, featuring pepperoni, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella wrapped in soft tortillas.
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas (medium size)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine cooked meat, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon filling evenly into tortillas and roll tightly.
- Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over enchiladas.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add optional toppings if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with ranch or garlic butter for dipping.
- Swap pepperoni for cooked bacon or ham if preferred.
- Use low-carb tortillas for a lighter option.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas act as the enchilada wrapper. They are soft, flexible, and hold the filling well without tearing.
Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce provides the signature flavor base. Its seasoned tomato profile ties all the ingredients together.
Cooked Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
This adds heartiness and savory depth. Italian sausage enhances the pizza flavor, while ground beef keeps it classic.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni brings bold, familiar pizza flavor and a slight spice that elevates the filling.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella provides stretch and creaminess, creating that classic pizza-style melt.
Cheddar or Italian Blend Cheese
This adds sharpness and depth, balancing the mild mozzarella.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers add sweetness, color, and a slight crunch to the filling.
Onion
Onion enhances savory flavor and adds balance to the rich cheeses and meats.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning reinforces the pizza-inspired flavor profile with herbs and aroma.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened. Add the cooked ground meat and Italian seasoning, stirring until well combined. Remove from heat.
Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each tortilla, then add a portion of the meat mixture, pepperoni slices, and shredded cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Once all enchiladas are assembled, spread additional pizza sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle generously with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes before serving to set slightly.
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 25 minutes. Total time is around 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Pizza Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Pizza Enchiladas are highly adaptable. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add mushrooms, olives, and spinach. These vegetables complement the pizza sauce beautifully.
You can switch up the protein by using cooked chicken or turkey pepperoni for a lighter option. For extra indulgence, add a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese to the filling for a creamy texture.
Cheese options are flexible as well. Provolone or Monterey Jack work nicely alongside mozzarella. For heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
This recipe can also be made in advance and baked just before serving, making it ideal for busy schedules or entertaining.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein, carbohydrates, and fats for a satisfying meal. It can be adjusted for lighter diets by using reduced-fat cheese and lean proteins.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overfill tortillas
Overfilling makes rolling difficult and can cause splitting.
Use warm tortillas
Warming tortillas briefly makes them easier to roll.
Rest before serving
Allowing the enchiladas to sit improves structure and slicing.
FAQs
Are Pizza Enchiladas spicy?
No, they are mild unless spicy toppings are added.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
What tortillas work best?
Soft flour tortillas are ideal.
Can I freeze Pizza Enchiladas?
Yes, freeze before baking and cook when needed.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, it works perfectly well.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, the pizza flavors are very appealing to children.
Can I add olives?
Yes, black olives work especially well.
Do I need enchilada sauce?
No, pizza sauce replaces it entirely.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas.
What sides go well with this?
A simple salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Conclusion
Pizza Enchiladas are a creative, comforting dish that brings together the best parts of pizza night and enchilada-style baking. Cheesy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, they are perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want something fun and satisfying. This recipe proves that unexpected combinations can become instant favorites.
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