Pizza Enchiladas With Pepperoni Filling

Pizza Enchiladas are my top pick when I want dinner to feel like a party but keep things simple and satisfying. The combination of classic pizza flavors tucked into soft flour tortillas then baked with a bubbly cheese topping always gets my family around the table eager to dig in

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: One pound for rich flavor without excess grease Choose a brand with bright red color and little liquid in package
• Diced yellow onion: Sweet and fragrant pick firm onions with dry papery skin
• Green bell pepper: Gives color and slight crunch Aim for glossy skin with no wrinkles
• Pepperoni: Adds classic pizza flavor I like to grab fresh sliced from the deli counter if available
• Chopped garlic: Adds depth and aroma Look for plump cloves with tight peels
• Pizza sauce: Rich tomato flavor brings everything together Try to use a sauce with a short ingredient list for freshness
• Italian seasoning: Brings a savory boost and classic herbs Sniff before buying fresher blends are more aromatic
• Ricotta cheese: Makes the filling creamy Choose whole milk ricotta for best texture
• Mozzarella cheese: Both inside and on top for gooeyness Pre shredded saves time but fresh produces the best melt
• Crumbled bacon: Salty crunch in filling and topping Cook until crisp then drain well
• Flour tortillas: Soft and easy to roll I like burrito size so you can pack them full

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium high and drop in the lean ground beef Crumble the meat well with a spatula so it cooks evenly and avoid large clumps Watch for the beef to turn brown and most liquid to evaporate which takes about 6 to 8 minutes

Sauté the Veggies and Pepperoni:

Scatter in the diced onion green peppers and chopped pepperoni Stir everything together and continue cooking letting the veggies soften which allows their flavor to blend with the beef This usually takes around 5 minutes and the kitchen will smell wonderful

Add Garlic:

Once veggies are soft toss in your chopped garlic Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to release its aroma without burning it This really punches up the filling flavor

Mix in Fillings and Cheese:

Take the skillet off the heat then stir in the pizza sauce Italian seasoning ricotta cheese shredded mozzarella and crumbled bacon Make sure everything is well mixed so each bite gets a little of everything

Fill and Roll Tortillas:

Lay out the flour tortillas on your workspace Spoon the cheesy beef and veggie filling down the center of each tortilla Distribute the filling evenly so the rolls cook the same

Roll and Arrange:

Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray Place filled tortillas seam side down in the sheet Snug them together so they hold shape while baking

Top with Sauce and Cheese:

Pour more pizza sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella then scatter pepperoni slices and crumbled bacon across the top for that pizza look

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 375 degrees and bake for 20 to 25 minutes The cheese should melt completely and edges will turn golden brown Your house will fill with the best aroma

Serve Hot:

Let cool slightly and use a large spatula to lift each enchilada Serve with a side salad or extra warm sauce if you like

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My favorite part is those crispy bacon bits on top I always sneak a few straight from the pan before they hit the enchiladas And my kids love helping assemble the tortillas with their favorite toppings which turns dinner into family fun

Storage Tips

Store leftover enchiladas covered in the fridge for up to three days They taste just as good rewarmed in the oven or microwave If you want to freeze make sure they are fully cooled then wrap tightly single file They reheat best in the oven at 350 degrees until bubbly

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken swaps in easily for the beef For a meatless version go with canned lentils and extra veggies If you do not have ricotta cottage cheese works in a pinch Add more peppers or mushrooms to stretch the filling or use marinara for the sauce

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp salad dressed in Italian vinaigrette to balance the cheesy richness Garlic bread or roasted broccoli make great sides for a heartier meal Finish with simple lemon ice or sliced fruit for a fresh dessert touch

Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza enchiladas are a playful mashup inspired by Tex Mex enchiladas and Italian American pizza Two crowd favorites rolled into one cozy bake This recipe celebrates the creativity of home cooks in blending comfort cuisines to invent new weeknight classics

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Flour tortillas give a softer texture, but corn tortillas can be used for a sturdier bite and slightly different flavor. Warm corn tortillas first to prevent cracking.

→ Which cheese works best for topping?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving a classic stretchy topping. Adding a little parmesan or cheddar can boost the flavor.

→ Is there a substitute for pepperoni?

You can swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, turkey pepperoni, or vegetarian alternatives for a different taste or dietary needs.

→ How do I make this ahead of time?

Assemble and refrigerate, covered, for up to a day. Add sauce and cheese before baking. Bake an extra 5 minutes if chilled.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make great partners, balancing the cheesy, savory dish.