Easy Cheesy Instant Pot Mexican Pizza: Your New Weeknight Favorite!
Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious Instant Pot Mexican Pizza! Imagine a wonderful fusion of enchilada and lasagna, layered with savory ground turkey, rich enchilada sauce, and an abundance of gooey, melted cheese, all cooked to perfection in your pressure cooker in a fraction of the time. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Special thanks to Foster Farms for sponsoring this post, allowing us to share this fantastic, quick meal idea with you. (Originally published 8/17, affiliate links included.)
Unleash Flavor with Your Pressure Cooker: Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, and Crockpot Express
There’s nothing quite like layers of seasoned meat and luscious, cheesy goodness for dinner. This Mexican pizza delivers the ultimate comfort food experience, ready in an astonishingly short 4 minutes of pressure cooking time! If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of a pressure cooker, now is the perfect moment. These versatile appliances, including the popular Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, and Crockpot Express, revolutionize cooking by drastically cutting down meal preparation time. Dishes that typically simmer for hours in a slow cooker can often be made in just 15 minutes flat, locking in flavors and nutrients like never before.
For those new to the world of pressure cooking, we’re here to guide you. Our site is packed with easy, one-pot meal recipes designed to make your journey enjoyable. To ensure a smooth start, consider these essential tips:
- Make sure to bookmark our Instant Pot recipes page. We regularly add new and exciting dishes each week to keep your menu fresh!
- For quick reference, print this Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. It’s an invaluable tool that will help you understand the precise cooking durations for various meats, vegetables, and beans in your pressure cooker, ensuring perfect results every time.
- We highly recommend investing in a good non-stick inner pot for your Instant Pot. This significantly reduces the chances of food sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Even with a non-stick pot, it’s good practice to learn how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing. This simple step helps prevent the “BURN” error and ensures a clean pot for subsequent cooking steps, though a non-stick liner makes it much less frequent.
For your reference, the recipes on our site are typically developed using a 6-quart Instant Pot model. This size is incredibly versatile and ideal for most family meals.

Why This Cheesy Instant Pot Mexican Pizza is a Family Favorite
This cheesy Instant Pot Mexican pizza is exceptionally easy to make, making it a stellar addition to our list of Instant Pot kids recipes. It’s a meal that appeals to all ages, blending familiar flavors into an exciting, layered dish. First and foremost, you’ll need a pressure cooker – whether it’s an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or Crockpot Express. Our recipe tests were conducted using a 6-quart Instant Pot, a common and highly recommended size for its versatility.
A crucial piece of equipment for this recipe is a 6-inch or 7-inch springform pan. The 6-inch size works perfectly with standard small corn tortillas, creating a beautiful, tall stack of deliciousness that’s easy to serve. This pan allows you to build your “pizza” layers and then easily release the sides for a stunning presentation.

We understand that modern life is often a non-stop cycle of dropping off kids, grocery shopping, tackling chores, and managing work commitments. Finding time for elaborate dinner prep can feel like an impossible task. Our days often unfold in a similar fashion, leaving us with less than an hour to plan, cook, and serve a nutritious meal for a family of five. That’s precisely why we’re passionate about quick, flavorful, and protein-packed meals. This Instant Pot Mexican Pizza consistently tops the list at our house for its deliciousness and efficiency.

Key Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Mexican Pizza
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Mexican Pizza starts with selecting quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish:
- Ground Turkey: We love using Foster Farms brand for its quality, but any lean ground turkey works wonderfully. For a richer flavor profile, you can also opt for lean ground beef.
- Cheese: The secret to its incredible cheesiness! A combination of sharp cheddar and zesty pepper jack creates a fantastic balance of creamy texture and a hint of spice. Feel free to adjust the proportions to your preference.
- King Size Corn Tortillas: Approximately 7-inch tortillas are ideal for fitting perfectly into a 6-inch or 7-inch springform pan, forming the sturdy base for each layer.
- Enchilada Sauce: A key flavor component. We typically use a medium heat sauce to please most palates, but you can choose mild or hot depending on your family’s spice preference.
- Olives: Sliced black olives add a briny, savory note that complements the other Mexican flavors beautifully.
- Green Onions: Freshly diced green onions provide a mild, oniony crunch and vibrant color as a garnish and in between layers.
- 6-inch Springform Pan: Absolutely essential for assembling and easily unmolding your layered pizza. This specialized pan is the key to creating those impressive, neat layers.
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: The star appliance for quick and efficient cooking!
To further customize your Mexican pizza, consider these optional add-ins:
- Taco Seasoning Packet: Mix this in when cooking the ground meat for an extra boost of authentic taco flavor.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo Salsa: Sprinkle these between layers for added moisture, freshness, and a tangy counterpoint. Alternatively, stir 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes into the meat mixture while it cooks.
- Refried Beans: For a heartier pizza, spread a thin layer of refried beans onto each tortilla before adding other fillings. This adds a creamy texture and even more Mexican authenticity.
This recipe is so incredibly satisfying and flavorful. It’s perfectly portioned for two people to split, or you can easily adjust quantities for a larger family feast!

Crafting Your Layers: Tips for the Best Instant Pot Mexican Pizza
The combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses provides a delightful depth of flavor and a wonderful melty texture that makes this Instant Pot Mexican pizza truly stand out. Olives are a fantastic addition to almost any dish, and here they add a distinct savory note. You also have full control over the heat level of your enchilada sauce, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preference – from mild to fiery!
- This recipe is designed to yield two generously sized Instant Pot Mexican pizzas. If you only need one, simply halve all the ingredient quantities.
The amount of cheese, meat, and sauce you layer is entirely up to your personal taste. Feel free to be generous with your favorite components to create a custom pizza that perfectly suits your cravings!
Oven-Baked Mexican Pizza Directions (No Pressure Cooker? No Problem!)
Don’t have a pressure cooker yet? No worries! You can still enjoy the deliciousness of this Mexican pizza by baking it in a traditional oven. Here’s how:
- You can either follow our detailed Mexican pizza casserole directions for a similar baked dish, or use these simplified instructions:
- Assemble your Mexican pizza in the springform pan, layering ingredients exactly as described below for the Instant Pot method.
- Once all layers are in place, cover the top of the springform pan securely with aluminum foil.
- Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
- Carefully place the covered springform pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- The pizza is ready when the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly, and the layers are heated through. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then follow the serving instructions.

Once your family has savored this fantastic meal, be sure to explore more of our delightful Instant Pot recipes. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other Mexican-inspired dishes:
- Our versatile Instant Pot tacos come with four different preparation methods, ensuring there’s a taco night solution for everyone!
- This pressure cooker Mexican casserole is another hearty and flavorful option that comes together quickly.
- Our easy Pressure cooker taco pasta recipe is a perennial family favorite, combining two beloved dishes into one delicious meal.
- You can also explore a ton of other Instant Pot ground beef recipes, offering endless possibilities for quick and satisfying meals.
And if you’re craving a more traditional “regular” Instant Pot pizza, we have detailed directions for that as well!

Time needed: 12 minutes
Instant Pot Mexican Pizza
- Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by browning your ground turkey until no pink remains. You can do this conveniently on the stove or directly in your Instant Pot using the sauté setting with a drizzle of olive oil. Add minced or fresh diced onion and season with salt to taste (this is also a great time to mix in a packet of taco seasoning for extra flavor). Once cooked, remove the meat from the pot and rinse the inner pot thoroughly to prevent a “BURN” error during pressure cooking. While the meat cools slightly, shred your cheeses and finely dice the green onions. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into your clean Instant Pot and place a small trivet inside. Finally, generously spray the inside of your springform pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of your Mexican pizza.
- Build the Layers
Now it’s time to assemble your Mexican pizza in the 6-inch springform pan. Start with a single tortilla as your base. On top of the tortilla, add a generous layer of shredded cheeses, followed by a portion of the cooked ground turkey, a scattering of sliced olives, some fresh green onions, and a drizzle of enchilada sauce. Repeat this layering process, alternating tortillas with cheese, meat, olives, green onions, and sauce, until you have used four tortillas and topped the final layer with all your desired toppings. Ensure each layer is distributed evenly for optimal flavor in every bite.
- Pressure Cook and Serve
Once your Mexican pizza is perfectly layered, cover the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil. Carefully place the covered pan onto the trivet inside your Instant Pot. Secure the lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 4 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 4 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam by carefully turning the valve to the venting position. Once the float valve drops, carefully open the lid. Using hot pads, gently lift the springform pan out of the pot. Place the pan on a heat-safe plate or cutting board. Unhook the side latch of the springform pan and carefully lift off the outer ring. Use a wide spatula to gently slide the glorious Mexican pizza off the bottom of the pan onto a serving platter. Drizzle with extra enchilada sauce and garnish with fresh chives or more green onions. Slice into 3-4 pieces and serve immediately! (Remember, this recipe makes two Mexican pizzas, so if you only need one, simply cut all ingredient quantities in half.)
Instant Pot Mexican Pizza Recipe Card
Instant Pot Mexican Pizza
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey, or lean ground beef
- 10 oz. can enchilada sauce
- 1 c Pepper Jack cheese, shredded, or more
- 1 c Cheddar cheese, sharp, shredded, or more if desired
- 1/3 c Green Onions, diced
- 8 tortillas, corn, 7″ size
- 1/2 c Olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp minced onions, or 1/4 c fresh diced onions
- seasoned salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
-
Brown your ground turkey on the stove or inside your Instant Pot with olive oil on sauté setting. Add minced or fresh onion and seasoning salt to taste. (Optional: add taco seasoning now for extra flavor.) Remove the cooked meat from the pot and rinse the inner pot thoroughly.
-
Shred both types of cheeses and dice the green onions.
-
Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into your cleaned Instant Pot and place a small trivet inside.
-
Generously spray the inside of your 6-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
-
In your prepared 6-inch springform pan, begin layering your Mexican pizza.
-
Place one corn tortilla, then add layers of shredded cheeses, cooked ground turkey, sliced olives, diced green onions, and a drizzle of enchilada sauce. Repeat this layering process until you’ve used 4 tortillas and finished with a final layer of toppings.
-
Cover the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil, then carefully place it on the trivet inside your Instant Pot. Close the lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position.
-
Set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 4 minutes.
-
Allow a natural pressure release for 4 minutes, then carefully release any remaining steam by turning the valve to the venting position.
-
Using hot pads, carefully lift the springform pan out of the Instant Pot.
-
Place the pan on a plate or cutting board. Unhook the side of the springform pan and gently lift the outer ring off. Use a spatula to carefully slide the Mexican pizza off the bottom of the pan onto a serving plate.
-
Garnish with more enchilada sauce, fresh chives, or green onions on top. Slice into 3-4 pieces and serve immediately for a delicious meal! (Note: This recipe is designed to make two Mexican pizzas. If you prefer to make just one, simply halve the ingredients.)
Video
(A video demonstrating the Instant Pot Mexican Pizza preparation would typically be embedded here.)
Nutrition
Calories: 324kcal,
Carbohydrates: 16g,
Protein: 29g,
Fat: 16g,
Saturated Fat: 8g,
Cholesterol: 78mg,
Sodium: 447mg,
Potassium: 336mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Vitamin A: 450IU,
Vitamin C: 1.1mg,
Calcium: 316mg,
Iron: 1.4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!