Recreate the iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home with this straightforward recipe. This dish features crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, tangy enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, all topped with fresh garnishes. It’s a delightful fusion of Mexican and American flavors that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir to combine, then let it simmer until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Fry the Tortillas:
- In a separate skillet, heat about 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, fry each tortilla individually until golden and crispy, flipping as needed. This should take about 3-4 minutes per tortilla.
- Place the fried tortillas on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Mexican Pizzas:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread a layer of refried beans onto four of the fried tortillas.
- Top the beans with the seasoned ground beef.
- Place the remaining four tortillas on top of the beef layer to form a “pizza.”
- Spread a couple of tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla of each pizza.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Bake:
- Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Slice into quarters and serve warm, optionally with a dollop of sour cream.
Tips:
- Tortilla Choice: While flour tortillas are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with corn tortillas if preferred.
- Baking Alternative: For a lighter version, consider baking the tortillas instead of frying. Brush them lightly with oil, bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Customization: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste, such as using ground turkey instead of beef or adding jalapeños for extra heat.
Enjoy your homemade Mexican Pizza, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a family favorite!