
Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza ๐๐ฎ
If you grew up loving Taco Bell, chances are the Mexican Pizza holds a special place in your heart. With layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, zesty enchilada sauce, and a blanket of melted cheese, this crave-worthy dish is a perfect fusion of tacos and pizza. Making it at home not only saves you a trip to the drive-thru, but it also lets you customize it with your favorite toppings.
Whether youโre hosting a game night, planning a fun family dinner, or just want to satisfy a Taco Bell craving, this homemade Mexican Pizza is guaranteed to be a hit!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe โค๏ธ
- Better than takeout โ Crispier tortillas, fresher toppings, and a flavor-packed beef filling.
- Easy to customize โ Add jalapeรฑos, extra cheese, or even swap the meat for chicken or veggies.
- Perfect for sharing โ Slice it like a pizza and serve for parties or family dinners.
- Nostalgic flavor โ Recreate the Taco Bell classic right in your kitchen.
Ingredients ๐
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ยพ 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
Step-by-Step Instructions ๐ฉโ๐ณ
1๏ธโฃ Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened. Set aside.
2๏ธโฃ Fry the Tortillas
- Heat about 1 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry tortillas one at a time until golden and crispy, about 3โ4 minutes each.
- Drain on paper towels.
3๏ธโฃ Assemble the Pizzas
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Spread refried beans on 4 tortillas.
- Top with ground beef, then cover with another tortilla to make a โpizza.โ
- Spread enchilada sauce over the top tortilla.
- Sprinkle generously with cheese.
4๏ธโฃ Bake
- Place pizzas on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8โ10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5๏ธโฃ Garnish & Serve
- Add toppings: diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.
- Slice into quarters. Serve warm with sour cream.
Expert Tips & Variations ๐
- Healthier option: Bake tortillas instead of frying for a lighter version. Brush lightly with oil and bake at 400ยฐF until crispy.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeรฑos, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace beef with sautรฉed veggies or seasoned black beans.
- Make it double cheesy: Add cheese inside the tortilla layers before baking for gooey results.
Important Notes ๐
- Donโt skip draining the beefโextra grease can make the tortillas soggy.
- Tortillas should be fully crisp before layering to hold up under sauce and cheese.
- Assemble just before baking; otherwise, the sauce can soften the tortillas too much.
Nutrition (Per Serving, 1 pizza = 2 servings) โ๏ธ
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: ~900mg
(Values are approximate and vary with toppings.)
FAQs โ
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but theyโll be smaller and may not hold up as well. Flour tortillas give the closest Taco Bell-style texture.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the beef and prep toppings ahead, but assemble and bake right before serving for the crispiest results.
3. Whatโs the best cheese for Mexican pizza?
A Mexican blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla) melts beautifully. You can also use mozzarella for extra stretch.
4. Can I air fry the tortillas?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375ยฐF for about 4โ5 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
โจ This Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is fun, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Once you try it homemade, you may never go back to the drive-thru!
Looks very tasty. I will make it