Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza 🍕🌮
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 you’re 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 You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Better than takeout – Crispier tortillas, fresher toppings, and a flavor-packed beef filling.
- Easy to customize – Add jalapeños, extra cheese, or even swap the meat for chicken or veggies.
- Perfect for sharing – Slice it like a pizza and serve for parties or family dinners.
- Nostalgic flavor – Recreate the Taco Bell classic right in your kitchen.
Ingredients 🛒
For the Base:
- 1 lb 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
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1️⃣ 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.
2️⃣ 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 3–4 minutes each.
- Drain on paper towels.
3️⃣ Assemble the Pizzas
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread refried beans on 4 tortillas.
- Top with ground beef, then cover with another tortilla to make a “pizza.”
- Spread enchilada sauce over the top tortilla.
- Sprinkle generously with cheese.
4️⃣ Bake
- Place pizzas on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Add toppings: diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.
- Slice into quarters. Serve warm with sour cream.
Expert Tips & Variations 🌟
- Healthier option: Bake tortillas instead of frying for a lighter version. Brush lightly with oil and bake at 400°F until crispy.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace beef with sautéed veggies or seasoned black beans.
- Make it double cheesy: Add cheese inside the tortilla layers before baking for gooey results.
Important Notes 📝
- Don’t skip draining the beef—extra 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) ⚖️
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: ~900mg
(Values are approximate and vary with toppings.)
FAQs ❓
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but they’ll 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. What’s 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 375°F for about 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
✨ 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!