Recreate the delicious taste of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza at home with this easy recipe. This version features crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, refried beans, and a blend of melted cheese, topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions.
Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and a little water (per packet instructions). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the beef is well-coated and flavorful.
- Crisp the Tortillas: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each tortilla until golden and crispy (about 30 seconds per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Mexican Pizza: Spread a layer of refried beans on one crispy tortilla. Top with seasoned ground beef, then place another crispy tortilla on top. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and black olives. Slice into quarters and serve immediately.
Why You Will Love Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
If you’re a fan of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, you’ll absolutely love this homemade copycat version! It captures all the delicious flavors of the original while allowing you to customize it to your taste.
The crispy tortilla layers provide the perfect crunch, while the seasoned ground beef and refried beans create a savory, hearty filling. Topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions, every bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
What makes this copycat recipe even better is the ability to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer a meat-free option?
Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles. The homemade version also lets you control the quality of ingredients, making it fresher and more flavorful than the fast-food version.
Another reason to love this recipe is how easy and quick it is to make. In just about 30 minutes, you can recreate the nostalgic taste of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza right in your kitchen.
It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a fun snack night. Once you try it, you’ll never need the drive-thru again!
Craving Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza at home? This copycat recipe lets you recreate the beloved fast-food favorite with fresh ingredients and a perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
The secret to nailing the perfect Mexican Pizza lies in the preparation of the tortillas, the layering technique, and the combination of toppings.
Here are some expert tips and serving tricks to help you make a restaurant-quality Mexican Pizza at home:
1. Tips for Making the Perfect Mexican Pizza
Use the Right Tortillas
- Flour tortillas are commonly used for Mexican Pizza because they crisp up well and hold their shape after frying or baking.
- For a more authentic Taco Bell taste, use a combination of flour and corn tortillas, or fry the flour tortillas until golden and crispy for that signature crunch.
- Ensure the tortillas are evenly crisp by frying them in hot oil (around 350°F/175°C) for about 1–2 minutes per side, or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes until golden.
Season the Ground Beef Properly
- To replicate the Taco Bell flavor, season the ground beef with a mix of taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- For added moisture and flavor, cook the beef in a small amount of beef broth or tomato sauce.
- Simmer the beef until most of the liquid evaporates, ensuring the filling is rich and flavorful without being soggy.
Layering is Key
- Start with a crispy tortilla base, then spread a layer of refried beans (warmed for easy spreading) followed by the seasoned ground beef.
- Top with a second crispy tortilla and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce or taco sauce on top.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Crispy Finish
- For a crispier finish, place the Mexican Pizza under the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes.
- This step helps to melt the cheese evenly and gives the top a slightly golden, bubbly texture.
2. Serving Tricks to Elevate Your Mexican Pizza
Garnish for Freshness
- After baking, top with freshly diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and sliced black olives for a burst of color and flavor.
- A dollop of sour cream or guacamole adds creaminess and balances the savory notes.
- For extra heat, add a sprinkle of jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Cut for Easy Serving
- Use a sharp pizza cutter or large knife to slice the pizza into quarters or eighths.
- For an authentic Taco Bell presentation, serve the slices slightly overlapped on a platter.
Pairing Ideas
- Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side of chips and guacamole for a complete meal.
- For a lighter side, a fresh salad with a lime-cilantro vinaigrette balances the richness of the pizza.
3. Creative Variations
- Chicken or Steak Option – Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or steak for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Mexican Pizza – Use black beans or seasoned lentils instead of ground beef.
- Spicy Kick – Mix hot sauce into the refried beans or taco sauce for added heat.
4. Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- You can prepare the beef and refried beans in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Assemble the pizzas just before baking to maintain the crispy texture of the tortillas.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
Ways to Make It Lighter:
- Use low-carb tortillas to reduce carbs and calories.
- Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to lower fat and cholesterol.
- Use reduced-fat cheese and light sour cream to cut down on fat.
- Add more diced tomatoes and green onions for extra flavor and fiber without many added calories.
Making Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home is surprisingly easy and satisfying. With these tips and tricks, you’ll get that signature crispy texture, melty cheese, and bold flavor—just like the original!
