Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup taco seasoning

3/4 cup water

8 taco-size flour tortillas

1 cup refried beans

1 cup enchilada sauce

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/4 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup diced green onions, or chives

1/4 cup sliced black olives

sour cream, for garnish

vegetable oil, or other frying oil

Instructions:

Cook the Beef: In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Add taco seasoning and water; stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and keep warm.

Prepare the Oil: Clean the skillet and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by 1/2 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F.

Fry Tortillas: Carefully place one flour tortilla into the hot oil. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.

Heat Beans and Salsa Verde: Heat refried beans and salsa verde in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

Assemble Quesadilla Pizzas:

Place one fried tortilla on a baking sheet.

Spread 1/4 cup of refried beans over the tortilla.

Add 1/4 cup of the cooked beef mixture on top of the beans.

Place a second tortilla over the beef.

Spoon 1/4 cup of salsa verde over the top tortilla.

Sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the quesadilla pizzas for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with diced red bell peppers, sliced green chilies, sliced black olives, and diced red onions. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.

Notes:

Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning to taste.

Taco Seasoning: If you prefer to use homemade taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Frying Tortillas: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) to avoid soggy or burnt tortillas. You might need to adjust the heat to maintain the right temperature.

Refried Beans: For a different flavor, try using black beans or pinto beans. You can also add some spices to the beans for extra flavor.

Salsa Verde: If you can’t find salsa verde, green enchilada sauce or even a mild green salsa can be used as a substitute.

Cheese Options: Monterey Jack cheese is great for melting, but you can mix it with cheddar or use a Mexican blend for a more complex flavor.

Vegetable Oil Alternatives: If you prefer not to fry, you can brush the tortillas with oil and bake them until crispy at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Layering Tips: Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as too much filling can make them difficult to handle and cook unevenly.

Garnishes: Customize your toppings based on your preferences. Other great options include jalapeños, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of lime juice.

Serving: Serve immediately while the quesadilla pizzas are still warm and the cheese is gooey. If making ahead, reheat in the oven to crisp up the tortillas again.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: 555 | Fat: 21g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 17g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning to suit your preference.

Can I make this recipe without frying the tortillas?

Yes, you can skip frying and bake the tortillas directly.

Brush them with a little oil and bake at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes per side until crispy.

This will make the recipe a bit lighter.

What can I use instead of refried beans?

You can substitute refried beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even a bean dip.

If using whole beans, mash them slightly to spread easily.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Assemble and bake the quesadilla pizzas just before serving for the best texture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, you can mix diced jalapeños into the beef mixture or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking.

You can also use hot salsa verde or add hot sauce to taste.

What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?

If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use salsa verde, taco sauce, or even a mild tomato sauce as an alternative.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Each type will offer a different flavor and melt texture.

Can I bake the quesadilla pizzas instead of frying the tortillas?

Yes, you can bake the tortillas directly if you prefer not to fry them.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the tortillas for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the tortillas.

Can I freeze the quesadilla pizzas?

Yes, you can freeze assembled but uncooked quesadilla pizzas.

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Bake from frozen at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.