Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
This Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings the fast-food favorite right to your kitchen!
With layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, crunchy tortillas, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a perfect mix of Tex-Mex goodness.
Topped with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, green onions, and olives, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a hit for taco night or any casual meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza because it combines the best of tacos and pizza into one irresistible dish!
The crispy fried tortillas provide the perfect crunch, while the savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and gooey melted cheese create a comforting and satisfying bite.
Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it a great dish for family dinners, parties, or Taco Tuesday!
Best of all, you can enjoy this fast-food favorite fresh and homemade anytime.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef & Taco Seasoning – Creates a flavorful, savory filling with classic Tex-Mex spices.
Flour Tortillas – Fried to crispy perfection, serving as the crunchy “pizza crust.”
Refried Beans – Adds a creamy and hearty layer to balance the textures.
Enchilada Sauce – A tangy, slightly spicy sauce that enhances the overall flavor.
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend – A mix of melty cheeses that ties everything together.
Fresh Toppings – Diced tomatoes, green onions, olives, and sour cream add freshness and extra flavor.
Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Ingredients
For the pizzas:
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
¾ cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
8 small flour tortillas
1 (15 oz) can refried beans
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Toppings:
Diced tomatoes
Sliced green onions
Sliced black olives
Sour cream
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large pan, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the pan. Stir in the taco seasoning and ¾ cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens.
In a separate skillet, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry each tortilla for about 3-4 minutes, flipping frequently, until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Warm up the refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl to make them easier to spread.
Assemble the pizzas: Spread a layer of refried beans onto one fried tortilla, followed by a portion of seasoned beef. Place another crispy tortilla on top.
Add sauce and cheese: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat for all pizzas.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, green onions, olives, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes:
Tortilla Crispiness: For extra crispy tortillas, fry them until golden brown and drain on a paper towel. You can also bake them at 375°F for about 10 minutes as a lighter option.
Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a meatless alternative for different flavor options.
Cheese Options: While a Mexican cheese blend works best, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso quesadilla cheese are great alternatives.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the seasoned beef and refried beans in advance for quicker assembly.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the tortillas crispy.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: ~650 kcal | Protein: ~30g | Carbohydrates: ~55g | Fat: ~40g | Saturated Fat: ~15g | Cholesterol: ~90mg | Fiber: ~6g | Sugar: ~5g | Sodium: ~1200-mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes! Corn tortillas can be used for a crunchier texture.
Just be sure to fry or bake them until crisp before assembling the pizza.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
You can bake the tortillas instead of frying them, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and opt for reduced-fat cheese and refried beans to cut down on fat and calories.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the seasoned beef and refried beans in advance.
However, assemble and bake the pizzas just before serving to keep the tortillas crispy.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Avoid microwaving, as it may make the tortillas soggy.
Can I freeze Mexican pizza?
It’s best to freeze the components separately.
Cooked beef and refried beans freeze well, but assembled pizzas may lose their crispiness when thawed.
How do I keep the tortillas crispy?
To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, make sure to fry or bake them until golden brown before assembling.
Also, avoid adding too much sauce or beans, which can soften the tortillas.
Can I use store-bought tostadas instead of frying tortillas?
Yes! Store-bought tostadas are a great shortcut and will save time.
They’re already crispy and ready to use.
What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use taco sauce or a mix of tomato sauce with taco seasoning for a similar flavor.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Assemble the pizzas and air-fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How can I make a vegetarian version?
Simply skip the ground beef and add more beans, sautéed mushrooms, or seasoned tofu for a delicious meat-free alternative.