Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Ingredients:

Pizza:

8 flour tortillas (taco sized)

1 pound ground beef

2 tbsp vegetable oil (more, as needed)

¾ c. water

1 packet of taco seasoning

2 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend

15 ounces refried beans (1 15-oz. can)

10 ounces enchilada sauce (or taco sauce, 1 10-oz. can)

Toppings:

green onion (optional, sliced)

white onion (optional, diced)

black olives (optional, sliced)

iceberg lettuce (optional, shredded)

tomatoes (diced)

Instructions:

Set the oven to 400°F (205°C) and put parchment paper on one or two baking sheets.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. When there is no pinker, pour off any extra grease.

Mix the water and the packet of taco seasoning into the ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer until it thickens.

Warm the vegetable oil in a large, clean pan over medium heat. Put one tortilla in the pan and fry it for 3–4 minutes, turning it over often, until it is crispy. Do this again with the rest of the tortillas. Set aside.

In the meantime, put the refried beans in a bowl and heat them for about 30 seconds to make them easier to spread. On 4 of the tortillas, spread a thick layer of refried beans, then add ground beef. (One tortilla will use a quarter of the beans and ground beef.)

Put one of the remaining tortillas on top of each bean and ground meat tortilla. On the top tortilla of each pizza, spread about 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce (or taco sauce). Half a cup of shredded cheese should be placed on top of each pizza.

The pizzas should be baked on a big, nonstick baking sheet in the center of the oven. Put it in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Take them out of the oven and add whatever toppings you like.

Notes:

You need just the right amount of vegetable oil to fry all of the tortillas in a pan. You might need to add more as you go along.

If you don’t want meat, you can make Mexican pizzas without beef. In this recipe, you can use any meat substitute you like and season it the same way you would season the meat.

Use whatever toppings you like. I like to add a big scoop of sour cream, for example. On the actual menu, you can add black beans, chicken, jalapenos, onions, steak, seasoned rice, red tortilla strips, lettuce, and more cheese.

If you ordered this at Taco Bell, it would come with refried beans and ground beef between two crispy tortillas and enchilada sauce, cheese, and diced tomatoes on top.

How To Make it Gluten free

Use gluten-free or homemade taco seasoning.

Store-bought gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas are your best options. Or you can opt to use a low-calorie alternative like a lettuce wrap.

Refried beans are gluten-free, but you can swap them with pinto beans or black beans for another gluten-free option.

Use gluten-free enchilada sauce or swap it with gluten-free taco sauce or make your own.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables.

To make it vegan, use vegan-friendly cheese and ensure the refried beans and enchilada/taco sauce are free from animal products.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, if you prefer corn tortillas or have dietary restrictions, you can use them instead of flour tortillas.

The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while frying to ensure they become crispy.

What toppings can I add to the Mexican Pizza?

The toppings are flexible and can be customized to your liking. Some popular options include sliced green onions, diced white onions, sliced black olives, shredded iceberg lettuce, and diced tomatoes.

You can also add other ingredients such as jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole.

Can I make the pizza ahead of time and reheat it later?

While the pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it.

After baking, allow the pizzas to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven until heated through.

Can I freeze the Mexican Pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the Mexican Pizza for later consumption. After baking and cooling, wrap the pizzas tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe containers. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Can I make the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza healthier?

Yes, you can make some modifications to make the recipe healthier. Consider using lean ground beef or substituting it with ground turkey or chicken. Opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and use reduced-fat cheese.

Additionally, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value.

Can I use pre-made pizza crust instead of tortillas?

Yes, if you prefer a more traditional pizza crust, you can use pre-made pizza dough or store-bought pizza crust instead of tortillas.

Follow the instructions on the pizza crust packaging for baking times and temperature.

Can I substitute the enchilada or taco sauce with salsa?

Yes, if you don’t have enchilada or taco sauce, you can use salsa as a substitute. Choose a salsa with a flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.