Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

This homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza copycat recipe brings the beloved fast-food favorite right to your kitchen with layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melty cheese sandwiched between crispy corn tortillas. The combination of enchilada sauce, Taco Bell hot sauce, and fresh tomatoes creates that authentic flavor you crave, but with fresher ingredients and more generous portions.

I started making this recipe after Taco Bell temporarily removed the Mexican Pizza from their menu and my family was devastated. Now they actually prefer my version because I pile on extra beef and cheese.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Forms the hearty base with more authentic flavor than the fast food version
• Onion and garlic: Add depth and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture
• Taco seasoning: Brings that signature Taco Bell flavor profile you know and love
• Refried beans: Create a creamy layer that helps hold everything together
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and provides rich flavor throughout
• Red enchilada sauce: Gives authentic Mexican flavor with mild heat
• Taco Bell mild hot sauce: Adds that recognizable taste that makes it a true copycat
• Fresh diced tomatoes: Add brightness and color as the perfect finishing touch
• Corn tortillas: Create the crispy shells that hold all the delicious layers together
• Vegetable oil: For frying the tortillas to perfect golden crispness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat Mixture:

Cook ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium high heat until no pink remains, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Add minced garlic during the last two minutes to prevent burning. Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent soggy tortillas later.

Season the Meat:

Return drained meat to the pan and add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 to 7 minutes. The mixture should be moist but not watery. This creates that signature taco meat flavor.

Prepare the Beans:

Heat refried beans in a separate saucepan until warm and spreadable. If beans seem too thick, add a tablespoon of water and stir until smooth. The beans act as a creamy base layer that helps everything stick together.

Fry the Tortillas:

Heat vegetable oil in a shallow pan to approximately 350°F. Carefully place corn tortillas one at a time into the hot oil, frying for about 30 seconds per side until golden and crisp but not burnt. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil. The tortillas need to be firm enough to hold toppings without becoming too brittle.

Mix the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine half the enchilada sauce with half the Taco Bell mild hot sauce. Stir until completely blended. This sauce mixture perfectly replicates that unique Taco Bell flavor profile that makes their Mexican Pizza so distinctive.

Assemble the Pizzas:

Spread a layer of warm refried beans onto a fried tortilla, followed by a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and top with a second fried tortilla. The layering order is crucial for authentic taste and texture.

Add Final Toppings:

Spoon the mixed sauce over the top tortilla, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top and finish with diced fresh tomatoes. The sauce should cover the entire surface for maximum flavor in every bite.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut each assembled pizza into quarters using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately while still warm and the cheese is melty. These pizzas are best enjoyed fresh from assembly.

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The enchilada sauce is truly the secret ingredient here. I once tried making these without it and just using the Taco Bell sauce alone, but it was missing that distinctive taste. The combination of both sauces creates that authentic flavor that makes you feel like you're eating the real thing.

Make Ahead Tips

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. The meat mixture and refried beans can be prepared up to two days ahead and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the components, fry fresh tortillas, and assemble. The tortillas can technically be fried ahead of time but taste best when freshly made, as they tend to lose their crispness when stored.

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Serving Suggestions

These Mexican Pizzas pair wonderfully with classic Mexican sides like Spanish rice, a simple side salad with cilantro lime dressing, or chips with fresh guacamole. For an authentic Taco Bell experience, serve with a side of their Cinnamon Twists, which you can replicate by frying duros wheat pellets and tossing them in cinnamon sugar. A cold Mexican beer or frozen margarita completes the meal perfectly.

Customize Your Pizza

One of the best things about making Mexican Pizzas at home is the ability to customize them to your preferences. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant based crumbles or extra beans. Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper to the meat mixture, or use hot enchilada sauce. For extra freshness, top with shredded lettuce, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream after baking. Some fans even add a layer of guacamole between the tortillas.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover assembled pizzas will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the tortillas soggy. For best results, store components separately and assemble fresh pizzas when ready to eat. The meat mixture and beans freeze beautifully for up to three months, making future Mexican Pizza nights even easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but they may not become as crispy when fried. Corn tortillas are recommended for the best texture and flavor.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein or extra refried beans, and ensure your cooking sauces are vegetarian-friendly.

→ What type of cheese should I use?

Sharp cheddar cheese works best for this dish, but you can also use a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Mexican pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

→ Can I bake instead of frying the tortillas?

Yes, you can bake the tortillas at 400°F until crispy, but the texture might differ slightly from frying them.