If you’re a fan of Taco Bell’s iconic Mexican Pizza, then you’re in for a treat because we’re bringing it right to your kitchen with this easy, homemade version! Think crispy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors you love, but without leaving the comfort of your own home. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, game night, or anytime you’re craving that Taco Bell magic—but with the added bonus of making it exactly how you like it.
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Trust me when I say, this recipe is a game-changer. The crispy layers, the savory beef, the melty cheese, and that tangy salsa—each bite will have you saying, “Why haven’t I made this sooner?” Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride, my friend!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Perfectly Crispy: The tortillas are fried just right, giving you that signature crispiness that you know and love from Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza.
Customizable: Want to swap the ground beef for chicken? Or maybe you’re a vegetarian? No problem! You can easily switch up the fillings to suit your preferences.
Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this homemade version comes together fast—way quicker than running to Taco Bell!
Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. The whole family can get involved in the assembly, and everyone will love digging into this cheesy, crispy delight.
Budget-Friendly: Forget expensive takeout! You can make this pizza at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Delicious, easy, and affordable—what’s not to love?
Ingredients in Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Here’s everything you need to make this crave-worthy pizza right in your kitchen:
Flour Tortillas: The base of the pizza. We’re going for a crispy, golden tortilla that will hold all the delicious toppings.
Ground Beef: The classic choice for the filling. If you prefer, you can swap it with ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: To give the beef that signature, flavorful kick. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own seasoning blend.
Refried Beans: A creamy layer of refried beans that adds richness and extra flavor. It’s the secret to that Taco Bell magic.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The melty cheese that ties everything together. You can mix it with some mozzarella for extra stretchiness!
Shredded Lettuce: For that fresh crunch on top.
Diced Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and a perfect contrast to the savory toppings.
Sour Cream: A dollop of creamy goodness to balance the spices and add some smooth texture.
Salsa: For an extra zing! You can use mild or spicy, depending on your taste.
Olive Oil (or vegetable oil): For frying the tortillas to crispy perfection.
Instructions
Now, let’s get to making this delicious homemade Mexican pizza:
1. Fry the Tortillas:
In a skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the tortillas for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and crispy. Set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
2. Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is coated and flavorful.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
Take one tortilla and spread a thin layer of refried beans on top. Then, spoon some of the seasoned beef onto the beans. Place another tortilla on top of the beef layer.
4. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the second tortilla, making sure it’s evenly covered.
5. Bake the Pizza:
Place the assembled pizzas onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Add Toppings:
Once out of the oven, top your pizza with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a drizzle of salsa. Feel free to add any extra toppings you love, like jalapeños or avocado!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into slices and serve hot. Get ready for that crispy, cheesy, Taco Bell-inspired goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
With a Side Salad: Pair this pizza with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
Topped with Guacamole: Add some guac for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
Salsa and Chips: Serve alongside some crispy tortilla chips with salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired spread.
Additional Tips
Fry Tortillas in Batches: If you’re making more than one pizza, fry the tortillas in batches to ensure they get crispy without overcrowding the pan.
Adjust the Spice: Not a fan of spicy food? You can adjust the taco seasoning and salsa to make this dish as mild or as spicy as you prefer.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven to melt the cheese.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use black beans or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian option.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to keep that crispy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
A1: While corn tortillas won’t get as crispy as flour tortillas, they can still work in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them until they’re crispy and golden.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can use mozzarella for a stretchier, milder cheese, or mix it with Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Q3: Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Simply swap the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
Q4: How can I make this spicier?
A4: Add some sliced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa to give your pizza a little extra heat.
Q5: Can I freeze these pizzas?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pizzas. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Q6: Can I use a different protein?
A6: Of course! You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Q8: Can I add other toppings?
A8: Yes! Add avocado, cilantro, or even some pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.
Q9: Can I skip the baking step?
A9: You can skip the baking step if you want to eat it immediately after assembling. However, baking gives the cheese that extra gooey texture, so I recommend it for the full effect.
Q10: Can I make this without frying the tortillas?
A10: If you want to skip frying, you can bake the tortillas in the oven for a few minutes to get them crispy, or even use pre-baked crispy tortilla shells.
Conclusion
Making Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe) at home is a total game-changer. Not only does it give you that Taco Bell flavor you love, but it’s easy, customizable, and way healthier than the fast food version. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a fun weekend treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy those Mexican pizza cravings in the best way possible. Ready to dig in? Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Description
Craving Taco Bell’s iconic Mexican Pizza? This homemade version is the perfect Taco Bell copycat recipe with crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, refried beans, tangy pizza sauce, and loads of melted cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a nostalgic and fun meal that everyone will love! Serve it on Taco Tuesday or any day you’re in the mood for something cheesy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Ground Beef Taco Meat:
- 2 1/4 lbs Lean Ground Beef
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Accent (optional)
- 2 tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Dried Minced Onion
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1/2 Cup Pizza Sauce
- 1/2 cup Ortega Taco Sauce
- 4 tbsp Red Enchilada Sauce
- 2 tbsp Diced Green Chiles
- For the Mexican Pizza:
- Fried Flour Tortillas
- 16 oz Refried Beans (Rosarita Traditional recommended)
- Taco Bell Copycat Ground Beef
- Taco Bell Copycat Pizza Sauce
- Shredded Cheese
- Diced Tomatoes
- Sliced Black Olives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Taco Meat: Brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into fine crumbles. In a small bowl, combine flour, chili powder, salt, dried onion, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, and Accent (if using). Drain excess grease from beef, then stir in the seasoning mix. Add water and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Make the Pizza Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine pizza sauce, Ortega taco sauce, red enchilada sauce, and diced green chiles. Whisk together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Fry the Tortillas: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Poke holes in each tortilla to prevent puffing. Fry tortillas until crispy and golden brown on each side. Drain on a cooling rack over a cookie sheet.
- Assemble the Mexican Pizza: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread refried beans on one crispy tortilla. Top with seasoned beef and place a second tortilla on top. Spread pizza sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top and Serve: Top with diced tomatoes and sliced olives (optional). Slice into quarters and serve!
Notes
- Use your favorite pizza sauce or store-bought if you’re short on time.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the refried beans.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg