Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a fun, easy, and customizable way to enjoy a Taco Bell favorite at home. With crunchy tortillas, savory seasoned beef, creamy beans, and fresh toppings, every bite is a perfect mix of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can feed the whole family in just 35 minutes!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (cooked)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup sour cream or guacamole (for topping)
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
- Cooking oil (for frying tortillas)
directions
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Once cooked, add the taco seasoning and stir well, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
- Fry the tortillas: In a separate skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the flour tortillas for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Layer the base: On one fried tortilla, spread a layer of refried beans, followed by a generous portion of the seasoned ground meat.
- Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat. Add diced tomatoes and sliced black olives, if using.
- Prepare the second tortilla: Place the second tortilla on top of the layered ingredients, creating a stacked pizza.
- Bake the pizza: Transfer the stacked tortillas to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pizza is golden.
- Add fresh toppings: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
- Slice and serve: Cut the Mexican Pizza into quarters and serve with salsa or hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Swap the ground meat for more refried beans or add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce between the layers for an extra spicy kick.
- Cheese alternatives: Try using a blend of Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Leftover Mexican Pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the Mexican pizza on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version. Just be aware that they may not get as crispy as flour tortillas.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the individual layers (meat, beans, cheese) in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the pizza just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the tortillas.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add spicy taco seasoning, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the layers for extra heat.
Can I freeze the Mexican Pizzas?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pizzas. Just assemble everything, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. To bake, remove from the freezer and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
These Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas are the ultimate comfort food with crispy tortillas, savory toppings, and melty cheese. Whether you’re serving them for a quick family dinner, a fun party snack, or a game-day treat, this homemade version is just as delicious as the fast-food original—if not better!
Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas bring all the crispy, cheesy goodness you love, right to your kitchen! With a crispy flour tortilla base, layers of seasoned beef or turkey, refried beans, cheese, and fresh toppings, this recipe recreates the iconic Taco Bell dish in no time. Perfect for a quick dinner or game-day treat!
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (cooked)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup sour cream or guacamole (for topping)
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
- Cooking oil (for frying tortillas)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Add the taco seasoning and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a separate skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the flour tortillas for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- On one fried tortilla, spread a layer of refried beans, followed by a generous portion of the seasoned ground meat.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat. Add diced tomatoes and sliced black olives, if using.
- Place the second tortilla on top, creating a stacked pizza.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pizza is golden.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
- Cut into quarters and serve with salsa or hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- Vegetarian option: Swap the ground meat for more refried beans or add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce between the layers for an extra spicy kick.
- Cheese alternatives: Try using a blend of Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
