If you’re yearning for a delicious fast-food favorite, look no further than this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza! This scrumptious dish brings the beloved restaurant version into your home, delivering a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful experience that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with seasoned ground beef, smooth refried beans, rich enchilada sauce, and a generous layer of melty cheese, this Mexican pizza is not just satisfying but also incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend treat, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly meal loaded with bold Mexican flavors.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this homemade Mexican pizza in around 30 minutes. It’s not just a great dinner option; you can also serve it as a fun appetizer for gatherings or a unique lunch idea. Imagine the delight on your friends’ and family’s faces when they take a bite of this delectable taco-inspired creation! It’s comfort food at its finest — crispy texture, savory taste, and topped with fresh veggies to round it out. If you’re on the hunt for fast and fulfilling dishes that bring a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen, this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of crispy tortillas and melty cheese creates a heavenly texture.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings to cater to your preferences — add jalapeños, black olives, or sour cream for extra flair!
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
- Indulgent Flavor: Bold and savory, this pizza is packed with mouthwatering Mexican-inspired tastes.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary ingredients and tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Start by ensuring your work surface is clean and organized, with plenty of space for assembling your Mexican pizza. Grab a cutting board for chopping your fresh veggies and a few mixing bowls for your ingredients.
For cooking, you’ll need a large skillet for browning the beef and a separate skillet for frying or baking your tortillas. A spatula or tongs will also come in handy for flipping the tortillas without breaking them. If you prefer a healthier option, baking your tortillas in the oven is an excellent way to achieve that perfect crispiness without frying. Make sure to have a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready to go. This preparation will make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying, optional)
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. If you’re opting for that delightful fried texture, pour in the tablespoon of oil. Take each tortilla and lightly fry them in the oil until they become golden brown and crispy, usually about 1-2 minutes on each side. Alternatively, if you prefer baking them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tortillas for 5–7 minutes on each side until crisp. Once done, set them aside on paper towels to cool and absorb any excess oil.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add your ground beef and let it cook over medium heat until it turns browned and crumbly. Make sure to drain any excess grease once the beef is cooked through to keep your pizza from becoming soggy. Next, stir in the packet of taco seasoning and the 1/4 cup of water. Allow it to simmer together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Heat the Refried Beans
While the beef is simmering, take another small pot or skillet and warm the refried beans over low heat, stirring until they become smooth and spreadable. This step not only makes the beans easier to work with but also enhances their flavor as they warm up.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Take one of your crispy tortillas and spread a generous layer of the warmed refried beans directly on top. Next, add a layer of the seasoned ground beef. Once done, place a second tortilla on top of the beef. Now, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the tortilla, ensuring it’s covered well for that additional kick that brings the pizza to life.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
The next step is to generously sprinkle both the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the sauced tortilla. Feel free to add more cheese if you prefer an extra cheesy pizza! The key is to get a good layer that will melt into that delectable topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you haven’t done so already. Place the assembled Mexican pizza on a baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 8–10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling with that golden hue that signifies perfection.
Step 7: Top and Serve
Once you remove the pizza from the oven, it’s time to dress it up! Sprinkle diced tomatoes, red onion, and green onions on top for that fresh crunch and vibrant color. Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or so before slicing it into quarters for easy serving.
Variations
- Protein: Swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Vegetables: Layer on some cooked bell peppers or corn for added crunch and flavor.
- Spices: For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in your beef mixture.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure to crisp up the tortillas thoroughly to avoid a soggy bottom layer in your pizza.
- For the best melt and flavor, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Feel free to mix and match your toppings based on what you have on hand or your pizza preferences.
- Cook your ground beef on medium heat to achieve a perfect browning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of guacamole for a creamy complement to your spicy pizza.
- Pair with a light green salad to balance out the flavors.
- For an extra indulgence, offer some sour cream on the side for dipping or slathering over your slices.
Tips
- Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or queso fresco for interesting flavor variations.
- Make use of leftover meat or refried beans for a great way to put them to use in a new dish!
- Prep the ingredients ahead of time for a quicker assembly when you’re ready to cook.
- Always taste your ground beef before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for your preference.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 950mg
FAQs
Can I make this Mexican pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and load up on extra beans and veggies — black beans, corn, and bell peppers work wonderfully.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. They might require a bit more care when frying or baking due to their tendency to break easily.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this Mexican pizza?
You can freeze the assembled pizza prior to baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
Conclusion
This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is not just a recipe; it’s a journey into the flavorful world of fast-food goodness made right in your kitchen. Its quick preparation, bold taste, and customizable nature make it a standout option for any meal occasion. Whether you’re serving it up for families, friends, or simply for a cozy night in, this dish promises satisfaction and smiles all around. So why not give it a try? Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how you enjoyed it, or share your own creative toppings! Dive into this delightful recipe today and savor every bite of your very own homemade Mexican pizza.
Print
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is not just a recipe; it’s a journey into the flavorful world of fast-food goodness made right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying, optional)
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Tortillas: Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. If you’re opting for that delightful fried texture, pour in the tablespoon of oil. Take each tortilla and lightly fry them in the oil until they become golden brown and crispy, usually about 1-2 minutes on each side. Alternatively, if you prefer baking them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tortillas for 5–7 minutes on each side until crisp. Once done, set them aside on paper towels to cool and absorb any excess oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add your ground beef and let it cook over medium heat until it turns browned and crumbly. Make sure to drain any excess grease once the beef is cooked through to keep your pizza from becoming soggy. Next, stir in the packet of taco seasoning and the 1/4 cup of water. Allow it to simmer together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Heat the Refried Beans: While the beef is simmering, take another small pot or skillet and warm the refried beans over low heat, stirring until they become smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the Pizza: Take one of your crispy tortillas and spread a generous layer of the warmed refried beans directly on top. Next, add a layer of the seasoned ground beef. Once done, place a second tortilla on top of the beef. Now, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the tortilla.
- Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle both the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the sauced tortilla.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you haven’t done so already. Place the assembled Mexican pizza on a baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 8–10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
- Top and Serve: Once you remove the pizza from the oven, it’s time to dress it up! Sprinkle diced tomatoes, red onion, and green onions on top for that fresh crunch and vibrant color. Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or so before slicing it into quarters for easy serving.
Notes
Ensure to crisp up the tortillas thoroughly to avoid a soggy bottom layer in your pizza. For the best melt and flavor, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 28 g