Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell features crispy, layered tortilla shells filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, zesty tomato sauce, melted cheese, and topped with fresh diced tomatoes and green onions, delivering a flavorful and satisfying Tex-Mex experience.
Equipments
- Skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet
- Oven or toaster oven
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Ladle
- Can opener
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 can (16 oz/454g) refried beans
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 green onions
Using pre-seasoned taco seasoning helps ensure authentic flavor, but you can adjust the chili powder and cumin to suit your preferred spice level. Fresh diced tomatoes and green onions enhance the dish's texture and brightness, so avoid substituting with canned or dried alternatives. Ground beef should be fully cooked and drained to prevent excess grease that can make the pizza soggy. Warm tortillas in the oven before assembly for optimal crispiness when baked. Your homemade Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell copycat menu will capture the same crispy, flavorful layers that make this Tex-Mex favorite so satisfying.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat skillet over medium heat; add ground beef.
- Cook beef until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer until thickened.
- Warm refried beans in a saucepan or microwave.
- In a mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Dice tomatoes and slice green onions on a cutting board.
- Grate cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Place tortillas on a baking sheet.
- Bake tortillas for 4-5 minutes per side, until crisp.
- Spread refried beans on four tortillas.
- Top beans with seasoned ground beef.
- Place a second tortilla on each stack to form “pizza.”
- Spoon tomato sauce mixture over top tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake pizzas for 6-8 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven; top with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions.
- Slice and serve warm.
Substitution
The Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell copycat menu replicates the crispy, layered tortillas filled with seasoned beef, refried beans, tomato sauce, and cheese topped with fresh tomatoes and green onions. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor. If refried beans are unavailable, mashed black beans or pinto beans offer a similar creamy texture. Corn tortillas can replace flour tortillas for a gluten-free option, but they may be less sturdy during layering. Use a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese if a Mexican blend is not accessible to achieve a comparable melty texture.
Tips
Ensure to drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to prevent sogginess in your Mexican Pizza. Baking the tortillas before assembling helps achieve the signature crispy texture and keeps them from becoming limp. When layering ingredients, evenly spread refried beans and seasoned beef to avoid uneven cooking and flavor distribution. Use a sharp knife to slice the finished pizza cleanly without disturbing the layers, enhancing presentation and ease of serving.
Nutritions
Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell provides a balanced source of protein, mainly from 1 lb of ground beef and 16 oz of refried beans, supporting muscle health and satiety. The 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese add calcium and additional protein while contributing to the creamy texture. Whole flour tortillas offer carbohydrates for energy, and fresh diced tomatoes and green onions supply vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. This flavorful dish delivers a satisfying meal that can fit into your nutrition plan when enjoyed in moderation.
Storage
Store leftover Mexican Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its crispy layers and flavorful fillings. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350degF (175degC) for 8-10 minutes to restore the crispy texture and evenly melted cheese. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the tortillas to become soggy, diminishing the Tex-Mex experience you enjoy.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that reduces fat content. Use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans to add a different texture and increase fiber intake. Try layering with corn tortillas or whole wheat tortillas to enhance the nutritional value and introduce a different flavor profile. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top after baking to enrich the dish with creamy, fresh elements.
Allergies
Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell contains common allergens such as wheat in the flour tortillas and dairy in the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Ground beef and seasonings typically pose a low allergy risk, but individuals with specific spice sensitivities should review ingredient lists carefully. Your best option is to check for possible cross-contamination or hidden allergens in the taco seasoning packet before consumption.
Why this recipe?
The Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell is loved for its crispy layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, all topped with tangy tomato sauce and a sprinkle of green onions. Its unique combination of Mexican and American flavors delivers a satisfying crunch and bold taste that appeals to a wide audience. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize ingredients to your preference and enjoy fresh, hot pizza without waiting in line. Your homemade Mexican Pizza can replicate the restaurant favorite's iconic texture and flavor while offering the satisfaction of a freshly prepared meal.