Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Bring the nostalgic flavors of a fast-food favorite right to your kitchen with this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. A beloved menu item that has graced and left menus, this recipe allows you to recreate the crispy, savory, and cheesy magic whenever a craving strikes. It features two perfectly crisp flour tortillas sandwiching a hearty layer of seasoned ground beef and creamy refried beans. Topped with tangy pizza sauce, a generous blanket of melted cheese, and a fresh scattering of classic taco toppings, each bite delivers that iconic blend of textures and bold flavors. Simple to assemble and quick to bake, this homemade version offers all the satisfaction of the original, with the added bonus of fresh ingredients and customizable toppings. It’s a fun, family-friendly meal perfect for a casual lunch, dinner, or a nostalgic snack.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Crispy Tortillas:

• 2 large (8-10 inch) flour tortillas

For the Fillings & Sauces:

• ½ cup (approx. 120g) refried beans (canned or homemade)
• ½ cup (approx. 100g) seasoned ground beef (see Quick Info for preparation)
• ½ cup (approx. 120ml) pizza sauce (or a mild enchilada sauce for a closer match)

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup (approx. 60g) shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
• ¼ cup (approx. 40g) diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup (approx. 30g) sliced black olives
• ¼ cup (approx. 20g) chopped green onions (scallions)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional, but highly recommended)
• Taco seasoning (for ground beef, if not pre-seasoned)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing Components

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Crisp Tortillas (Optional but Recommended): For an extra crispy base, lightly spray both sides of the flour tortillas with cooking oil. Bake them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes per side, or until lightly golden and crisp. This step ensures the pizza doesn’t become soggy.
3. Prepare Ground Beef: If your ground beef is not already seasoned, brown ½ lb (approx. 225g) of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 2-3 tablespoons of water, simmering until the liquid is absorbed. You will only use ½ cup of this for the recipe; save any extra for other uses.
4. Warm Refried Beans: Gently warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until spreadable.

Part 2: Assembling the Mexican Pizza

1. First Tortilla Base: Place one lightly crisped (or plain) flour tortilla on a baking sheet.
2. Beans & Beef Layer: Evenly spread ½ cup of the warmed refried beans over the first tortilla, leaving a small border. Then, spread ½ cup of the seasoned ground beef over the refried beans.
3. Sauce & Cheese Layer: Spoon about ¼ cup of the pizza sauce over the beef, spreading it lightly. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of the shredded cheese over the sauce.
4. Second Tortilla: Carefully place the second tortilla on top of the first assembled layer.
5. Top Layer: Spoon the remaining ¼ cup of pizza sauce over the second tortilla, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.

Part 3: Baking and Finishing

1. Bake: Transfer the baking sheet with the assembled Mexican Pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
2. Add Fresh Toppings: Carefully remove the Mexican Pizza from the oven. Immediately top with the diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions.
3. Cut and Serve: Let the pizza cool for just a minute or two to allow the cheese to set slightly. Using a pizza cutter, cut the Mexican Pizza into 2-4 wedges. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on each slice.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Crispier Tortillas: For maximum crispness, you can lightly fry each tortilla in a bit of oil for 1-2 minutes per side until golden before assembling, then bake.
• Sauce Customization: While pizza sauce is used here for simplicity, a mild red enchilada sauce or even a blend of tomato sauce with chili powder and cumin can give a more authentic “Taco Bell” flavor.
• Protein Alternatives: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add extra refried beans or a layer of sautéed bell peppers and onions.
• Cheese Blend: Use your favorite cheese blend. A sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a “fiesta” blend all work well.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef or even the pizza sauce for extra heat.
• Make Ahead: The seasoned ground beef can be prepared a day or two in advance. The pizza is best assembled and baked fresh.
• Storage: Leftover Mexican Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to help re-crisp the tortillas. Microwaving will make it soft.

Pairings

• Beverages: Classic pairings include soda, iced tea, or a cold Mexican beer (for adults).
• Sides: Serve with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Approx. Kcal per serving: 500 kcal (varies based on specific ingredients and portions)
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Fast Food Copycat

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