Cheesy Taco Bell Style Mexican Pizza
Recreate the iconic Mexican Pizza that Taco Bell fans adore right in your own kitchen! This delightful recipe features layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and your choice of toppings all tucked between crispy, golden tortillas. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this dish is filled with rich flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your cravings.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (raw, seasoned)
Taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (dry)
Water
2 tablespoons (none)
Flour tortillas
8 small (none)
Refried beans
1 (16 ounce) can (warmed)
Mild picante sauce or salsa
2/3 cup (none)
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Chopped tomato
1/4 cup (fresh)
Chopped green onion
1/4 cup (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, taco seasoning, and water. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure it's well mixed.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef mixture for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s fully browned. Set aside.
3
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the flour tortillas for 30-45 seconds on each side until they are golden and crispy, making sure to keep them flat and deal with any bubbles that form. Drain them on paper towels or brown paper bags to absorb excess oil.
4
On four of the crispy tortillas, spread a layer of warmed refried beans, followed by the seasoned ground beef, and then drizzle with mild picante sauce or salsa. Set these aside.
5
On the remaining four tortillas, sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
6
Carefully stack one topped tortilla on each of the bean and meat-layered tortillas.
7
Place the stacked pizzas under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
8
Slice and serve while hot! Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell-style Mexican pizzas.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Taco Bell Style Mexican Pizza?
It is a homemade recreation of the iconic Taco Bell menu item featuring layers of seasoned ground beef and refried beans between two crispy flour tortillas, topped with cheese and tomatoes.
What ingredients do I need for this Mexican Pizza recipe?
You will need ground beef, taco seasoning, water, flour tortillas, refried beans, mild picante sauce or salsa, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and green onions.
How do I prepare the ground beef for the pizza?
Mix the beef with taco seasoning and water, then brown it in a skillet for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked.
What type of tortillas are best for this recipe?
Small flour tortillas are recommended to achieve the classic Taco Bell texture when fried.
How do I make the tortillas crispy?
Fry the tortillas in vegetable oil heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 seconds on each side until golden.
Should the refried beans be warmed before assembly?
Yes, warming the refried beans makes them much easier to spread across the crispy tortillas.
How many layers does the Mexican Pizza have?
This recipe uses two layers of crispy tortillas to sandwich the meat and bean filling.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese are the best options for achieving a bubbly, melted topping.
How long should I broil the pizzas?
Place the assembled pizzas under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas are traditional for this style, corn tortillas can be used if you prefer a different crunch or gluten-free option.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 individual Mexican pizzas.
What is the best way to drain oil from the tortillas?
Use paper towels or brown paper bags to absorb the excess oil immediately after frying.
What toppings go on the top layer?
The top tortilla is sprinkled with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
Is the Mexican Pizza spicy?
It uses mild picante sauce and standard taco seasoning, making it mild, but you can increase the heat with spicy salsa or jalapeños.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use extra refried beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
What prevents bubbles from forming in the tortillas while frying?
Keep the tortillas flat with a spatula while frying and pop any large bubbles that form to ensure a flat base.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner substitutes for the beef.
What kind of salsa is best?
A mild picante sauce or a smooth red salsa works best to mimic the original restaurant flavor.
How do I assemble the pizza layers?
Spread beans and beef on the bottom tortilla, then place the cheese and tomato topped tortilla on top.
Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying?
You can bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until crisp, though the texture will be less like the authentic Taco Bell version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the tortillas may lose some crispness.
What is the best way to reheat a Mexican Pizza?
Reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer is best to help the tortillas regain some of their original crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a fun, kid-friendly meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners or small gatherings.
How long does the entire process take?
Preparation and cooking take approximately 20 to 30 minutes in total.
Can I add sour cream to this recipe?
Absolutely, adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole after broiling is a popular way to serve it.
How do I slice the Mexican Pizza?
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice it into four quarters before serving.
Can I use black beans instead of refried beans?
While refried beans provide the necessary 'glue' for the layers, mashed black beans can be used as a substitute.
What temperature should the broiler be set to?
Use a high broiler setting, but keep the oven rack in the middle to prevent the toppings from burning too quickly.
Are the tomatoes cooked or fresh?
The tomatoes are added fresh to the top layer before broiling, so they warm slightly but retain their texture.
What makes this 'Taco Bell Style'?
The specific combination of fried flour tortillas, seasoned beef, and red sauce toppings recreates the flavor profile of the fast-food classic.