Ever since Taco Bell brought back the Mexican Pizza, fans everywhere have been craving that perfect balance of crispy tortilla layers, seasoned beef, and melty cheese. Here’s how to make the ultimate copycat at home even better than the drive-thru version
A Little History
Craving the famous Taco Bell Mexican Pizza? This fast-food favorite has been loved for decades, and now you can recreate your own copycat Taco Bell pizza at home crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Taco Bell first introduced the Mexican Pizza in the 1980s as a creative fusion between Mexican and American comfort food. It quickly became a cult favorite thanks to its unique combination of crisp tortillas, seasoned beef, beans, and cheese. After being discontinued, it sparked massive fan campaigns for its return proof of its nostalgic and culinary impact. Now that it’s back, many home cooks are reimagining it with fresh ingredients and bold twists, and this recipe is your perfect guide to doing just that.
If you’ve been craving the iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza since it disappeared from menus (or even after its comeback), you’re not alone. This crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish blends the best of tacos, pizza, and fast-food nostalgia. But guess what? You can make a copycat Taco Bell pizza at home that’s even better with real ingredients, extra toppings, and your own personal twist.
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (Better Than the Original)
Ingredients
Method
- In a large frying pan or skillet on medium heat add the ground beef. Use a spatula or spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes or until the meat is cooked through. Remove grease from the pan.
- Add in the taco seasoning, water and enchilada sauce. Stir until evenly combined. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- To assemble the pizzas, spread a layer of refried beans on one tortilla. Then top with ground beef. Add a layer of cheese and top with another tortilla.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce on top of the tortilla and top with shredded cheese to evenly cover the top.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas to assemble all the pizzas.
- Transfer the cooked pizzas to a serving plate and top with the optional garnishes – tomatoes, red onion, olives, sour cream, and green onion. Serve and enjoy!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
To make Taco Bell–style Mexican Pizza at home, you’ll need one pound of ground beef cooked with a packet of taco seasoning and half a cup of water. You’ll also use eight 6-inch flour tortillas, a can of refried beans, and a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese one cup each. For sauce, go with half a cup of enchilada or taco sauce. You’ll need some vegetable oil for frying the tortillas until crispy. Finish it off with optional toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
How to Make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Fry the Tortillas
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry each tortilla one at a time for about 30 seconds on each side or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat for all 8 tortillas.
Step 3: Build the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, place 4 tortillas. Spread a layer of refried beans over each, followed by a layer of the seasoned beef. Top each with another crispy tortilla to create a “pizza sandwich.”
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon a couple of tablespoons of enchilada or taco sauce over the top tortilla of each pizza. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Mexican Pizza
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Once out of the oven, finish your Mexican pizzas with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and jalapeño slices for an extra kick then serve and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or lentils for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free twist.
- Mix in chipotle sauce or hot sauce with the meat for a spicy punch.
How to Store & Reheat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 375°F until crispy. Avoid microwaving as it softens the tortillas.
What to Serve With It
Pair your cornbread with our light and flavorful Mexican Fish Recipe for a balanced meal.
ove Taco Bell-inspired meals? Try these too:
- Crispy Baked Beef Tacos
- Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili
- Ultimate Guide to Mexican Barbacoa
- Taco Bell Official Menu – https://www.tacobell.com/food/mexican-pizza
- USDA FoodData Central – Ground Beef (for nutrition reference): https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
Final Thoughts on Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Making your own Taco Bell-style Mexican Pizza isn’t just satisfying it’s fun, adaptable, and even better than takeout. The crispy tortillas, the creamy beans, the savory beef, and the gooey cheese come together in a perfect bite. Plus, by making it yourself, you can adjust everything to your likingwhether that means going heavy on the spice, adding extra toppings, or using healthier ingredients.
Bring it to a party alongside Mexican Street Corn Dip and you’re guaranteed to impress.
A hot slice of this with Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a comfort food win.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below or share your version on social media tag us @mymyrecipes!
FAQs & People Also Ask
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the meat and fry the tortillas ahead. Assemble just before baking for best texture.
Can I use store-bought tostadas?
Absolutely. They save time and work great as a base.
What sauce is best?
Homemade enchilada or even Taco Bell-branded sauce if you want the closest copycat flavor. For homemade inspiration,
What is the Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell made of?
It’s made with two crispy flour tortillas layered with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, a zesty red sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses, then topped with tomatoes.
What is the red sauce on Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?
The red sauce is a mildly spicy enchilada-style sauce, often made with tomatoes, chili powder, and spices. You can substitute it with taco sauce or make your own using ideas from Bon Appétit.
What are the layers of Mexican Pizza?
The layers include a tortilla, refried beans, seasoned meat, another tortilla, red sauce, cheese, and optional toppings like tomatoes, olives, and green onions.
Is Taco Bell Mexican Pizza unhealthy?
While delicious, it’s relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, homemade versions can be healthier by baking instead of frying and using lean meats or vegetarian fillings. For nutritional advice, refer to Nutrition.gov.
