Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

The Ultimate Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe You Can Make at Home

Craving a crispy, cheesy taco bell Mexican pizza that blasts flavor right into your taste buds?

This nostalgic fast-food inspired creation enhances simple ingredients into a culinary adventure that crosses traditional recipe boundaries.

Layers of crunch and spice merge into a delightful eating experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Home cooks can easily replicate this iconic dish with basic pantry staples and a dash of creativity.

Seasoned meats, melted cheese, and zesty sauces combine to create a mouthwatering sensation that satisfies deep hunger and comfort food cravings.

The magic happens when each component comes together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that feels like a fiesta on your plate.

Why Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Is a Fast Food Icon

  • Quick Flavor Fusion: Combines classic Mexican-inspired ingredients like seasoned beef, beans, and salsa into a crave-worthy pizza-style dish that delivers bold, satisfying tastes in every bite.
  • Effortless Homemade Comfort: Recreates a beloved Taco Bell favorite with simple cooking techniques that allow home cooks to easily craft a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Offers flexible toppings and easy assembly, making it perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings where everyone can personalize their Mexican pizza experience.
  • Protein-Packed Meal Option: Provides a substantial 25 grams of protein per serving, ensuring a filling and nutritious dish that satisfies hunger while delivering exciting Tex-Mex flavors.

What Makes This Homemade Take So Spot-On

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty base for the pizza with rich, savory flavor. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • Taco Seasoning: Classic Mexican-style spice blend that adds zesty warmth to the meat.
Base Ingredients:
  • Flour Tortillas: Crispy foundation that provides structure and authentic Mexican pizza texture. Look for fresh, soft tortillas.
  • Refried Beans: Creamy, smooth layer that adds protein and traditional Mexican flavor.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Tangy, red sauce that enhances overall Mexican-style taste. Mild or spicy varieties available.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, gooey coverage. Cheddar or Mexican blend works best.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Fresh, bright addition that provides color and light acidity.
  • Black Olives: Salty, rich garnish that adds Mediterranean-inspired complexity.
  • Lettuce: Crisp, fresh topping that brings cool crunch.
  • Green Onions: Mild, sharp garnish that provides mild onion flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Creamy, cool topping that balances spicy elements.
  • Salsa: Zesty sauce that adds extra moisture and traditional Mexican flavor.

How to Build That Crunchy, Cheesy Stack

Step 1: Prepare Spicy Beef Filling

Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into fine crumbles. Sprinkle taco seasoning throughout the meat, stirring to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Crisp Tortilla Bases

Heat oil in a large pan. Fry tortillas until they turn golden and slightly crispy on both sides.

Step 3: Preheat Cooking Station

Set oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for final baking.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Ingredients

On a crispy tortilla base, spread layers in this order:
  • Refried beans
  • Seasoned taco meat
  • Salsa
  • Second tortilla
Pour enchilada sauce over the top. Add toppings:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced black olives
  • Diced tomatoes

Step 5: Melt and Bake

Place assembled pizza in preheated oven. Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly crisp.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the hot pizza with fresh ingredients:
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Sliced green onions
  • Dollop of sour cream

Slice and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Best Tips to Make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

  • Crumble Perfectly: Use a potato masher or fork to break down ground beef into super fine, even pieces for an authentic Taco Bell texture.
  • Tortilla Crisp Technique: Pat tortillas completely dry before frying to ensure maximum crispiness without excess oil absorption.
  • Layering Pro Tip: Spread refried beans and meat evenly to create a consistent flavor profile in every bite.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Allow the pizza to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking so cheese sets and doesn't slide off when cutting.
  • Fresh Topping Trick: Chop lettuce and green onions just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and vibrant color.

Storing Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Mexican pizzas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Carefully separate each pizza with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve texture. Refrigerated pizzas stay fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place pizzas on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and edges become crispy. Cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Microwave Quick Fix: For a faster option, microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add additional 15-second intervals if needed. Keep a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture and maintain crispness.

Sides That Complete Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

  • Pair with Zesty Margarita: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a tangy cocktail that cuts through the rich, spicy flavors of the Mexican pizza.
  • Complement with Fresh Salsa Verde: Create a homemade green salsa using tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro to add a bright, acidic contrast to the hearty dish.
  • Cool Down with Mexican Beer: Crack open a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the pizza's warmth and provide a refreshing accompaniment that enhances the meal's Mexican-inspired profile.
  • Serve with Cilantro-Lime Rice: Prepare a light, zesty rice side dish that adds texture and complements the pizza's bold flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Ways to Remix Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

  • Vegetarian Fiesta: Swap ground beef with seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu, maintaining the zesty spice profile while creating a plant-based version packed with protein.
  • Chicken Carnival: Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with southwestern spices, adding a lighter protein option that keeps the authentic Mexican pizza flavor.
  • Seafood Splash: Incorporate seasoned shrimp or flaky white fish as the protein base, introducing a coastal twist that brings fresh ocean flavors to the classic recipe.
  • Vegan Fusion: Use plant-based meat alternatives, dairy-free cheese, and cashew cream instead of sour cream, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crispy, saucy pizza without animal products.
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Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican Pizza brings Tex-Mex excitement to home kitchens with layered tortillas, seasoned beef, and melted cheese. Crispy, spicy, and packed with zesty flavors, this quick recreation promises a restaurant-quality feast that lets you enjoy a cult classic without leaving home.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
  • 30 ounces (30 oz) can refried beans
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar/jack cheese
  • 8 flour tortillas (taco size)

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1 taco seasoning packet
  • 10 ounces (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
  • ½ cup mild salsa (not the kind with liquid)

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • ½ cup sliced olives
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, thoroughly brown ground beef and mix with taco seasoning, ensuring the meat is finely crumbled and evenly seasoned.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a separate pan and crisp each tortilla until golden and slightly firm, creating a sturdy base for the pizza.
  3. Warm refried beans in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  4. Arrange the first crispy tortilla on a baking sheet and generously spread a layer of warm refried beans across its surface.
  5. Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the bean layer, creating a uniform meat coverage.
  6. Carefully place a second crispy tortilla on top of the meat layer, pressing gently to ensure stability.
  7. Drizzle enchilada sauce over the top tortilla, allowing it to cascade and cover the entire surface.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese liberally, ensuring complete and even coverage from edge to edge.
  9. Garnish with sliced black olives and diced fresh tomatoes, adding color and additional flavor complexity.
  10. Transfer the assembled pizza to an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until cheese melts completely.
  11. Remove from oven and top with crisp shredded lettuce, thinly sliced green onions, and a dollop of cool sour cream.
  12. Slice into wedges and serve immediately while hot and cheese is still melted.

Notes

  • Make sure to drain excess fat from ground beef after cooking to prevent a soggy pizza base.
  • Crisp tortillas work best when using minimal oil and maintaining medium-high heat for even browning.
  • Select a sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese for maximum melting and flavor impact.
  • Allow pizza to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting easier.
  • Customize toppings by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or fresh cilantro for extra zesty profiles.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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