If you’ve ever craved Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza but wished you could make it piping hot in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe brings together crispy tortillas, savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and colorful toppings, all smothered in melted cheese and zesty enchilada sauce. In just about half an hour, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy Mexican-American classic that absolutely delivers on flavor and comfort—no drive-thru required. Trust me, once you’ve tried making Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza at home, you might just skip the fast-food line forever!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza so good is how each simple ingredient works together to create layers of flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy, but each component is essential for an authentic homemade taste, texture, and that gorgeous cheesy finish.
- Flour tortillas (2 large): These form the crisp, golden foundation and “crust” of your Mexican pizza.
- Refried beans (1/2 cup): Creamy, savory beans help bind the layers and add extra flavor—use your favorite brand or make your own.
- Seasoned ground beef (1/2 cup): Taco-seasoned beef brings the classic Tex-Mex taste; ground turkey or chicken also work great here.
- Enchilada sauce (1/4 cup): This sauce is the delicious saucy layer on top, adding moisture and a punch of flavor.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese (1/2 cup): A pre-shredded blend melts perfectly and gives you that signature cheesy pull.
- Diced tomatoes (2 tablespoons): Sprinkle fresh tomatoes for color, freshness, and a cooling contrast to melted cheese.
- Sliced green onions (2 tablespoons): A little onion-y kick and a pop of color right before serving.
- Sliced black olives (1 tablespoon, optional): These are classic for topping Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza—feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Used for frying the tortillas so you get that irresistible crispiness.
How to Make Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza
Step 1: Crisp Up the Tortillas
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, fry each flour tortilla one at a time, turning halfway, until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides. Drain them on a paper towel—this extra step makes all the difference in mimicking Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza crunch!
Step 2: Layer Beans and Beef
While the tortillas cool slightly, spread the refried beans evenly over one tortilla. Then, sprinkle your seasoned ground beef right on top. This hearty duo creates the base and ensures every bite is packed with rich, savory flavor—the key to that real-deal Mexican pizza experience.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza
Place the second crispy tortilla directly on top of your beans and beef layer, sandwiching everything together. Now comes the fun part: spread the enchilada sauce generously over that top tortilla and shower it with shredded Mexican blend cheese. At this stage, you’re building all the bold flavors that make Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza so iconic.
Step 4: Melt and Bubble in the Oven
Transfer your stacked pizza onto a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes—just until the cheese is melted, gooey, and bubbling. This quick bake brings all your layers together with that irresistible, cheesy finish we all crave.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Remove your masterpiece from the oven and immediately scatter diced tomatoes, green onions, and (if you like) sliced black olives over the top. Slice into wedges and serve warm for the freshest, most satisfying version of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza you’ve ever had!
How to Serve Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza
Garnishes
Personalize your pizza by scattering extra green onions, fresh cilantro, more diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of sour cream right before serving. These fresh garnishes not only look beautiful but also bring vibrant flavors and textures to every slice of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs amazingly with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or tortilla chips and guacamole. If you’re feeling extra festive, whip up a quick corn salad or a bowl of zesty pico de gallo for scooping alongside your Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza—it turns dinner into a true fiesta!
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of cutting into wedges, try serving your pizza as bite-sized squares for fun party appetizers, or stack mini tortillas for single-serve Mexican pizzas the kids will love. Add a side of hot sauce or salsa verde so everyone can customize their slice of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza (unbelievable, I know!), wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld overnight, and it reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to a month. This is perfect for quick, stress-free weeknight dinners when you’re craving Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza in a pinch.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly and everything’s hot, about 8–10 minutes. The oven helps preserve the crispy texture that makes Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza so satisfying (the microwave can make it a little soggy, so use that only in a hurry).
FAQs
Can I make Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the ground beef and double up on refried beans or use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian Tex-Mex pizza that’s just as hearty and delicious.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas crispy?
Frying the tortillas in oil, as in this recipe, gives you the best golden crunch. If you prefer to use less oil, you can bake them on a sheet pan at 400°F until crisp—just brush lightly with oil on both sides first.
Which enchilada sauce do you recommend?
Use your favorite store-bought red enchilada sauce, or make your own for an extra homemade touch. Either way, the sauce adds a tangy, mildly spicy kick that’s signature to Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza.
Can this be made ahead for a party?
Yes! You can pre-cook all your components and assemble the pizzas right before party time. Pop them in the oven to melt the cheese when you’re ready to serve for fresh, hot Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza every time.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Corn tortillas can be substituted for flour tortillas to make a gluten-free version—just take care when frying, as they can be more delicate. The rest of the ingredients for Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can get in on the fun!
Final Thoughts
Bringing Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza into your home kitchen is a total game-changer. It’s quick, customizable, and loaded with all those classic flavors you love. Give this recipe a try next time you’re craving something cheesy, crispy, and utterly satisfying—you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line at the drive-thru!
Print
Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious copycat version of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza at home. This easy recipe features crispy tortillas layered with savory toppings and gooey cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Tortillas:
- 2 large flour tortillas
Refried Beans:
- 1/2 cup
Seasoned Ground Beef:
- 1/2 cup cooked with taco seasoning
Enchilada Sauce:
- 1/4 cup
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sliced black olives (optional)
Vegetable Oil:
- 1 tablespoon for frying
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry Tortillas: Lightly fry each tortilla until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread refried beans over one tortilla, top with seasoned ground beef, and place the second tortilla on top to form a pizza.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread enchilada sauce over the top tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the pizza on a baking sheet, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and black olives. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize with different protein options like shredded chicken or ground turkey.
- For a lighter version, bake the tortillas instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
