Name: Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas); 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 4 tbsp enchilada sauce; 8 ounces refried beans (1/2 can); 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican cheese blend); 1 tomato (roma or beefsteak, seeds removed and diced); 1 small red onion (diced); 1/4 cup black olives (sliced); 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 green onions (finely diced)

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Make Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) at Home: A Fun and Flavorful Recipe

Are you craving a delicious Mexican Pizza reminiscent of Taco Bell’s classic? This homemade version captures all the wonderful flavors and textures of the original while being tailored to your taste. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also provides a satisfying meal for family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

This Mexican Pizza recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and wants a comforting, shareable meal. Whether you’re looking for a creative dinner idea or a fun dish for game day, this recipe has you covered. Not to mention, you can easily customize it based on your dietary preferences and what you have on hand. Plus, making it at home means you know exactly what’s going into your food, allowing you to control the ingredients for a healthier option.

How to Make Mexican Pizza

This enticing Mexican Pizza can be prepared using three different cooking methods: air frying, oven baking, or pan frying. Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll end up with a delightful dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
4 tbsp enchilada sauce
8 ounces refried beans (1/2 can)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican cheese blend)
1 tomato (roma or beefsteak, seeds removed and diced)
1 small red onion (diced)
1/4 cup black olives (sliced)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 green onions (finely diced)

Directions

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, sautéing for about 5-8 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove any excess grease from the pan.
Next, add the taco seasoning, water, and 4 tablespoons of enchilada sauce to the cooked beef. Stir until evenly combined and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Now, it’s time to assemble the pizzas! Start by spreading a layer of refried beans on one tortilla. Follow that with a generous layer of the seasoned ground beef mixture, then add a layer of shredded cheese before topping it with another tortilla.
Spread 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce on top of the last tortilla and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas to assemble all the pizzas.
AIR FRYER COOKING METHOD: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Working in batches (your air fryer may only fit one pizza at a time), carefully place the assembled pizza into the air fryer. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy. Remove and repeat with the remaining pizzas.
OVEN BAKING METHOD: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with tin foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup (optional). Arrange the assembled pizzas on the sheet pan, leaving some space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
PAN FRYING METHOD: In a large frying pan with a lid, add a splash of oil to lightly coat the pan and heat on medium. Add one pizza at a time, covering with the lid. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese melts and the bottom tortilla is crispy.
After cooking, transfer the pizzas to a serving plate and top with your choice of optional garnishes: diced tomatoes, red onion, black olives, sour cream, and finely diced green onions. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success with Mexican Pizza

Perfectly Crispy Tortillas: If you enjoy extra crispy tortillas, consider toasting the tortillas for a few minutes before assembling the pizzas. This ensures they have a firm texture and hold up well under the toppings.
Make It Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. You still get all the flavors by using your favorite taco seasoning.
Spice It Up: For those who love a kick of heat, add jalapeños or spicy salsa to your ground beef mixture. Alternatively, top with hot sauce before serving.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies or proteins for added flavor. Ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or even grilled chicken can be delicious additions.

Flavor Variations for Mexican Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use shredded cooked chicken mixed with BBQ sauce in place of ground beef for a unique twist.
Tex-Mex Veggie Pizza: Load up on mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn along with black beans and a taco seasoning blend for a colorful veggie pizza.
Buffalo Flavors: Incorporate buffalo chicken instead of beef and top with blue cheese crumbles and celery for a tangy, spicy variation.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Pizza

Mexican Pizza makes for a fantastic main dish but can be complemented with side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Serve with a fresh side salad topped with avocado and a zesty lime dressing.
Accompany with tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole for added crunch.
You can add a refreshing beverage, such as a fruity mocktail or horchata, to round out your meal.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Mexican Pizza

Leftover Mexican Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

If you’re looking to store it for longer, these pizzas can be frozen! Assemble the pizzas without cooking them, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to make them, simply remove them from the freezer and cook according to the methods mentioned earlier, adding extra cooking time.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 400
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 800mg

FAQ About Mexican Pizza

How can I make Mexican Pizza healthier?

You can use whole grain tortillas for added fiber, lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and low-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables as toppings can enhance the nutritional value.

Can I make Mexican Pizza gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free tortillas made from corn or alternative grains. Ensure that the other ingredients, such as taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, are certified gluten-free.

What toppings can I use on Mexican Pizza?

You can customize your toppings however you like! Sliced jalapeños, corn, diced avocados, and black beans are popular options. You could also try adding a drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.

How do I reheat Mexican Pizza?

To reheat Mexican Pizza, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for 5 minutes to restore some of that delicious crispiness.

Can I prepare Mexican Pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizzas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This is a great time-saving technique, especially for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Making Mexican Pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience that brings a taste of Taco Bell right into your kitchen. By controlling the ingredients and cooking methods, you can create a delicious dish that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy this delightful meal with family and friends! Whether you go for the air fryer, oven, or pan-frying method, you’re in for a treat every time. Happy cooking!

Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat)