The Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is the perfect fusion of crunchy tortillas, seasoned beef, refried beans, and melted cheese—all stacked into a bold and flavorful dish. Each bite is packed with Tex-Mex goodness, delivering the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and crispy textures. This homemade version allows you to skip the takeout and control the ingredients, making it fresher and even tastier than the original! Serve it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water, stirring until combined. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry tortillas one at a time until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Spread a layer of refried beans on four tortillas. Top with seasoned ground beef and another tortilla.
- Mix enchilada sauce with salsa and spread over the top tortillas. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Place assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove from oven and garnish with diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.
- Slice and serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
The Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is a nostalgic fast-food favorite that combines the best of both worlds—crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, refried beans, and gooey melted cheese—all layered into a deliciously satisfying dish. If you were disappointed when Taco Bell temporarily removed this menu item, don’t worry! Now, you can recreate it at home, and not only is it just as good (if not better!) than the original, but you also have full control over the ingredients, making it healthier and customizable to your taste. In this article, we will explore the history of the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, why it became such a fan favorite, the benefits of making it at home, and pro tips for achieving that perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and cheesy goodness.
The History of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza
Taco Bell first introduced the Mexican Pizza in the late 1980s as a unique fusion of Mexican and American flavors, catering to those who love tacos but want something a little different. It was originally called the “Pizzazz Pizza” before being renamed. This dish quickly became a cult favorite, thanks to its crispy, golden tortillas, layered with refried beans, spicy seasoned beef, and topped with rich enchilada sauce and melty cheese. It was discontinued in 2020 due to Taco Bell’s menu streamlining but made a highly anticipated comeback in 2022, after overwhelming customer demand. With the homemade version, you can recreate this fast-food legend anytime you want and even enhance it with extra flavors, toppings, or a healthier approach.
Why This Copycat Mexican Pizza is the Best
There are many reasons why making your own Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home is better than ordering from the drive-thru:
Crispier, Fresher, & More Flavorful
- Taco Bell’s version is great, but nothing beats freshly fried or air-fried tortillas that are super crispy and golden brown. Plus, you can season the beef exactly how you like it, giving your pizza extra depth of flavor.
Healthier & Customizable
- Lower in sodium & preservatives: Fast food is often high in salt and artificial additives. With homemade Mexican pizza, you can control sodium, fat, and preservatives.
- Use leaner meats: Instead of using standard ground beef, you can substitute lean ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas or homemade corn tortillas instead of store-bought flour tortillas.
More Cheese, More Toppings, More Everything!
- Add more cheese, or swap for a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
- Pile on fresh toppings like avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and jalapeños for an extra punch.
- Experiment with different sauces, such as a homemade enchilada sauce, chipotle mayo, or even spicy salsa verde.
Budget-Friendly
- Ordering Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell can add up quickly. Making it at home is significantly cheaper, especially if you have a family to feed. A few pantry staples like tortillas, ground beef, beans, and cheese can go a long way.
How to Make the Perfect Mexican Pizza at Home
1. Choose the Right Tortillas
- Flour tortillas give the best crunch when fried. However, you can also use corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- For an even healthier version, bake or air-fry the tortillas instead of frying them in oil.
2. Cook the Beef Properly
- The key to great taco meat is seasoning and proper cooking. Simmer the beef with taco seasoning and a little broth to keep it moist and flavorful. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap it with black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.
3. Layering is Key!
To achieve the classic Taco Bell structure:
- First layer: Refried beans (helps the layers stick together).
- Second layer: Well-seasoned ground beef.
- Top tortilla: Crispy tortilla to lock in the filling.
- Sauce and cheese: Enchilada sauce + a generous amount of cheese on top.
4. Bake or Broil for a Gooey Finish
- Once assembled, baking or broiling for a few minutes melts the cheese beautifully and ensures that all the flavors blend perfectly.
5. Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Once your pizza is hot and melty, top it with fresh tomatoes, black olives, sliced green onions, jalapeños, or even a dollop of guacamole.
Best Toppings & Variations
One of the best things about making Mexican Pizza at home is that you can customize it however you like. Here are some fun ideas:
Protein Variations:
- Swap beef for shredded chicken, carnitas, or grilled shrimp.
- Use spicy chorizo for a bold Mexican flavor.
- Keep it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or tofu crumbles.
Cheese Options:
- Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for a gooey bite.
- Try queso fresco or cotija cheese for a Mexican twist.
Spicy Additions:
- Add chopped jalapeños or pickled banana peppers.
- Drizzle with hot sauce, sriracha, or spicy chipotle mayo.
Tasty Add-ons:
- Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa verde.
- Top with freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice for extra freshness.
Pairing Suggestions
Mexican Pizza is delicious on its own, but here are some perfect pairings to turn it into a complete meal:
Side Dishes:
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
- Cheesy Queso Dip with tortilla chips
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Pico de Gallo or Mango Salsa
Drinks:
- Horchata (Sweet Rice Milk)
- Classic Margaritas or Agua Fresca
- Mexican Coke or Jarritos Soda
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, here’s how to keep your Mexican Pizza fresh:
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Freezing:
- While you can freeze tortillas and cooked beef separately, assembled Mexican Pizza doesn’t freeze well since the tortillas can become soggy.
Make-Ahead Option:
- Cook the beef and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Fry and store tortillas in an airtight bag to keep them fresh.
- Assemble and bake when ready to serve!
Conclusion
The Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is more than just a fast-food favorite—it’s a fun, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s easy to make at home. Not only can you skip the drive-thru, but you’ll enjoy a fresher, healthier, and tastier version made with real ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a game day snack, or a fun family meal, this homemade Mexican Pizza is sure to be a hit. Try it today, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, zesty flavors that make it a legendary dish!