Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Taco Bell sure likes to toy with our emotions. They take a beloved menu item away only to bring it back again months or years later, but then they go ahead and remove it from the menu once more. It’s hard to let your heart ride that kind of rollercoaster of anguish. Their Mexican Pizza is one such item. It was taken away and it was a really hard time for a lot of people… Now it’s back, but for how long? Can we really trust Taco Bell to keep it there for us? I don’t know the answer to that question, so better to cover our bases the best we can — here’s how to make your own right at home.

This isn’t meant to be fancy, this isn’t a reinvention. This is Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza as close as we can approximate it. After all, if it ends up gone from the menu forever, you want to be able to quash that craving on your own! The good news is it’s a really simple thing to recreate in your own kitchen. You just need flour tortillas, refried beans, ground beef, some taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and cheese. (And a few things for topping if you want to keep it authentic.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is perfect for those who crave the familiar flavors of their favorite fast-food treat but want the satisfaction of making it at home. It’s quick, simple, and hits the spot every time. Plus, you can enjoy it whenever you want without worrying about it disappearing from the menu!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Medium skillet
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Microwave or stovetop

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Vegetable oil, as needed
• 8 taco size flour tortillas
• 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

For Topping:

• Tomatoes, diced
• Green onion, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any grease as needed, then add the taco seasoning to the pan along with 1 cup of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until liquid mostly cooks off.
4. In a separate clean skillet over medium heat, heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Cook tortillas one at a time until crispy, flipping frequently, 3-4 minutes. Add more oil as needed and set browned tortillas aside.
5. Warm refried beans in microwave or on stovetop enough to make them easier to spread. Spread refried beans on 4 tortillas, then top with ground beef.
6. Place remaining tortillas on top, then cover each one with about 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, then bake until cheese is melted, 8-10 minutes.
8. Top with tomatoes and green onions and enjoy!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Mexican Pizza turns out perfectly, make sure not to overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to eat. Also, keep an eye on the tortillas while frying to achieve the perfect level of crispiness without burning them.

Additional Tips and Variations

If you’re looking to change things up, try adding some jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile. You can also top with sour cream or guacamole for extra richness.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 450, Protein: 24g, Carbohydrates: 36g, Fat: 22g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble them right before baking for best results.

Can I use corn tortillas instead?

While you can use corn tortillas, the texture will be different. Flour tortillas more closely mimic the original Taco Bell version.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and use extra beans or a meat substitute like tofu crumbles.

Conclusion

Try making this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home and enjoy the nostalgia of this beloved dish anytime you want. We’d love to hear how your homemade version turns out, so feel free to share your experiences and any creative variations you come up with!