Crispy Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

Create Your Own Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe at Home!

Taco bell’s legendary mexican pizza has sparked countless cravings among fast food enthusiasts.

This crispy copycat mexican pizza recipe brings the restaurant’s iconic flavors straight to your kitchen.

Layers of seasoned ground beef and refried beans create a mouthwatering foundation.

Crisp tortillas provide the perfect crunch between savory fillings.

Melted cheese and zesty toppings complete this delectable dish that rivals the original.

You won’t believe how simple it is to recreate this beloved menu item at home.

Prepare to impress your taste buds with every single bite of this irresistible copycat creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

For The Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Brings robust flavor and hearty texture, choose lean meat with 80/20 fat ratio for juiciest results.
  • Taco Seasoning: Delivers authentic southwest zest, opt for low-sodium blends for better control of saltiness.
For The Base:
  • Flour Tortillas: Creates crispy foundation, select fresh tortillas with minimal cracks for best structure.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures golden, crunchy tortilla texture, use neutral oils with high smoke point.
  • Refried Beans: Provides creamy, rich layer, choose traditional style for authentic Mexican taste.
For The Finishing Touches:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Adds tangy moisture and depth, select red sauce for vibrant color and traditional flavor.
  • Shredded Cheese: Delivers melty, gooey goodness, mix monterey jack and cheddar for complex taste.
  • Tomatoes: Brings fresh brightness and color, use ripe roma tomatoes for best texture.
  • Green Onions: Introduces sharp, crisp element, select bright green stalks with firm white bases.
  • Black Olives: Contributes salty, briny note, choose pitted sliced olives for easy preparation.

Supplies For Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

  • Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and frying tortillas.
  • Baking sheet: Perfect for assembling and baking the Mexican pizzas.
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife: Needed to slice pizzas into quarters after baking.
  • Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried tortillas.
  • Measuring spoons: For adding precise amounts of taco seasoning and water.
  • Spatula or tongs: Useful for flipping tortillas and handling hot ingredients.

Steps To Make Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

  • Brown Tasty Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet until completely cooked. Drain away extra fat. Sprinkle with zesty taco seasoning and let it simmer until rich and thick.

  • Create Crispy Tortilla Base

Warm vegetable oil in a skillet and quickly fry tortillas until golden and crunchy. Let them rest on paper towels to remove excess oil.

  • Build Your Pizza

Spread creamy refried beans on half the tortillas. Top with seasoned meat and cover with another crispy tortilla. Press gently to secure layers.

  • Add Delicious Toppings

Pour tangy enchilada sauce over each pizza. Blanket with melty cheese. Scatter fresh tomatoes, green onions, and black olives across the top.

  • Bake to Perfection

Place pizzas in a preheated oven. Bake until cheese transforms into a bubbling, irresistible layer.

  • Slice and Serve

Cut each pizza into four wedges. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of Mexican-inspired flavors!

Flavor Swaps For Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

  • Beef Alternative: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still packs incredible flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the seasoned meat and crispy tortillas in advance, then quickly assemble and bake when ready to serve, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or add diced jalapeños for extra kick. Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper for more intense spiciness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and ensure gluten-free taco seasoning to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising the classic Mexican pizza taste.
  • Healthier Twist: Opt for whole wheat tortillas, use low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value while keeping the delicious core recipe intact.

Serve Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Warm

  • Pizza Night Delights: Creative Serving Suggestions
  • Tex-Mex Family Feast: Create a colorful spread with Mexican rice, guacamole, and fresh salsa alongside the pizzas for a complete meal that everyone will love.
  • Dipping Extravaganza: Prepare cool sour cream, zesty salsa verde, and creamy guacamole as side dips to complement the crispy, cheesy Mexican pizzas.
  • Fiesta Side Kick: Pair with a refreshing Mexican street corn salad or a light cilantro-lime salad to balance the richness of the pizzas and add a fresh crunch.
  • Drink Pairing Magic: Serve with ice-cold Mexican beer, fresh margaritas, or homemade horchata to elevate the entire dining experience and bring authentic flavor to the table.

Storage Tips For Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the Mexican pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to prevent burning and help toppings set perfectly.
  • Refrigeration Technique: Store individual pizzas in sealed containers for up to 3 days. Keep separate layers with parchment paper to maintain crispiness.
  • Reheating Method: Warm in a preheated oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy tortillas and maintain original texture.
  • Batch Preparation Hack: Make extra crispy tortillas and seasoned beef during initial cooking. Store components separately in refrigerator, allowing quick assembly within 48 hours for fast weeknight meals.
Print
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Crispy Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

Crispy Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Copycat taco bell mexican pizza brings layers of zesty flavors to your home kitchen. Crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, and melted cheese create a nostalgic Mexican-inspired dish perfect for casual dining.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) water
  • 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) refried beans
  • 1 cup (240 ml) red enchilada sauce
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sliced green onions (optional)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a skillet, thoroughly browning and draining excess fat. Incorporate taco seasoning, simmering until the mixture develops a deep, concentrated flavor profile.
  2. Tortilla Foundation: Deep-fry tortillas in hot oil, transforming them into crisp, golden discs. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, creating a sturdy base for the pizza.
  3. Layering Assembly: Spread a smooth refried bean layer on the crisp tortilla base. Distribute the seasoned meat mixture evenly, then cap with a second tortilla, pressing gently to create a compact structure.
  4. Flavor Elevation: Lavish the top with enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Blanket with a generous layer of shredded cheese, then scatter diced tomatoes, green onions, and black olive slices for a burst of color and taste.
  5. Baking Finale: Transfer pizzas to a preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape. The transformation typically occurs within 8-10 minutes, creating a molten, appetizing surface.
  6. Serving Presentation: Segment each pizza into four triangular portions using a sharp pizza cutter. Serve immediately, capturing the pinnacle of crisp texture and melted cheese perfection.

Notes

  • Manage Meat Moisture: Brown ground beef completely, ensuring no pink remains while avoiding over-drying. Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent soggy pizza bases and maintain a concentrated, flavorful meat mixture.
  • Control Tortilla Crispness: Fry tortillas precisely at medium-high heat, watching for golden-brown edges. Use paper towels to absorb excess oil, guaranteeing a perfectly crisp foundation without greasiness.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Select high-moisture shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for optimal melting. Distribute cheese evenly across the surface to create a smooth, bubbling layer without dry patches.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian versions. Use gluten-free tortillas and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the original flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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