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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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