Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

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I’ve had a long-standing love affair with Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and one of those fast-food classics that just hits the spot every single time. Recreating it at home was one of the best kitchen decisions I’ve ever made. You get to control the ingredients, pile on as much cheese and toppings as you want, and avoid the drive-thru line—all wins in my book.

This homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is a delicious fusion of taco night and pizza night, layered with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, crunchy tortillas, gooey melted cheese, and topped with fresh diced tomatoes and green onions. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and I promise, it tastes even better than the original.

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Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

It’s fast, easy, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a fun family dinner, this recipe delivers that crave-worthy Tex-Mex flavor in just a few simple steps. Plus, it’s highly customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs.

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What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

I always go for classic 6-inch flour tortillas for the closest match to Taco Bell’s version. They crisp up beautifully in the oven or air fryer and hold the toppings well. Corn tortillas can work too, but they give a different texture and flavor.

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Options for Substitutions

• Vegetarian? Swap the beef for seasoned lentils or a plant-based ground meat.
• Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free tortillas and double-check your seasonings and beans.
• Spice Lover? Add jalapeños or hot sauce on top for extra heat.
• No refried beans? Mashed black beans or pinto beans work well as a substitute.
• Cheese alternatives? Use dairy-free cheese shreds if you’re avoiding dairy.

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Ingredients for This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

• Flour Tortillas – These act as the crispy base and top layer of the pizza. Lightly frying or baking them gives that signature crunch.
• Refried Beans – Adds a creamy, savory layer and helps bind the beef to the tortilla.
• Ground Beef – Seasoned with taco spices for that classic Taco Bell flavor.
• Taco Seasoning – A blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic to bring bold, Mexican-inspired flavor to the beef.
• Mexican Cheese Blend – A melty mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack that creates the perfect cheesy topping.
• Enchilada Sauce – Adds moisture and a tangy-spicy layer between the tortillas and on top.
• Diced Tomatoes – For freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
• Green Onions – Brings a mild bite and some extra visual appeal.
• Red Onion (optional) – For a sharper flavor contrast.
• Oil – For frying the tortillas if you prefer them extra crispy.

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Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, stirring until the beef is fully coated and the mixture thickens slightly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

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Step 2: Crisp the Tortillas

Either pan-fry the tortillas in a small amount of oil until golden brown on both sides, or bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes per side. You want them firm and crispy, like a flat taco shell.

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Step 3: Assemble the Base

Lay one crispy tortilla on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of refried beans on top, followed by a scoop of the seasoned ground beef. Smooth it out evenly.

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Step 4: Add the Top Tortilla and Sauce

Place another crispy tortilla over the beef layer. Spoon enchilada sauce on top and spread it to the edges. This acts as your pizza “sauce.”

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Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle a heavy handful of the Mexican cheese blend over the sauce-covered tortilla. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 6: Garnish and Slice

Remove from oven and let it cool for a minute. Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and red onions (if using). Slice into quarters or eighths, and serve warm.

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How Long to Prepare the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Prep Time: The initial prep—including chopping veggies, cooking beef, and crisping the tortillas—takes about 20 minutes. If you’re multitasking, you can cut this down by preheating the oven while preparing the beef.

Cooking & Assembly Time: Once everything is prepped, it only takes another 10 minutes to assemble and bake the pizzas. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to table.

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Tips for Perfect Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

• Use a wire rack after frying or baking the tortillas to keep them crispy and avoid sogginess.
• Don’t overload with toppings; too many wet ingredients can make the pizza fall apart.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
• A small offset spatula works wonders when spreading beans and sauce evenly.
• For a boost of flavor, mix a little enchilada sauce into the refried beans.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the crisping step: Soft tortillas won’t hold the layers well and will turn soggy fast.
• Overbaking: Cheese can get rubbery or burn quickly, so keep an eye on it.
• Undraining the beef: Too much grease makes the layers slip and the base soggy.
• Uneven layering: Spreading the filling unevenly causes structural collapse when slicing.
• Adding cold toppings before baking: Only add fresh toppings after the bake to keep them vibrant and crisp.

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What to Serve With Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Creamy, cheesy, and smoky corn on the cob is a perfect side dish.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice

Light and zesty, it complements the rich, cheesy pizza flavors.

3. Guacamole and Chips

A refreshing dip to balance out the savory main dish.

4. Southwest Salad

Add a fresh crunch with romaine, black beans, corn, and avocado in a tangy dressing.

5. Horchata or Agua Fresca

Cool off with a sweet, cinnamon-infused drink or fruit-based refresher.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp.

Freezer: You can freeze assembled (but unbaked) pizzas. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes until heated through.

Reheating Tip: Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain a crispy texture. Oven or air fryer is best.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~420 per serving (1/2 pizza)
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the beef and use a plant-based ground or seasoned lentils. Everything else stays the same.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, but the texture will be different. Corn tortillas tend to be more delicate and crumbly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use an oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy texture. Microwave only if you’re short on time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep all the components and assemble just before baking. Store tortillas separately to keep them crisp.

How do I make it spicier?

Add jalapeños, spicy salsa, or hot sauce on top. You can also mix some chili powder into the beef or beans.

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Conclusion

Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is the ultimate fast-food copycat recipe that’s easy, fun, and bursting with flavor. You get all the satisfaction of the original, plus the ability to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a game night, or just treating yourself to a nostalgic favorite, this Mexican Pizza hits every craving perfectly.

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