Remember those late-night Taco Bell runs for their iconic Mexican Pizza? Now you can recreate this beloved fast-food favorite right in your own kitchen! This Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Copycat recipe captures all the nostalgic flavors—crispy tortilla shells layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, zesty sauce, and melty cheese—without having to leave your house.
Whether you’re missing the original since it left the menu (and came back!) or simply want to enjoy a homemade version with quality ingredients you control, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction with an extra dose of freshness. Perfect for family dinner, game day snacks, or whenever those cravings hit!
Why You’ll Love This
- Tastes remarkably similar to the original Taco Bell version but with fresher ingredients
- Completely customizable—adjust the spice level, add more veggies, or switch up the proteins
- Kid-friendly dinner that the whole family will devour
- Most ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Makes great leftovers—the components store well for quick assembly later
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas or corn tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 tablespoons enchilada sauce
- 8 ounces refried beans (1/2 can)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican cheese blend)
- 4 tablespoons enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 tomato (roma or beefsteak, seeds removed and diced)
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions (finely diced)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula or spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Sauté for 5-8 minutes or until the meat is cooked through. Remove grease from the pan. Add taco seasoning, water, and enchilada sauce. Stir until combined, then simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Spread a layer of refried beans on one tortilla. Top with ground beef, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Place another tortilla on top. Spread 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce on the top tortilla and sprinkle shredded cheese to evenly cover it.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place one pizza at a time in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy. Repeat with remaining pizzas.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with tin foil or parchment paper. Place the pizzas on the sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
- Heat a large frying pan with a lid over medium heat. Add a splash of oil to coat the pan. Place one pizza in the pan and cover with the lid. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese melts and the bottom tortilla is crispy.
- Transfer the cooked pizzas to a serving plate. Top with optional garnishes such as diced tomatoes, red onion, black olives, sour cream, and green onion. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a healthier version, bake the tortillas instead of frying them—brush with a little oil and bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until crisp.
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for the beef to change up the protein.
- Make it spicier by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the toppings.
- For a time-saving shortcut, use pre-cooked meat or leftover taco meat from another meal.
- Create a build-your-own Mexican pizza bar for parties—prep all components and let guests assemble their own.
- For authentic Taco Bell flavor, look for “Mexican Pizza Sauce” recipes online instead of using enchilada sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Mexican pizzas are practically a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with Mexican rice and a simple side salad for a more substantial dinner. For a fun spread, serve alongside homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, and a variety of hot sauces so everyone can customize to their taste.
For beverages, consider serving with a cold Mexican beer, horchata, or a refreshing margarita for the adults and fruit-infused agua fresca for the kids.
Notes
- The tortillas should be fried until crisp but still flexible—if they’re too crisp, they’ll shatter when you bite into them.
- These pizzas are best enjoyed immediately after assembly while the contrast between the warm filling and cool toppings is at its peak.
- For meal prep, you can prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then assemble and bake when ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare all the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store assembled but unbaked pizzas in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to re-crisp the shells.
Can I freeze these Mexican pizzas?
I don’t recommend freezing the assembled pizzas as the tortillas can become soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked meat mixture for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
You can substitute with taco sauce or a mixture of tomato sauce and taco seasoning in a pinch.
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