Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here is why this Mexican pizza will become a favorite.
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Only a handful of ingredients. Simple and affordable.
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Ready in under 35 minutes.
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Crispy and cheesy. The perfect texture combination.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves Taco Bell.
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Budget-friendly. Ground beef, tortillas, and cheese are inexpensive.
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Perfect for weeknights and game days.
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Great for leftovers.
Ingredients
Servings: 4
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 preferred)
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1 packet taco seasoning
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8 flour tortillas (soft taco sized)
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High-heat cooking oil (enough to shallow fry tortillas)
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Salt to season the fried tortillas
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Taco Bell Mexican Pizza sauce (see notes for substitutes)
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8 oz block cheddar cheese, freshly grated
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8 oz block Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
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Diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and sliced black olives for topping
For the Refried Beans
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1 tablespoon oil
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1/4 medium yellow onion, diced
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15.5 oz can chili beans
Ingredient Notes
Ground beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef.
Taco seasoning: Use your favorite taco seasoning.
Flour tortillas: Use soft taco-sized flour tortillas.
Cheeses: Use freshly grated cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Refried beans: Use chili beans and mash them.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Refried Beans
Add oil to a large skillet. Sauté onions over medium heat until translucent. Add canned chili beans with the liquid. Heat until warm, then mash with a potato masher until desired consistency, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add taco seasoning and follow package instructions. Drain excess fat and transfer to a bowl.
Step 3: Fry the Tortillas
Add high-heat cooking oil to a griddle or skillet. Heat the oil. Carefully lay one flour tortilla in the hot oil. Shallow fry until golden brown, about 60 to 90 seconds per side. Transfer to paper towels and lightly salt.
Step 4: Assemble the Bottom Tortilla
Spread about 1/3 cup of refried beans over one fried tortilla. Top with about 1/4 of the taco meat.
Step 5: Assemble the Top Tortilla
Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of Mexican Pizza sauce on one fried tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle on diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and sliced green onions.
Step 6: Heat the Mexican Pizzas
Place the two prepared tortillas on the griddle or in a skillet to warm. Cover the top tortilla with a melting dome for the cheese to melt.
Step 7: Serve
When the cheese is melted, remove the top and bottom tortillas from the griddle. Stack the top tortilla on top of the one with the beans and beef. Allow to cool slightly, cut into quarters, and serve.
How to Serve Mexican Pizza
This crispy, cheesy pizza is delicious on its own, but a few accompaniments make it even better.
With Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tang.
With Salsa: Fresh salsa adds brightness.
With Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is a perfect pairing.
With Hot Sauce: Add a dash of heat.
With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with cilantro.
Variations & Tips
Make It with Ground Turkey: Substitute ground turkey for the beef.
Make It with Chicken: Use shredded chicken.
Make It with Black Beans: Use black beans instead of chili beans.
Make It with Different Cheese: Use pepper jack or provolone.
Make It with Spice: Add jalapeños.
Make It with Corn: Add corn kernels.
Make It with Avocado: Add sliced avocado.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas.
Make It in an Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Fry the tortillas until golden and crisp. This creates the signature texture.
Grate the cheese fresh. This melts better.
Do not overfill the pizzas. This prevents sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can be used.
Can I use a different bean?
Yes. Black beans can be used.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Pepper jack or provolone can be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended. The texture may change.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why is my tortilla not crispy?
The oil was not hot enough. Heat until shimmering.
Can I add more toppings?
Yes. Add jalapeños or olives.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes. Any skillet works.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
This recipe is designed for stovetop cooking.
The Beauty of Copycat Recipes
There is something deeply satisfying about recreating a fast-food favorite at home. It is the kind of food that makes people happy. This Taco Bell Mexican pizza is a celebration of all those things.
Keep ground beef in your freezer. Keep tortillas, beans, and cheese in your pantry and fridge. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings