Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: A Delicious Guide to This Fan Favorite

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: Remember the heartbreak when Taco Bell temporarily removed this iconic dish from their menu? I do! The outcry was immense, a testament to the enduring love affair we have with this cheesy, crunchy, savory delight. But fear not, fellow Mexican Pizza enthusiasts! Today, we’re not just reminiscing; we’re recreating. I’m going to guide you through making a copycat version of the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza that rivals the original, right in your own kitchen.

While not steeped in ancient tradition, the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza holds a special place in American fast-food history. It’s a brilliant fusion of Tex-Mex flavors, cleverly layered to deliver a satisfying and unique experience. Think of it as a deconstructed taco, reimagined as a pizza. What’s not to love?

People adore this dish for its perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crispy tortillas provide a delightful crunch, while the seasoned ground beef and refried beans offer a savory base. The melted cheese and tangy pizza sauce create a comforting warmth, and the diced tomatoes and green onions add a fresh, vibrant finish. Plus, let’s be honest, the convenience factor is a major draw. But now, you can enjoy that same convenience with a homemade twist. So, let’s get started and bring the magic of the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza back into our lives!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the “Pizza” Shells (Tostadas):
• 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Seasoned Ground Beef:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix (low sodium preferred, or homemade)
• ¾ cup water
• For the Refried Beans:
• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans (vegetarian or traditional)
• 1 tablespoon water (or more, to thin if needed)
• For the Mexican Pizza Sauce:
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Cheese:
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• For the Toppings:
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions

Preparing the “Pizza” Shells (Tostadas)

Okay, let’s get started with the foundation of our Mexican Pizza – the crispy tortilla shells! This is probably the most crucial step, as we want them to be sturdy enough to hold all those delicious toppings. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small piece of tortilla sizzles immediately when dropped in. Be careful not to overheat the oil, or the tortillas will burn before they crisp up.
2. Fry the Tortillas: Carefully place one tortilla at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the tortilla and press down gently to ensure even cooking. The goal is to get them nice and flat and prevent them from bubbling up too much.
3. Drain the Excess Oil: Remove the fried tortilla from the oil using tongs and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. This is important to prevent the Mexican Pizza from becoming greasy.
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining tortillas. You should end up with 6 crispy tostadas for the base of your Mexican Pizzas. I usually fry a couple extra, just in case one breaks or I get a craving for a crispy tortilla snack!

Cooking the Seasoned Ground Beef

Next up, let’s tackle the seasoned ground beef. This is where that classic Taco Bell flavor really starts to shine through. We’re aiming for a flavorful and slightly saucy consistency.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy Mexican Pizza!
2. Add Taco Seasoning and Water: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the beef is well-coated. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the seasoned beef and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. If it’s too salty, add a little more water.

Preparing the Refried Beans

The refried beans add a creamy and comforting layer to our Mexican Pizza. We’re going to warm them up and thin them out slightly for easy spreading.

1. Warm the Refried Beans: In a small saucepan, combine the refried beans and water. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the beans are warmed through and have reached a spreadable consistency. If the beans are too thick, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Keep Warm: Keep the refried beans warm until ready to assemble the Mexican Pizzas. You can also microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Making the Mexican Pizza Sauce

This homemade sauce is what truly elevates our Mexican Pizza beyond just a glorified tostada. It’s a simple blend of tomato sauce and spices that perfectly complements the other flavors.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Simmer the Sauce: Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly, until it is warmed through and the flavors have melded together. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a pinch of sugar. If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper.
4. Keep Warm: Keep the sauce warm until ready to assemble the Mexican Pizzas.

Assembling the Mexican Pizzas

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where your culinary masterpiece really starts to take shape. We’re going to layer the ingredients on our crispy tostadas to create the ultimate Mexican Pizza experience.

1. First Layer: Refried Beans: Spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over the top of three of the crispy tostadas. This will act as the base for our Mexican Pizza.
2. Second Layer: Seasoned Ground Beef: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef over the refried beans on each of the three tostadas. Make sure to distribute the beef evenly.
3. Third Layer: Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend) over the seasoned ground beef on each of the three tostadas.
4. Fourth Layer: Top Tostada: Carefully place the remaining three crispy tostadas on top of the cheese-covered tostadas, creating a “sandwich.”
5. Fifth Layer: Mexican Pizza Sauce: Spread a thin layer of the Mexican Pizza sauce evenly over the top tostadas.
6. Sixth Layer: More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend) over the sauce.

Cooking the Assembled Mexican Pizzas

We’re almost there! Now we need to melt the cheese and warm everything through. You have a couple of options here: baking or broiling. I prefer baking for a more even melt, but broiling is faster if you’re in a hurry.

Baking Method:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Place the assembled Mexican Pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pizzas are heated through.

Broiling Method:

1. Preheat Broiler: Preheat your broiler.
2. Broil: Place the assembled Mexican Pizzas on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning!

Adding the Final Touches (Toppings)

The final step is to add the fresh toppings that really bring our Mexican Pizza to life. This is where you can get creative and customize it to your liking!

1. Add Toppings: Sprinkle diced tomatoes and sliced green onions over the melted cheese on each Mexican Pizza.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Mexican Pizzas immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.

And there you have it! Your very own homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your passport to recreating that iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza magic right in your own kitchen. We’ve broken down each step, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. But why should you bother, you ask? Because this recipe delivers on all fronts: it’s a flavor explosion of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and that signature crispy tortilla crunch, all without the drive-thru lines or the hefty price tag. It’s comfort food elevated, a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, all rolled into one delicious dish.

Why is this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe a must-try? Because it’s more than just a copycat; it’s an opportunity to customize, experiment, and truly make it your own. Forget settling for the standard order; now you’re in control!

Looking for serving suggestions? This Mexican Pizza is fantastic on its own, but consider adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra richness. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice will brighten the flavors and add a touch of freshness. For a spicier kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños into the ground beef mixture or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Let’s talk variations. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken or seasoned black beans for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different types of cheese – Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all work beautifully. Want to add some extra veggies? Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be delicious additions. You could even try using different types of tortillas – whole wheat, corn, or even flavored tortillas like spinach or tomato.

The possibilities are endless!

Think of this recipe as a starting point, a foundation upon which you can build your own Mexican Pizza masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find your perfect combination. After all, the best part about cooking is the freedom to express yourself and create something truly unique.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of making your own Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. I truly believe you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a fun weekend project, or even a party appetizer.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. Once you’ve made your own version of this beloved dish, I’d love to hear all about it! Share your photos, your tips, and your variations in the comments below. Let’s create a community of Mexican Pizza enthusiasts and inspire each other with our culinary creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking!