Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

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Crispy, cheesy, and stacked with flavor, this homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is a crave-worthy twist on a fast food classic. It brings together seasoned meat, layers of gooey melted cheese, refried beans, and golden-fried tortillas, then finishes with vibrant fresh toppings. Every bite has the perfect contrast of textures and bold Mexican-inspired tastes.

If you’ve ever found yourself longing for Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza after it disappeared from the menu, you’re not alone. This recipe delivers all the nostalgia with even more flavor and quality. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think and perfect for feeding a crowd or spicing up your weeknight dinner routine.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the best homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, a few kitchen tools make all the difference:

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: For browning and seasoning the ground beef. A heavy-bottom skillet distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.
• Nonstick Baking Sheet or Sheet Pan: You’ll need a flat surface to assemble and bake your pizzas without sticking or falling apart.
• Slotted Spatula or Tongs: These are helpful when flipping tortillas while frying to ensure they stay crispy but don’t crack.
• Medium Saucepan: For heating up the refried beans and taco sauce, ensuring smooth spreading.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To slice the pizza into neat, even squares or wedges without pulling the layers apart.
• Paper Towels and Plate: After frying, set the tortillas on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Having these tools ready will speed up your prep time and help you achieve that signature crispy-meets-saucy bite every single time.

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Ingredients for the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Each layer of this Mexican pizza adds something delicious to the whole experience. Here’s why each ingredient matters:

• Ground Beef: This is the savory, seasoned heart of the dish. Use 80/20 for flavor, or lean if you prefer lighter.
• Taco Seasoning: A must for adding that bold, zesty flavor to the beef.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, these act like the glue between layers and balance the meatiness.
• Flour Tortillas (6-inch): These form the crispy base and top. Frying them makes all the difference.
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully and adds that golden gooey layer.
• Taco Sauce: Slightly tangy and spicy, this gives it that Taco Bell signature flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Freshness on top to balance the richness of cheese and beef.
• Red Onion (diced): Adds sharpness and crunch.
• Fresh Cilantro (optional): For brightness and a pop of color at the end.

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How To Make the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer until the mixture thickens and is fully coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry each tortilla one at a time until golden and crisp on both sides. Set them aside on paper towels to drain.

Step 3: Warm the Beans

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the refried beans until soft and spreadable. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Base Layer

On a baking sheet, lay one fried tortilla down. Spread a generous layer of refried beans, then top with a scoop of seasoned beef.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer

Place a second tortilla on top of the meat layer. Spread a spoonful of taco sauce over it and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pizzas for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings

Remove from the oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Slice and serve warm.

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How to Serve and Store Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

This crispy, cheesy Mexican pizza is best served fresh out of the oven while the tortillas are still crisp and the cheese is hot and melty. Slice into wedges or squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter, and pair it with sour cream, guacamole, or extra taco sauce on the side for dipping.

If you’re prepping ahead or end up with leftovers, store the assembled but unbaked pizzas wrapped tightly in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days. For leftovers that have already been baked, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes to bring back the crispiness. The microwave works in a pinch, but the tortilla may soften.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this vegetarian?

Just skip the beef and double up on the refried beans or use seasoned lentils, tofu crumbles, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can, but they won’t get quite as crisp and may be more delicate when layered. Flour tortillas mimic the Taco Bell texture better.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar or a Mexican blend works great. You can even add a little Monterey Jack for extra melt and flavor.

Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying?

Yes! Brush them with a little oil and bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes per side until crisp. They won’t be quite as golden but still delicious.

How do I make it spicy?

Add chopped jalapeños to the meat or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking. A drizzle of hot sauce on top also does the trick.

Can I freeze Mexican pizza?

It’s not ideal, as the tortillas can become soggy once thawed. If you do freeze, assemble without fresh toppings and wrap tightly. Reheat directly in the oven from frozen.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Fun Twist?

If this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to try these other easy and bold weeknight dinners:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a creamy, comforting baked pasta.
• Taco Ranch Bites if you’re into bite-sized Tex-Mex flavor bombs.
• Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a hand-held pizza party treat.
• Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes when you’re craving savory, meaty sandwiches.
• Mexican Cornbread Casserole if you want something hearty with a little spice.

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Find more crave-worthy dinner and snack ideas like this on my Pinterest: Life With Olivia.

Let me know in the comments how your Mexican Pizza turned out! Did you add extra toppings? Swap out the meat? I love hearing how you make it your own. Questions are always welcome too!

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