Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
This easy copycat recipe features crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef and refried beans, then topped with taco sauce, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes—just like the fast-food favorite, but even fresher.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
For the Pizza
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup taco sauce or enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced black olives
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave.
- Fry the tortillas in a thin layer of hot oil for 30–45 seconds per side until crisp, then drain on paper towels. (For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, flipping once.)
- Spread a thin layer of refried beans over one crispy tortilla.
- Add a layer of seasoned beef.
- Top with a second crispy tortilla.
- Spread taco sauce over the top tortilla.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and any optional toppings.
Tips
- Crisp tortillas well to keep the pizza from becoming soggy.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Add sliced black olives for a classic Taco Bell-style finish.
- Assemble just before baking for the crispiest texture.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Bake or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef separately for up to 3 months; assemble fresh for the best results.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 520–580 per serving