What Exactly is a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?

If you’re among the few who have yet to experience the glorious Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, prepare to have your culinary world expanded. This fast-food stroke of genius reimagines the traditional pizza concept with a vibrant Mexican twist. It starts with two crisp flour tortillas, which serve as the foundation, much like a typical pizza crust. These tortillas are fried to a perfect golden crispness, providing a satisfying crunch that holds up beautifully to the flavorful fillings.

Between these two crunchy “crusts,” a savory layer of seasoned taco meat and warm refried beans is spread generously. The bottom tortilla embraces these hearty ingredients, while the top tortilla acts as a lid, ready for its own decadent toppings. On top of the second tortilla, a medley of delicious additions completes the masterpiece: gooey melted cheese, vibrant green onions, a scattering of ripe black olives (if you choose), and fresh, diced tomatoes. Once that cheese is bubbling and perfectly melted, these pizzas are ready to be devoured!

Customizing Your Homemade Mexican Pizza: Beyond Taco Bell’s Offerings

One of the beauties of making your own Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home is the complete freedom to customize it to your heart’s content. While Taco Bell offered a variety of sauces, guacamole, and sour cream, along with options like chicken, lettuce, rice, seasoned Doritos, and chopped onions, your kitchen allows for even more creativity. Think of your homemade Mexican Pizza as a blank canvas, ready for your culinary artistry.

You can replicate Taco Bell’s classic toppings or venture into new, exciting flavor combinations. Consider adding a dollop of fresh guacamole or a swirl of cool sour cream for a creamy counterpoint. For an extra kick, include slices of pickled or fresh jalapeños. Craving more protein? Shredded chicken or steak can easily replace or complement the ground beef. Don’t shy away from adding fresh shredded lettuce after broiling for a refreshing crunch, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an authentic touch. The possibilities are truly endless when you’re the master chef!

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Mexican Pizza

Crafting the perfect copycat Mexican Pizza starts with quality ingredients. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of what you’ll need. Exact measurements and detailed instructions are conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the very bottom of this post.

• Lean Ground Beef: Browned and seasoned, this forms the savory heart of your pizza. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover taco meat! For a lighter option, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative.
• Onion, Diced: Adds a foundational aromatic flavor to the ground beef mixture.
• Garlic, Minced: Essential for that authentic, rich Mexican flavor profile in your meat.
• Taco Seasoning: A convenient packet from the store works wonderfully, or for an even more personalized touch, whip up your own homemade taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, ensuring your seasoned beef is perfectly balanced.

• Refried Beans, Warmed: The creamy, earthy layer that perfectly complements the seasoned beef. You can opt for fat-free or regular refried beans, whichever you prefer. Ensure they are warmed slightly for easier spreading.
• Salsa or Taco Sauce: Your choice! We find that bottled Taco Bell Taco Sauce offers the most authentic flavor, but any mild or medium salsa you love will work beautifully.
• Flour Tortillas (6-inch soft taco size): These become your crispy “pizza crusts.” Small, soft taco-sized tortillas are ideal for individual pizzas.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: A melty blend is key! A pre-shredded three-cheese blend from the store is convenient, or you can grate your own Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco for superior melt and flavor.
• Green Onions, Sliced: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Tomatoes, Diced: Adds a burst of freshness and acidity to balance the richness.
• Black Olives, Sliced (optional): A classic Taco Bell topping that adds a briny, savory note.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Essential for achieving perfectly crispy tortillas without excessive oil.

As mentioned earlier, feel free to customize your pizzas with any favorite taco toppings. Consider adding spicy jalapeño slices, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of guacamole, or even some shredded lettuce after it comes out of the broiler for a refreshing crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza At Home

Creating these sensational Mexican pizzas is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve that perfect crispy, savory, and cheesy delight right in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Beef. Begin by browning your lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/4 cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Tortillas. This step is crucial for achieving that signature Mexican Pizza crunch. Lightly spray a small skillet or frying pan with non-stick cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Once warm, place one flour tortilla in the skillet. Allow it to cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until it’s slightly golden brown and crisp. You want it firm but not brittle. Transfer the crisped tortilla to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this process for all your tortillas. Remember, you’ll need two tortillas per pizza, so if you’re making four pizzas, prepare eight tortillas.

Step 3: Build the First Layer. Now for the fun part – assembling your pizzas! Take one crisped flour tortilla and spread about 1/3 cup of warmed refried beans evenly across its surface. Follow this with approximately 1/2 cup of your seasoned beef mixture, spreading it gently to create an even layer over the beans. Place another crisped tortilla directly on top of the beef layer, forming the second “crust.”

Step 4: Initial Broil. Carefully transfer your assembled pizza (or pizzas, if you can fit multiple on a baking sheet) to a baking sheet. Place it under a broiler set on low heat for about 5 minutes. This step helps to warm the internal ingredients thoroughly and further crisps the tortillas before adding the final toppings. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Step 5: Add Toppings and Final Broil. Remove the pizzas from the oven. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen salsa or taco sauce over the top tortilla. Generously sprinkle with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and a good amount of shredded Mexican cheese. If using, arrange sliced black olives on top. Return the pizzas to the broiler, this time set on high, for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortilla are lightly golden. Again, watch carefully to prevent any burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Remove the finished Mexican Pizzas from the oven. Carefully plate them, slice into wedges (just like a traditional pizza!), and get ready to dig into your homemade masterpiece. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and melty cheese.

Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Pizza

• Perfectly Crispy Tortillas: Don’t overcrowd your skillet when crisping tortillas. Cook them one or two at a time to ensure even browning. A very light coating of oil or cooking spray is sufficient; you want them crisp, not greasy.
• Warmed Refried Beans: Warming the refried beans slightly makes them much easier to spread evenly across the tortilla.
• Even Spreading: Take your time to spread the refried beans and seasoned beef evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Watch the Broiler: Broilers can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stay near the oven and check frequently, especially during the final broiling step.
• Customization is Key: Don’t limit yourself to the classic toppings. Experiment with different cheeses (like pepper jack for a kick), various salsas, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of crema or sour cream after broiling.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Mexican Pizza Copycat Recipe

• Why did Taco Bell discontinue the Mexican Pizza? Taco Bell publicly stated they removed the Mexican Pizza from their menu to streamline operations and make way for new menu items. This decision, however, caused considerable outcry and disappointment among its dedicated fanbase, including myself.
• Is Taco Bell bringing back the Mexican Pizza? Due to overwhelming customer interest and a massive online campaign, the fast-food chain’s classic Mexican Pizza did make a highly anticipated comeback in 2022. However, its return was often limited in duration or stock in various locations. Here, it felt like it was only available for a short time before being listed as “Temporarily out of stock” again. This ongoing uncertainty is precisely why I remain committed to making them at home, using simple, wholesome ingredients I can trust. Homemade truly is always better and more reliable!
• What is Taco Bell Mexican Pizza crust made of? The signature “crust” of the Mexican Pizza is traditionally made from crispy, fried flour tortillas. While you *could* substitute corn tortillas, doing so would significantly alter the taste and texture, resulting in a different, albeit still delicious, outcome. For an authentic copycat experience, flour tortillas are key.
• What is Taco Bell Pizza Sauce? Interestingly, the sauce isn’t a traditional pizza sauce at all. Taco Bell uses its distinct taco sauce as the tangy, savory layer that ties all the flavors together, giving the Mexican Pizza its unique character.
• Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying them? Yes, you can! For a slightly healthier option, you can lightly brush the tortillas with oil or spray with cooking spray, then bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. This method works well but may result in a slightly different texture than pan-frying.
• Can I make a vegetarian Mexican Pizza? Absolutely! Simply replace the lean ground beef with your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute, or load up on extra refried beans and additional vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
• How can I make this spicier? To add more heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into your ground beef seasoning, use a spicier taco sauce or salsa, or top your finished pizza with pickled or fresh jalapeño slices, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

More Beloved Restaurant Copycat Recipes

One of my greatest culinary joys is taking popular restaurant dishes and recreating them in my own kitchen. I thrive on the challenge, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of enjoying my favorite meals from the comfort of my home, perhaps even in my pajamas! This also means I have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, often healthier, and undeniably more delicious result.

• Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac
• Copycat Hooter’s Wings
• Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad
• Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
• Homemade Wendy’s Frosty
• Copycat Taco Bell Enchirito (pictured above) – Elevate this classic by making it from scratch with my Homemade Enchilada Sauce.
• Copycat Taco Bell Meximelts

EXPLORE ALL MY RESTAURANT COPYCAT RECIPES HERE!

Truly, there’s absolutely no need to “make a run for the border” or brave the drive-thru lines when you’re yearning for that distinctive Taco Bell Mexican Pizza flavor. With this easy-to-follow, detailed recipe, you can recreate and even improve upon that beloved taste right in your very own home. Gather your ingredients, prepare for a delightful culinary adventure, and get ready to enjoy a fresh, customized, and utterly delicious Mexican Pizza experience.