If you have ever craved that unbeatable combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful that Taco Bell’s famous pizza delivers, then you are in for a treat with this Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe. It’s a fun spin on tradition with layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce nestled between tortillas that crisp up perfectly. Ready in just 15 minutes, this copycat recipe brings the joy of a restaurant favorite right into your kitchen, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe relies on straightforward, classic ingredients that work together beautifully to deliver authentic flavor and satisfying texture with every bite. From the savory ground beef to the melty cheese and zesty enchilada sauce, each item plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance.
- 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas): These act as the crunchy and sturdy base layers giving structure and that delicious crispy finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: The main protein, seasoned just right for maximum flavor.
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning: This mix introduces classic Mexican spices that boost the taste of the beef.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps the seasoning distribute evenly and simmers the beef to juicy perfection.
- 4 tbsp enchilada sauce: Adds a tangy, slightly smoky richness both inside and on top of the pizza.
- 8 ounces refried beans (1/2 can): Creates a creamy, hearty layer that complements the meat beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican cheese blend): Melts perfectly to glue the layers and add cheesy goodness.
- 1 tomato (roma or beefsteak, seeds removed and diced): Freshens and brightens the topping while adding a splash of color.
- 1 small red onion (diced): Adds crunch and a slight bite to balance out the richness.
- 1/4 cup black olives: Brings a briny contrast that makes every bite exciting.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Offers a cooling, creamy finish when serving.
- 2 green onions (finely diced): Adds a mild oniony freshness and vibrant green pop on top.
How to Make Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by heating a large frying pan over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked through. Drain out any excess grease to keep things from getting oily.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Once the beef is cooked, add in the taco seasoning, water, and 4 tablespoons of enchilada sauce. Stir everything well to coat the meat evenly, then let it simmer gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. This melds the flavors perfectly and thickens the mixture just right.
Step 3: Assemble the Base Layers
Grab one tortilla and spread a generous layer of refried beans on top. Next, pile on a good portion of the seasoned ground beef, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Top this with another tortilla to create a beautiful layered stack.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Spread 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Then cover it with an even layer of shredded cheese, which will melt down nicely and help hold everything together during cooking.
Step 5: Repeat Assembly
Continue assembling the remaining pizzas exactly the same way until all tortillas and fillings are used up, creating four personal-sized Mexican pizzas ready to cook.
Step 6: Cook Until Crispy and Melted
You can cook these delightful creations in any of three ways depending on what you prefer:
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F and cook each pizza for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and tortillas crisp up beautifully.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, arrange pizzas on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes for a melty, crispy finish.
- Pan Frying: Coat a pan with a splash of oil, place one pizza in at a time, cover, and cook on medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cheesy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the pizzas to a serving plate and top with diced tomatoes, red onion, black olives, a dollop of sour cream, and green onions. These fresh toppings add brightness and texture, making every bite a burst of flavor and fun.
How to Serve Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what make this Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe truly shine. Fresh diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and salty black olives add contrasting textures and flavors. A dollop of rich sour cream and a sprinkle of crisp green onions on top bring the dish to life and make it look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mexican pizza with simple, complementary sides like a crisp green salad or a zesty corn salsa. Refried beans and Spanish rice also make wonderful accompaniments, creating a well-rounded Mexican-inspired feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next casual gathering, cut the pizzas into wedges and serve on a large platter with mini bowls of guacamole, pico de gallo, and hot sauce. Another idea is to prepare mini Mexican pizzas using smaller tortillas, perfect for snackable finger food with a big flavor punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Mexican pizza, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the layers delicious and moist without becoming soggy.
Freezing
Frozen Mexican pizza is a lifesaver for busy days. Wrap each assembled pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready for a quick, satisfying meal whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to bring back that crispy tortilla texture and melt the cheese perfectly. Heat at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through, or until the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work wonderfully and add a slightly different texture and authentic corn flavor. Just be gentle while assembling as corn tortillas can be a bit more fragile than flour ones.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini or use plant-based meat crumbles. Just season and cook them as you would the beef for a tasty vegetarian twist.
How spicy is this recipe?
The level of spice depends mostly on the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce you choose. Feel free to adjust them or add a pinch of cayenne or jalapeños if you want to turn up the heat for a spicier version.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Assemble the pizzas a few hours before your event and keep them refrigerated. Just cook them fresh when guests arrive to ensure that crispiness and melty cheese everyone loves.
What’s the best cheese to use for the topping?
A Mexican cheese blend works beautifully, but sharp cheddar or mozzarella can also deliver a great melt and flavor. Combining cheddar for sharpness and mozzarella for stretchiness gives you the best of both worlds!
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe is hands down one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. Its perfect layers of cheesy, meaty goodness, combined with vibrant fresh toppings, deliver big flavors with simple ingredients. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this copycat favorite will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe box. Trust me, once you try it at home, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout the old-fashioned way!
Print
Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Pizza recipe is a delicious Taco Bell copycat featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese between flour tortillas. Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, it is topped with fresh diced tomatoes, red onions, black olives, sour cream, and green onions. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Layers
- 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- 8 ounces refried beans (1/2 can)
- 4 tbsp enchilada sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican cheese blend)
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
- 4 tbsp enchilada sauce
Toppings
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 tomato (roma or beefsteak, seeds removed and diced)
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- ¼ cup black olives
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions (finely diced)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula or spoon to break the meat into small pieces while cooking. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until fully cooked through. Then, remove the excess grease from the pan to keep the pizza from becoming oily.
- Season the Meat: Add taco seasoning, water, and enchilada sauce to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Pizzas: Lay one tortilla flat and spread a layer of refried beans over it. Top this with a portion of the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese and cover with a second tortilla, forming a sandwich.
- Add Toppings Before Cooking: Spread 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla of each pizza. Then top evenly with shredded cheese to cover the sauce layer completely. Repeat these assembly steps with the remaining tortillas.
- Cook the Pizzas: Choose your preferred cooking method:
– Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Place one pizza at a time in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and tortillas are crispy.
– Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with foil or parchment. Arrange pizzas spaced apart and bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and tortillas crisp.
– Pan Frying: Heat a splash of oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Place one pizza in the pan, cover with a lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts and bottom tortilla crisps. - Add Fresh Garnishes and Serve: Transfer cooked pizzas to a serving plate. Top each with diced tomatoes, red onion, sliced black olives, dollops of sour cream, and finely diced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- For spicier flavor, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture or toppings.
- Use a cheese blend for authentic Mexican flavor or adjust cheese types to your preference.
- If air fryer capacity is limited, cook pizzas one at a time to ensure even crisping.
- Leftover pizzas can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
