Craving a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza but don’t want to “make a run for the border”? You’re in luck! This homemade copycat recipe allows you to recreate that iconic fast-food favorite right in your own kitchen. Imagine perfectly crispy tortillas layered with savory seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and your choice of fresh toppings. This isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a culinary upgrade that promises a fresher, more flavorful experience than anything you’d find at a drive-thru. Get ready to elevate your taco night to an unforgettable fiesta!

There’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating beloved restaurant dishes at home. It’s not just about the taste, but the joy of customization, the use of quality ingredients, and the sheer satisfaction of making something delicious from scratch. Our Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe is a testament to this, bringing all the familiar flavors and textures you adore with an added touch of homemade perfection. Whether it’s for a festive Taco Tuesday or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to every face around your table.

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: Your Ultimate Homemade Guide

For many, the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza holds a special place in their hearts. Its unique blend of flavors and textures sets it apart from typical fast-food offerings. While I usually stick to my #3 with no sour cream on the taco (burrito, yes; taco, no!), if I ever sway from my routine, it’s always for a Mexican Pizza. They are just that good. When Taco Bell disappointingly discontinued them (and then brought them back for a limited time, only to run out again!), I took it as a sign to master my own version. And let me tell you, the homemade version is undeniably superior.

What is Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?

If you’ve never experienced the delight that is a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, you’re truly missing out on a stroke of fast-food genius. This innovative creation redefines “pizza” with a Mexican twist. It features two crispy, golden-fried flour tortillas that serve as the crust, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The bottom tortilla is generously topped with a layer of perfectly seasoned taco meat and warm refried beans. A second crispy tortilla is then placed on top, creating a delightful sandwich. Finally, the top layer is adorned with melted cheese, vibrant green onions, savory black olives, and fresh diced tomatoes. Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, it’s ready to be devoured!

Why Make a Homemade Mexican Pizza?

Beyond the simple pleasure of cooking at home, there are compelling reasons to try this copycat Mexican Pizza recipe. First and foremost, you control the ingredients. This means fresher produce, higher quality meat, and no artificial additives. You can adjust the seasoning to your exact preference, add more cheese (because who doesn’t love extra cheese?), or pile on your favorite toppings without extra charges. It’s also incredibly cost-effective to make multiple pizzas at home compared to buying them individually. Plus, with the unpredictable availability of the Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell, having a reliable homemade recipe means you can satisfy your craving anytime, without disappointment. It’s truly a win-win situation for your taste buds and your wallet.

Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Mexican Pizza

Crafting the perfect homemade Mexican Pizza begins with fresh, quality ingredients. While the full measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:

• Lean Ground Beef: Essential for that signature savory filling. Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease, resulting in a cleaner flavor. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize leftover taco meat. For a lighter option, ground turkey can be substituted.
• Onion: Finely diced onion adds a foundational layer of aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings a pungent, delicious depth that perfectly complements the ground beef.
• Taco Seasoning: A packet of store-bought taco seasoning provides convenience and consistent flavor. Alternatively, you can easily make your own taco seasoning at home for a customized spice blend.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile of the beef.

• Refried Beans: Warmed refried beans provide a creamy, flavorful base layer. You can opt for fat-free or regular, depending on your dietary preferences.
• Salsa or Taco Sauce: Your choice of salsa or taco sauce adds moisture and a tangy kick. Many home cooks swear by using bottled Taco Bell Taco Sauce for an authentic flavor match.
• Flour Tortillas: Six-inch soft taco-sized flour tortillas are the foundation of this pizza. These will be fried until wonderfully crispy.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: A blend of shredded Mexican cheeses melts beautifully, creating that gooey, irresistible topping. A pre-packaged three-cheese blend from the store works perfectly, or you can grate your own.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a juicy, fresh element that brightens the flavors. Roma tomatoes are a great choice due to their firm texture.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives are an optional but classic topping that adds a mild, briny taste.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Essential for achieving perfectly crispy tortillas without excessive oil.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Other delicious ideas include spicy jalapeño slices for a fiery kick, crisp shredded lettuce for added texture, or a dollop of fresh guacamole or sour cream for richness.

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

Creating your homemade Mexican Pizza is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps for a truly authentic experience:

1. Prepare the Seasoned Beef: In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, drain any excess grease thoroughly. Stir in one packet of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water, then simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Set this delicious mixture aside.
2. Crisp the Tortillas: Lightly spray a small skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Take one flour tortilla and place it in the skillet, allowing it to cook until it’s lightly browned and crispy on one side. Flip it carefully and cook the other side until similarly crisp and golden. Transfer the browned tortilla to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this process for all eight tortillas you’ll need (two tortillas per pizza, making four pizzas). Achieving that perfect crispness is key to an authentic Mexican Pizza experience!
3. Assemble the Pizzas: Once all your tortillas are prepared, it’s time to build your pizzas. On a clean surface or baking sheet, lay out four of the crispy tortillas. Spread approximately 1/3 cup of warmed refried beans evenly over each tortilla. Then, top the bean layer with about 1/2 cup of your seasoned beef mixture, spreading it out to cover the beans. Place another crispy tortilla on top of each beef and bean layer, creating the signature double-decked structure.
4. First Broil for Warming: Carefully place the assembled pizzas under a broiler set on low heat for about 5 minutes. This step helps to warm the internal layers and ensures everything is hot and ready for the final toppings. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Remove the pizzas from the oven.
5. Add Final Toppings: Now, spread 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen salsa or taco sauce over the top tortilla of each pizza. Generously sprinkle with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and the shredded Mexican cheese. If using, add a few sliced black olives on top.
6. Second Broil for Melting: 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 slightly golden. Again, watch closely as broilers can vary in intensity.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the pizzas from the oven. Plate them, slice them into quarters (just like a pizza!), and dig in while they’re warm and the cheese is gloriously gooey.

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Pizza

• Crispy Tortillas are Key: Don’t rush the tortilla frying process. A slightly crisp, golden tortilla is crucial for the structural integrity and satisfying crunch of your pizza. Cook them individually and stack them on paper towels to maintain crispness while you prepare others.
• Flavorful Beef Mixture: Ensure your ground beef is well-seasoned. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before adding the taco seasoning. This builds a strong flavor base.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When frying tortillas, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures even cooking and crisping.
• Watch the Broiler: Broilers can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Stay near the oven and keep a close eye on your pizzas during both broiling steps to prevent scorching.
• Warmed Refried Beans: Warming the refried beans slightly before spreading makes them easier to work with and ensures the internal layers are heated through.
• Customize Your Spice: If you like more heat, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to your beef mixture, or use a spicier taco sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This homemade Mexican Pizza is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a fun family dinner, a party appetizer, or a unique twist on game day snacks. Enhance the experience with a side of creamy guacamole, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. For variations:

• Protein Alternatives: Instead of ground beef, try seasoned ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded beef. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a spicier pepper jack for an extra kick.
• Additional Toppings: Consider adding corn, diced bell peppers, pickled jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
• Sauce It Up: Beyond taco sauce, you could use a mild enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQs about this Mexican Pizza Copycat Recipe

• Why did Taco Bell discontinue Mexican Pizza? Taco Bell officially stated they removed the Mexican Pizza from their menu to make room for new items and streamline operations. However, the outcry from fans was immense!
• Is Taco Bell bringing back the Mexican Pizza? Due to overwhelming customer demand, Taco Bell did bring back the classic Mexican Pizza in 2022. However, its availability can still be limited, and it sometimes runs out temporarily. This is precisely why having a reliable homemade recipe is a game-changer – you can enjoy it anytime, with fresh ingredients you trust. Homemade is always better!
• What is Taco Bell Mexican Pizza crust made of? The “crust” of the Mexican Pizza is made from crisp flour tortillas. While you could technically substitute corn tortillas, the flavor and texture would be notably different from the original.
• What is Taco Bell Pizza Sauce? Despite the name, the sauce isn’t traditional pizza sauce. Taco Bell uses their signature taco sauce, which is a mild, tangy, and slightly sweet red sauce, to give it that authentic Mexican flavor.
• Can I bake instead of broil the pizzas? Yes, you can. After assembling, bake the pizzas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are heated through. Broiling offers a quicker melt and more intense crisping, but baking is a good alternative.
• How do I prevent soggy tortillas? The key to non-soggy tortillas is twofold: properly crisping them in a skillet before assembly and draining the seasoned ground beef well. Any excess moisture can lead to a soft pizza.

More Restaurant Copycat Recipes to Love

One of my favorite culinary adventures is recreating beloved restaurant dishes right in my own kitchen. It’s a fun challenge, and there’s nothing better than enjoying your favorites in your pajamas without ever leaving the house. Not to mention, homemade versions often taste better, and you know exactly what fresh ingredients go into them! You can even lighten them up a bit if you wish. Beyond this delicious Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, here are some other fast-food and restaurant favorites you can easily make at home:

• 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) – make this from scratch with my Homemade Enchilada Sauce.
• Copycat Taco Bell Meximelts

SEE ALL OF MY RESTAURANT COPYCAT RECIPES

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Print Recipe

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

There is no need to “make a run for the border” when you are craving a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza – make this one right at home!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Course: Restaurant Copycat Recipes

Cuisine: Mexican/American

Keyword: Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, how to make Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas at home, restaurant copycat recipes, taco bell copycat

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 1094 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

• 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
• Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
• 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
• Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black

Ingredients

• 1-1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 packet Taco Bell Taco Seasoning or your own homemade
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 15 ounce can Fat-Free refried beans, warmed
• Salsa or taco sauce, your choice (we buy the Taco Bell Taco Sauce in a bottle)
• 8 – 6″ flour tortillas, soft taco size
• 2 cups Shredded Mexican Cheese, divided
• tops of 4 Green Onions, sliced
• 4 Roma sized tomatoes, diced
• Sliced black olives (optional)
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown your ground beef with onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any grease, then add the taco seasoning packet and 1/4 cup water, simmering for about 10 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
2. Spray a small skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place it on the stove over medium heat.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and let it slightly brown, then flip it to cook the other side until crispy and golden.
4. Place the browned tortillas on a paper towel until you’re ready to build your pizzas. You will need 8 tortillas browned on both sides for 4 pizzas.
5. Now it’s time to BUILD your pizzas. Place one crispy tortilla down.
6. Spread about 1/3 cup of refried beans onto the tortilla.
7. Top with about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture, spreading it evenly.
8. Top with another crispy tortilla.
9. Place the assembled pizza under a broiler set on low for about 5 minutes to warm through.
10. Remove from the oven.
11. Spread 2-3 Tablespoons of salsa or taco sauce over the top tortilla.
12. Sprinkle generously with diced tomatoes, green onions, and the shredded Mexican cheese.
13. Top with sliced black olives, if desired.
14. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
15. Remove from the oven, plate, slice into quarters, and dig in!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 1094kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 80g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 224mg | Sodium: 1663mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 8g