Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat)

Imagine combining the bold, vibrant flavors of a taco with the cheesy indulgence of pizza. That’s exactly what you get with this homemade Mexican Pizza recipe! As a better-than-takeout version of Taco Bell’s beloved dish, this recipe brings together two iconic comfort foods into one delightful meal. The fusion of crispy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese is a match made in heaven—and it’s easier to make at home than you might think.

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Perfect for beginner cooks, this recipe focuses on simplicity, practical steps, and ingredients that are easy to find. Whether you’re preparing a fun family dinner or making something quick and satisfying for yourself, these homemade Mexican Pizzas will save you money while delivering big flavors. You’ll love how straightforward the process is, and with a few simple substitutions, this version caters to anyone avoiding pork, bacon, or ham by using ground beef instead. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works well, but you can substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning – Store-bought works perfectly, but feel free to mix your own spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
• ¼ cup water – To help loosen the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce mixture.
• 4 tablespoons enchilada sauce – Use mild, medium, or spicy enchilada sauce depending on your taste preferences.

For the Tortilla Base:

• 8 flour tortillas – Soft, versatile flour tortillas are perfect, but corn tortillas can be used for a more traditional twist.

For the Bean Layer:

• 8 ounces refried beans – Half a standard can, but feel free to adjust depending on how thick you like your bean layer.

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheese – A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or any Mexican cheese blend will melt beautifully.
• 4 tablespoons enchilada sauce – This adds an extra layer of flavor to the top tortilla before baking or frying.

Optional Garnishes:

• 1 tomato – Diced, roma or beefsteak tomatoes work well.
• 1 small red onion – Dice it finely for that crisp, pungent crunch.
• ¼ cup black olives – Sliced for an extra salty punch.
• ¼ cup sour cream – To cool down the spice if you prefer a creamy finish.
• 2 green onions – Finely sliced for a fresh touch and additional garnish.

Preparation Notes:

• Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey if you want a leaner option.
• You can customize the cheese by adding a mix of your favorite melting cheeses.
• Prep in advance by cooking the ground beef ahead of time or opening cans for a quicker assembly process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and use a spatula or spoon to break it up into small, even pieces. Let it cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Be sure to drain any excess grease from the pan to avoid a greasy pizza.

2. Add the Taco Seasoning and Enchilada Sauce

Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Pour in the water and the enchilada sauce, stirring everything together until evenly combined. Let this mixture simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld.

3. Assemble the Mexican Pizza

Take one tortilla and spread a thin, even layer of refried beans across its surface. Next, spoon a generous helping of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the beans, followed by a handful of shredded cheese. Top this with another tortilla.

Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas until all the pizzas are assembled.

4. Enchilada Sauce and Cheese Layer

Spread 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Then sprinkle more shredded cheese evenly across the entire surface.

5. Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Cooking Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place one pizza at a time into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas turn crispy.
• Repeat with remaining pizzas.

Oven Baking Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the pizzas on the sheet pan, leaving space between each one. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

Pan Frying Method:

• In a large frying pan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add one pizza at a time, cover with a lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes. The cheese should be melted, and the bottom tortilla should be golden and crispy.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Checking the Ground Beef: Ensure your ground beef is cooked all the way through by cutting into a piece. It should no longer have any pink inside. You can also use a meat thermometer, which should read 160°F for safe consumption.
• Preventing Tortilla Overcooking: Watch the tortillas carefully during cooking to avoid burning. Crispy edges are perfect, but keep an eye on them to prevent any over-browning.
• Efficient Prep: Prep your ingredients in advance by chopping veggies, opening cans, and measuring out seasonings ahead of time. This makes assembly faster when you’re ready to cook.

Serving Suggestions

These Mexican Pizzas can be served on their own, but they pair beautifully with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or salsa. The optional garnishes like diced tomatoes, red onions, olives, and green onions bring freshness and vibrant flavor. If you want to cool it down, a dollop of sour cream on top will balance out the spice nicely.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for that fresh-crispy taste.

Engagement Features

After making this dish, we’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you add your own twist with extra spices or toppings? Leave a comment below to share your experiences and variations—you might inspire someone else to try it differently!

Conclusion

This homemade Mexican Pizza recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, delicious, and surprisingly simple for even novice cooks. With clear, beginner-friendly instructions and plenty of room for customization, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Whether you cook it in the oven, air fryer, or on the stovetop, this healthier copycat version of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza will leave everyone asking for seconds.