Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself sitting in the Taco Bell drive-thru, craving that iconic Mexican Pizza — the perfect combo of crispy tortillas, savory beef, gooey cheese, and all those delicious toppings. But what if I told you that you can make this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen? Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you might not want to go back to the drive-thru again!

This recipe brings together everything we love about Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza — crispy layers, flavorful beef, creamy refried beans, and that zesty sauce — but with the added bonus of being able to customize it to your exact liking. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to put together. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or whipping up a fun meal for friends, this copycat recipe is a total winner.

I still remember the first time I tried recreating it at home. My family was skeptical — could we really pull off that same flavor? But after one bite, everyone was hooked! Now it’s a regular request at our house. The best part? You get full control over the ingredients, so you know exactly what’s going into your food.

Alright, let’s dive right in and get started!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• ⅔ cup water

• 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)

• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans

• 1 cup enchilada sauce or Taco Bell mild sauce

• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Sliced black olives (optional)

• Chopped tomatoes

• Sliced green onions

• Sour cream (optional)

STEP 1: COOK THE SEASONED BEEF

The first thing we need to do is get that seasoned beef ready — this is where a lot of the signature flavor comes from.

Steps:

1. Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns.

3. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet.

4. Stir in the taco seasoning and ⅔ cup of water.

5. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.

6. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

This step is super easy, but don’t skip out on draining the grease — it makes a big difference in keeping the pizza from getting soggy later on.

STEP 2: FRY THE TORTILLAS UNTIL GOLDEN AND CRISPY

Now let’s talk tortillas. The crispy shell is what really gives this Mexican Pizza its signature texture. Frying may sound a little intimidating, but I promise it’s quick and simple.

Steps:

1. In a separate pan, pour in about ½ inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat.

2. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping in a tiny piece of tortilla — it should sizzle right away), fry the tortillas one at a time.

3. Cook each tortilla for 30-60 seconds on each side, until golden brown and crispy.

4. As you finish each tortilla, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Tip: If you want a lighter version, you can also bake or air fry the tortillas. Just make sure they’re nice and crispy, so they hold up to all those delicious toppings.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE FIRST LAYER

Now that we have our seasoned beef and crispy tortillas ready, it’s time to start building these delicious stacks.

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Take four of your fried tortillas and spread a thin, even layer of refried beans on each one.

3. Spoon a generous layer of the seasoned beef on top of the beans.

This first layer is the hearty, savory base that sets the stage for the flavors to come.

FINISHING YOUR TACO BELL MEXICAN PIZZA: BAKING, TOPPING, AND TIPS FOR PERFECTION

Now that we’ve got our crispy tortillas stacked with creamy refried beans and perfectly seasoned beef, it’s time to turn these stacks into the full Taco Bell Mexican Pizza experience. This next part is where the magic really happens — that melty, bubbly cheese and those fresh toppings pull everything together into one seriously satisfying dish.

I love this part because the oven does most of the work, and in just a few minutes you’ll have hot, cheesy, golden pizzas ready to serve. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you can easily tweak the toppings to suit everyone’s tastes. Let’s get back into the kitchen!

STEP 4: ADD THE TOP TORTILLA AND SAUCE

This is where your Mexican Pizza starts to take on that familiar look we all know and love.

Steps:

1. Take the remaining four fried tortillas and place one on top of each tortilla that’s already layered with beans and beef.

2. Spread a generous amount of enchilada sauce or Taco Bell mild sauce over the top tortilla of each stack.

3. Make sure the sauce covers the entire surface for that authentic saucy layer.

Tip: If you prefer a bit more kick, feel free to use a spicier enchilada sauce or mix in a dash of hot sauce. You can totally adjust the heat level depending on what your family likes.

STEP 5: LOAD UP THE CHEESE

Now for my personal favorite part — the cheese. The more, the better in my book!

Steps:

1. Sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over each pizza.

2. Make sure to cover the sauce completely so you get that gorgeous melty layer after baking.

Tip: If you’re a big cheese lover like me, you can always add a little extra. A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of mozzarella works great if you want to customize the cheese blend.

STEP 6: BAKE TO MELTY PERFECTION

With everything assembled, it’s time to let the oven do its thing and melt all those layers together.

Steps:

1. Place the assembled pizzas on a large baking sheet. If you want to keep them extra crispy, you can set a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and place the pizzas on the rack.

2. Bake in your preheated 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

3. Keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes to make sure the cheese doesn’t brown too much unless you like a little extra crisp on top.

Tip: If you’re making a larger batch, you may need to bake them in two rounds depending on the size of your oven and baking sheet.

STEP 7: ADD YOUR FAVORITE TOPPINGS

Once your pizzas come out of the oven, you’ll want to move quickly to add those fresh toppings. This is where you can really make each pizza your own.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle chopped tomatoes over each pizza.

2. Add sliced green onions for a bit of color and freshness.

3. Top with sliced black olives, if desired.

4. Add dollops of sour cream for extra creaminess (optional, but so good!).

Tip: Feel free to get creative here. Some people like to add a few pickled jalapeño slices, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of cilantro. This is your chance to personalize it!

TIPS FOR THE BEST MEXICAN PIZZA EXPERIENCE

Before we move on to some frequently asked questions, here are a few tips I’ve picked up after making this recipe many times:

• Don’t skip frying the tortillas unless you’re looking for a lighter version. That crispy texture really makes a difference and keeps everything from getting soggy.

• Make ahead: You can cook the beef and fry the tortillas ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble when you’re ready to bake.

• Customize the protein: Ground turkey or chicken work just as well if you want to change it up a bit.

• Serve immediately: These pizzas are at their best when hot and fresh out of the oven.

TACO BELL MEXICAN PIZZA: FAQS AND FINAL THOUGHTS

You’ve seen how easy it is to bring this fast-food favorite to your own kitchen, but if you’re like me, you might still have a few questions before you dive in. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I hear about making homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different. Flour tortillas tend to crisp up with a lighter, flakier crunch, while corn tortillas will give you a firmer, slightly denser texture. Both are delicious—it really comes down to personal preference.

2. What’s the best way to fry the tortillas safely?

Always heat your oil slowly over medium heat and never leave it unattended. Use tongs to flip the tortillas carefully, and drain them on paper towels right after frying to remove excess oil. If you want to avoid frying altogether, baking or air frying are great alternatives.

3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some components in advance. Cook the beef mixture and fry the tortillas earlier in the day or even the day before. Store them separately in airtight containers, and assemble the pizzas when you’re ready to bake. However, I recommend assembling and baking them fresh for the crispiest result.

4. What sauce should I use if I don’t have Taco Bell mild sauce?

Enchilada sauce works beautifully as a substitute. You can also make your own mild sauce at home with tomato sauce, a bit of vinegar, and some spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This way, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

5. How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often at my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to help restore some crispiness. Microwaving will work too, but the tortillas may get soft.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas and double-check that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free as well. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

7. What other toppings can I add?

The sky’s the limit when it comes to toppings. Try adding diced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, hot sauce, or even a drizzle of queso. Make it your own, just like you would at Taco Bell.

CONCLUSION: WHY YOU NEED TO TRY THIS RECIPE

There’s just something so satisfying about being able to recreate your favorite fast-food meals at home. Not only do you get to enjoy all those familiar flavors, but you also have full control over the ingredients, the spice level, and even the portion sizes.

This homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza checks all the boxes: it’s quick, fun, customizable, and absolutely delicious. My family loves when I make these, and I have a feeling yours will too. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game night or just craving something cheesy and comforting, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

I’d love to hear how your Mexican Pizza turns out! Leave a comment and let me know if you tried any fun variations or toppings. Sharing your version might just inspire someone else to get creative in the kitchen too.

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

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This homemade version of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza brings together layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese between crispy tortillas, all topped with a zesty sauce and fresh toppings. It’s easy to make at home and delivers all the familiar flavors you love from the original.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

⅔ cup water

8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)

1 can (16 ounces) refried beans

1 cup enchilada sauce or Taco Bell mild sauce

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Vegetable oil for frying

Sliced black olives (optional)

Chopped tomatoes

Sliced green onions

Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
In a separate pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, fry the tortillas one at a time for 30-60 seconds per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Spread a thin layer of refried beans over 4 of the fried tortillas. Top each with a layer of seasoned ground beef.
Place a second tortilla on top of each one to form a sandwich. Spread a generous amount of enchilada sauce or Taco Bell sauce over the top tortilla.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over each pizza, making sure it’s fully covered.
Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and top with chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, black olives, and sour cream if desired.
Slice into quarters and serve immediately.

Notes

Frying the tortillas gives them that classic crispy texture, but you can also bake or air fry them for a lighter option. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred. Customize your toppings to match your favorite Taco Bell experience—jalapeños, extra sauce, or a drizzle of hot sauce work great. These pizzas are best served fresh while the tortillas are still crispy.