Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Yield: 4 Mexican Pizzas (serves 2-4)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $$

Ingredients

For the Base & Assembly:

8 (6-inch) flour tortillas (standard “soft taco” size)
1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil, plus more for frying
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor)
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning, or 2 tbsp homemade blend
⅓ cup water
1 (16 oz) can refried beans (traditional or black bean)
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or a mix of cheddar & Monterey Jack)
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced black olives (optional, but traditional)

For the “Pizza Sauce” (The Secret):

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
2-3 tablespoons water, to adjust consistency

For Serving:

Cool, creamy sour cream
Fresh cilantro leaves
Pickled jalapeño slices

Instructions

Step 1: Crisp the Tortillas (The Foundation)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
For Baking (Healthier/Easier): Lightly brush both sides of all 8 tortillas with oil. Place them in a single layer on the baking sheet (you may need two sheets or work in batches). Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. They will harden further as they cool.
For Frying (Authentic Texture): Pour oil into a skillet to a depth of ¼ inch and heat over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Fry each tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side until golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined tray. Sprinkle lightly with salt immediately after frying.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Beef

While tortillas crisp, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
Return skillet to heat. Add the taco seasoning and ⅓ cup water. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Signature Sauce & Toppings

In a small bowl, whisk together all “Pizza Sauce” ingredients: tomato sauce, vinegar, chili powder, paprika, sugar, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency—like a thin ketchup. Set aside.
Prep your fresh toppings: dice the tomato, slice the green onions, and have your olives, cheese, and refried beans ready.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas

On the prepared baking sheet (use the same one, cleaned if needed), place 4 of the crisped tortillas. These are your bases.
Layer 1 (Beans): Spread about 3-4 tablespoons of refried beans evenly over each base tortilla.
Layer 2 (Beef): Divide the seasoned beef evenly over the bean layer.
Layer 3 (Top Shell): Carefully place a second crisped tortilla on top of each beef layer, pressing down gently to create a “shell sandwich.”
Layer 4 (Sauce): Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared pizza sauce over the top tortilla, going almost to the edges.
Layer 5 (Cheese): Sprinkle a generous ½ cup of shredded cheese over the sauce on each pizza.
Layer 6 (Toppings): Evenly distribute the diced tomato, green onions, and optional olives over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection

Bake the assembled pizzas in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges.
If you desire extra browning, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This rest is crucial—it allows the molten cheese and filling to set slightly, making them easier to slice.
Using a sharp pizza cutter or chef’s knife, slice each pizza into quarters.
Transfer to plates and serve immediately with sides of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and pickled jalapeños.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

Tortilla Truth: The double-layer crisp shell is non-negotiable. Baking is easier and less messy, but frying delivers the closest texture to the original—lighter, with tiny bubbles and an unmistakable fried flavor.
Sauce is Key: Don’t skip making the signature sauce! Plain tomato sauce or salsa won’t taste right. The combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices is what creates that distinct, tangy-sweet flavor profile.
Customize Your Fillings: Swap ground beef for seasoned ground turkey, shredded chicken, or seasoned lentils. Use black refried beans for a bolder flavor. Add a hidden layer of nacho cheese sauce between the beef and top shell for ultimate indulgence.
Make-Ahead/Storage: You can crisp the tortillas, make the beef, and prepare the sauce 1-2 days in advance. Store separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready. Leftover assembled pizzas reheat well in an air fryer or oven (not microwave) to restore crispness.

Nutrition Information (Per 1 whole pizza / 4 slices)

Calories: ~780
Total Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 1850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 62g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 38g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients and baking method. Frying will increase fat content. Sodium is high due to seasoning packets, canned beans, and cheese; use low-sodium alternatives to reduce. This is a hearty, indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation.

The Last Bite: More Than Just a Copycat

This homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza transcends mere replication. It takes a beloved fast-food framework and infuses it with the care and quality of a home kitchen. You control the crisp of the shell, the savoriness of the beef, the sharpness of the cheese, and the freshness of the toppings. The act of building the layers is half the fun—a culinary project with a delicious, shareable payoff.