Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Recipe

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Remember when Taco Bell took their Mexican Pizza off the menu? Well, it’s back (for now) because its cult following refused to let it go away forever. This Mexican Pizza Taco Bell recipe delivers all those classic flavors right from your own kitchen and honestly, it might even be better than the original. Plus, you can customize every layer exactly how you like it, making it even more satisfying to enjoy at home.

Copycat Mexican Pizza

This copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe is made up of two crunchy flour tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, with a layer of zesty Mexican pizza sauce and topped with diced tomatoes. I am pleased to say that I have recreated their recipe and think it’s even better than the original! Plus you can add your own toppings to make it to your liking. This is an easy meal the whole family will love!

 

Ingredient Notes

• Corn + Flour blend tortillas– taco size. Taco Bell technically uses wheat + corn tortillas (or flour + corn flour) blend for their tortillas, but those are extremely difficult to find in the grocery store, so I used flour tortillas instead. Feel free to use corn or flour or a blend.  
• Mild red enchilada sauce– you only need 1/2 cup, so not even a whole can. Use a can of store-bought enchilada sauce or use my homemade enchilada sauce recipe and quarter the recipe.
• Diced green chilies– for flavor
• Diced canned tomatoes– be sure to save the juice from the can for the meat
• Ground beef– use 80/20 for maximum flavor or whatever you prefer
• Packet of taco seasoning– or make your own homemade taco seasoning 
• Tomato juice– saved from the can of tomatoes.
• Refried beans– feel free to add black or pinto refried beans. Whatever kind you like.
• Pantry Staples– milk, avocado oil

Toppings (all optional, feel free to add or omit anything on the list)

• Shredded cheese– Any Mexican cheese blend, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar – any good melting cheese will work here
• Fresh diced tomatoes
• Diced green onions
• Sliced black olives 
• Sour cream 
• Taco sauce or hot sauce
• Salsa 

How to Make Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Recipe

For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are step by step directions on what to expect when making this Mexican Pizza:

Step 1: Preheat Oven + Heat Oil

Preheat oven to 425° F. Overmedium high heat, in a large skillet heat oil until hot and just starting to bubble. You’ll know it’s ready if you drop a couple water droplets in and they dance. 

Step 2: Fry the Tortillas

One by one, fry the tortillas in the oil, flipping once with tongs until both sides are lightly golden brown and the tortilla is crispy. Place on a paper towel lined tray and set aside. 

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Make the enchilada sauce according to my homemade recipe or if using a store-bought can, open the can and place in small bowl. Add drained tomatoes and green chilies, stirring to evenly distribute. Set aside. 

Step 4: Brown Ground Beef + Drain Grease

In a large frying pan or skillet, over medium-high heat, brown ground beef until cooked through, stirring and chopping into small pieces as you go.

Once completely cooked, use a meat chopper or flat wooden spoon to make beef as tiny as possible (think Taco Bell meat!). Tip pan to one side to allow grease to gather and dab a paper towel to remove “most” of the grease. 

Step 5: Add Taco Seasoning + Tomato Juice

Turn heat down to medium-low heat and add taco seasoning along with the juice from tomato can (should be exactly 2/3 cup). Stir and simmer for a few minutes while you prepare other ingredients. 

Step 6: Heat Refried Beans + Milk Together

Combine refried beans and milk (or water) in a small bowl and microwave for a couple minutes, stirring occasionally to combine. Beans should be thin and spreadable. Set aside. 

Step 7: Now let’s put it all together! 

For the first layer, take one of the crispy tortillas and spread an even layer of refried beans almost to the edge. Spread an even layer of the ground beef mixture over top the beans.

Place a second tortilla on top of ground beef. Add a good layer of red sauce over top the tortilla. Sprinklecheese all over the top of red sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 8: Bake

Place all Mexican Pizzas on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for a couple minutes, just until the cheese is melted. 

Step 9: Add Your Favorite Taco Toppings!

Remove from oven and top with fresh tomatoes and/or any favorite toppings. Cut each pizza into 4 even triangles and serve hot!

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy here, but having the right tools makes this faster and more consistent:

• Skillet – essential for crisping the tortillas and cooking the beef evenly
• Mixing bowls – for prepping and combining ingredients without mess
• Sharp knife + cutting board – makes chopping quick and safe
• Whisk – helps sauces come together smoothly
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for breaking up and stirring the beef
• Baking sheet – perfect for assembling or warming everything evenly in the oven

If you cook often, investing in a good skillet and sharp knife makes a big difference in both speed and results.

Tips for Success

• Fry tortillas until perfectly crisp : This is key to getting that signature Mexican Pizza Taco Bell crunch – soft tortillas will turn soggy once layered.
• Drain well to avoid greasiness : After frying, place tortillas on paper towels to soak up extra oil and keep everything light and crisp.
• Smooth out the refried beans : Stir in a splash of milk and warm slightly so they spread easily without tearing the tortillas.
• Cook beef finely and evenly : Break the ground beef into very small crumbles as it cooks for that classic Mexican Pizza Taco Bell texture.
• Layer and bake right away : Assemble just before baking so the tortillas stay crisp and the cheese melts perfectly without softening the layers.

Storing Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Leftovers

Allow pizza to cool to room temperature. Place any leftover pizza in an airtight container or zip top bag and into the fridge. Pizza will stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you have any leftover taco meat or other ingredients, store separately in containers and use to make more Mexican pizza in the next few days. To reheat, warm in the microwave until heated through.

FAQ

What is a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

It’s a layered dish made with crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, refried beans, sauce, and melted cheese, like a cross between a taco and a pizza.

Can I make Mexican Pizza ahead of time?

You can prep the fillings ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving to keep the tortillas crispy.

What tortillas work best?

Flour tortillas are best since they fry up crispy and hold the layers well.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Fry tortillas until crisp, drain well, and assemble right before baking for the best texture.

Variations

• Make it vegetarian : Skip the ground beef and use extra refried beans or swap in black beans for a simple, meat-free version.
• Add shredded chicken instead : Use seasoned shredded chicken in place of beef for a lighter twist that still tastes delicious.
• Spice it up : Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to bring a little extra heat to your Mexican Pizza Taco Bell.

More Mexican Inspired Recipes to Try!

• Mexican Street Corn
• Shredded Mexican Pork
• Mexican Street Corn Guacamole
• Taco Meat Recipe (with potatoes!)
• Beef Birria Tacos

I hope you enjoy my copycat Taco Bell recipe of a throwback menu item, Mexican Pizza! Take your basic taco night up a few notches with this homemade version! The printable recipe card is below! Have a great day! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.