Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza is a beloved fast-food item that has found its way into the hearts and homes of many. A glorious combination of crispy tortillas, flavorful ground beef, and a medley of toppings, this dish is the perfect fusion of pizza and classic Mexican flavors. Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite late-night Taco Bell run or looking to treat yourself to a homemade version, this recipe brings the excitement of the drive-thru right into your kitchen.
Why We Love This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe
There’s something special about recreating a fast-food favorite at home, and Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza is no exception. The crispy tortillas serve as the perfect foundation, holding layers of seasoned beef and cheesy goodness, while fresh veggies bring a delightful crunch. It’s a dish that is not only easy to make but also customizable to fit your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a satisfying meal for yourself, this recipe proves to be a winner every time.
Ingredients about Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
To whip up this fantastic dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup taco sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onions
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Directions
Making Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home is a straightforward endeavor! Here’s how you can do it step by step.
- Prepare the tortillas: Start by lightly frying or baking the flour tortillas until they’re golden and crispy. If frying, remember to drain each one on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil. This step ensures that your tortillas maintain their crispiness even after being layered with toppings.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Stir occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once finished, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add flavor: Return the skillet with the beef to the heat and add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until everything is thoroughly combined and aromatic. The seasoning will add that classic taco flavor you love.
- Assemble the pizza: Grab a baking sheet and lay down one crispy tortilla. On top, spread a generous layer of refried beans, followed by the seasoned beef mixture.
- Build the layers: Place another crispy tortilla on top of the beef layer. Spread taco sauce over this second tortilla, and then sprinkle it generously with both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake it: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Once it’s hot, pop the baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt and start bubbling, creating that deliciously cheesy topping that everyone craves.
- Add the toppings: After baking, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Top it off with diced tomatoes, red onions, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Slice and serve: Cut your Mexican Pizza into quarters or sixths and serve hot. The delicious aroma will surely entice everyone’s taste buds!
How to Serve Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Serving Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is just as fun as making it! You can present it as the centerpiece of a casual dinner, accompanied by sides like chips and salsa or a fresh salad. Consider setting up a toppings bar where each guest can customize their slice with additional toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, or extra salsa. This encourages an interactive dining experience that can bring everyone together. Alternatively, if you’re enjoying this pizza solo, simply pile on your favorite toppings and dig in—there’s no wrong way to relish this treat.
Expert Tips: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
To ensure your homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza turns out amazing, here are some expert tips:
- Crispy tortillas: If you want perfectly crispy tortillas, consider baking them directly on a wire rack instead of a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around them, keeping them crispy all around.
- Customize the beef: You can easily swap out the ground beef for other proteins, like turkey or chicken, or even make a vegetarian version using black beans or lentils. The taco seasoning can provide all the flavor you need.
- Cheese combinations: Feel free to mix different types of cheeses for added richness. Pepper Jack can add a touch of spice!
- Make ahead: If you’re preparing this for a gathering, you can fry the tortillas and cook the beef in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Garnish creatively: Experiment with garnishes beyond the cilantro and red onions. Sliced avocados or pickled jalapeños make for excellent additions!
How to Store Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely with such a tasty dish), storing Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is straightforward. Allow it to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, making sure to keep it covered to maintain crispiness. Although it can be reheated in the microwave for convenience, it might lose that crispy texture you love.
Variation of Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
While the classic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is a delight on its own, there are several variations you can explore to keep things interesting!
- Vegetarian Mexican Pizza: For a meatless option, swap the ground beef for layers of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You could even incorporate some grilled corn or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
- Spicy kick: To amp up the heat, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. A drizzle of spicy creamy chipotle sauce instead of sour cream can also elevate this dish.
- BBQ twist: For a unique flavor, mix barbecue sauce into your ground beef or layer it underneath the cheese after the taco sauce. The fusion of BBQ and traditional Mexican flavors creates a delightful surprise.
- Breakfast version: Replace the beef with scrambled eggs and top with avocado and salsa for a breakfast-inspired take on this pizza. It’s a versatile dish that works any time of day!
FAQ
What is Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is a popular fast-food item featuring layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and fresh toppings. It combines classic Mexican ingredients in a fun, pizza-style format.
How do I make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home?
To make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home, you will need flour tortillas, ground beef, refried beans, cheese, taco sauce, and fresh toppings. Fry or bake the tortillas, cook the beef with seasoning, layer the ingredients, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Can I make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using ingredients like black beans, sautéed vegetables, or lentils instead.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover Taco Bell Mexican Pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before enjoying it again.
What toppings can I add to my Mexican Pizza?
You can customize your Mexican Pizza with various toppings such as diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, avocados, cilantro, sour cream, and even different types of cheese to suit your taste.
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Ingredients
Tortillas and Beans
- 8 pieces small flour tortillas For the base of the pizza
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef Can be substituted with turkey or chicken for a different flavor
- 1 packet taco seasoning For flavoring the beef
- 1/2 cup water For mixing with seasonings
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup taco sauce
Fresh Toppings
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onions
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Miscellaneous
- Vegetable oil For frying the tortillas
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by lightly frying or baking the flour tortillas until they’re golden and crispy. If frying, drain each one on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Return the skillet with the beef to the heat and add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until combined.
Assembly
- Grab a baking sheet and lay down one crispy tortilla. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over it.
- On top of the beans, add the seasoned beef mixture and then place another crispy tortilla on top.
- Spread taco sauce over the second tortilla and sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the pizza for about 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and top it off with diced tomatoes, red onions, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Serving
- Cut the pizza into quarters or sixths and serve hot. Consider a toppings bar for extra fun.
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