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Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: Crispy, Quick & Better Than Takeout

Cross-section view of a tall, layered Mexican pizza stacked with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and topped with fresh salsa, onions, and black olives.
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Make this homemade Mexican Pizza that tastes just like the fast-food favorite. You get crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, ready fast for your weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans, warmed
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces. Set aside.
  2. Crisp the tortillas: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place one tortilla in the hot oil. Fry for about 30 to 60 seconds per side until golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to transfer the tortilla to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat for all 8 tortillas.
  3. Assemble the pizzas: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Place four crispy tortillas on a baking sheet.
  4. Spread a thin layer of warmed refried beans over each tortilla.
  5. Spoon an equal amount of the seasoned ground beef over the beans.
  6. Spoon a layer of enchilada sauce over the beef.
  7. Top generously with the shredded cheese blend.
  8. Place the remaining four crispy tortillas on top of the cheese layer to create four double-layered pizzas.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven. Top each Mexican Pizza with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • To avoid soggy tortillas, make sure your refried beans are not too watery before spreading them on the shells.
  • For an even quicker method, you can bake the tortillas instead of frying them until crisp. Brush lightly with oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/mexican-pizza-copycat-recipe-quick-dinner/