Name: Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 4 tbsp enchilada sauce; 8 flour tortillas; 8 ounce refried beans (1/2 can); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend); 4 tbsp enchilada sauce; 1 tomato, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; 1/4 cup black olives; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 green onions, finely diced

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and zesty sauce that makes a Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) so iconic. With this homemade take, you’ll capture all the nostalgia of your favorite fast-food treat right in your own kitchen – and you can bet it tastes even better fresh! Every layer, from the creamy beans to the bold toppings, comes together for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s equal parts comforting and crave-worthy.

Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of this Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component pulls its weight, ensuring you get just the right texture, flavor, and pop of color in every cheesy bite.

Flour tortillas (or corn tortillas): These create the crunchy “crust” that holds everything together, so choose your favorite for the perfect base.
Ground beef: Classic and savory, this gives the pizza its hearty, satisfying foundation.
Taco seasoning: The real secret to that signature flavor – don’t skimp on this for maximum zest!
Water: Helps the taco seasoning blend and coat the beef evenly.
Enchilada sauce: Adds bold, saucy richness both in the filling and as a finishing touch on top.
Refried beans: Creamy and full of depth, they help bind the filling and are a signature layer in every Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat).
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend): Melty and ooey-gooey, cheese ties all the savory components together.
Tomato (roma or beefsteak, seeds removed and diced): A fresh, juicy topping that brightens up every slice.
Small red onion (diced): Offers the perfect pop of color and a little bite for contrast.
Black olives: Salty, briny, and totally optional, but they make the flavors come alive.
Sour cream: Cooling, creamy, and the ideal finishing touch for balance.
Green onions (finely diced): Scatter these over the top for an herby, fresh note in every bite.

How to Make Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat)

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Start by heating a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula or spoon as it cooks, giving it a nice, crumbly texture. Let it brown thoroughly, which usually takes about 5–8 minutes. Once fully cooked, be sure to drain any excess grease to keep your Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) from getting soggy.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle your taco seasoning over the cooked beef, then pour in the water and a bit of enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until the meat is evenly coated with that fragrant, spiced sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two—just until those flavors have melded into pure taco bliss.

Step 3: Layer and Assemble

Now the fun part begins! Take one tortilla and spread a generous layer of refried beans right up to the edges. Pile on some seasoned ground beef, followed by a good scattering of shredded cheese. Top it with a second tortilla, creating your “pizza sandwich” base for that classic Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) experience.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese on Top

For true Taco Bell vibes, don’t forget the saucy, cheesy finish! Spread a spoonful of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla, then sprinkle with even more shredded cheese. This layer turns gorgeously gooey and golden as it bakes or air fries.

Step 5: Repeat and Prepare for Cooking

Repeat those steps with the rest of your tortillas and fillings, assembling each pizza in the same way. Set them aside as you heat up your oven, air fryer, or skillet — whichever method works best for you.

Step 6: Cook Your Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat)

You have options! For super crispy results with little fuss, the air fryer is fantastic: preheat to 400°F and cook each pizza for about 5 minutes until the tortillas crisp up and the cheese melts. Prefer the oven? Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. For stovetop lovers, pan-fry each pizza with a bit of oil in a covered pan for 4–5 minutes. No matter your method, you’re aiming for melted cheese and perfectly crunchy tortillas.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve

Once baked, plate your Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) and pile on all your favorite garnishes: diced tomatoes, red onions, black olives, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions. This is where it goes from great to unforgettable!

How to Serve Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat)

Garnishes

The finishing touches make every bite pop! After baking, shower your pizzas with diced tomatoes, crunchy red onions, salty black olives, a big swirl of cool sour cream, and a confetti of sliced green onions. Not only do these toppings add vibrant color, but they also bring out the classic flavors you love in a Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat).

Side Dishes

Pair your pizzas with simple, festive sides to round out the meal. Classics like Mexican rice, street corn, chips and salsa, or a bright side salad taste amazing next to the crispy, cheesy goodness. This way, you’ve got a full feast worthy of Taco Tuesday (or any night!).

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) into wedges, then arrange them on a platter for an appetizer-style spread, or serve them whole for a fork-and-knife meal. You can even use cute taco holders, add a squeeze of lime, or layer the garnishes “DIY-style” and let everyone pick their favorites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) keeps surprisingly well! Once cooled, store individual wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To help them stay crisp, separate layers with parchment paper or foil.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, assemble the pizzas (without toppings) and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, wrap each tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 1–2 months—just add fresh toppings after reheating for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For a crispy finish, reheat your pizzas in the oven or air fryer. 350°F for 5–8 minutes does the trick. Microwaving is fastest but loses some crunch. Always wait to add sour cream and fresh toppings until after reheating, so everything stays fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic lean alternatives. Just be sure to season them well and maybe add a splash of oil, since leaner meats can dry out more quickly than beef in your Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat).

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A Mexican blend melts beautifully and tastes great, but cheddar or mozzarella work just as well. You can even mix in a bit of pepper jack if you want a little kick in your Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) cheese pull!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for more refried beans or use a favorite plant-based meat. With all the tasty layers and bold seasoning, a vegetarian Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) is just as satisfying.

Do corn tortillas work, or should I use flour?

Both are delicious, but flour tortillas get extra crisp and chewy, closely resembling the Taco Bell classic. If you love the earthy flavor and snap of corn tortillas, feel free to use those for a gluten-free option.

How can I keep my tortillas from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the pizzas until the tortillas are golden and crisp, and drain any excess moisture from the beef. A quick pre-toast of the tortillas before assembly can help, too, if you want an extra sturdy Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat).

Final Thoughts

Once you try your own Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) at home, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout. It’s crunchy, cheesy, and endlessly fun to share—or keep all to yourself! Gather your ingredients and get ready for a playful spin on pizza that’s guaranteed to bring smiles around your table.

Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the flavors of a popular fast-food favorite at home with this delicious Mexican Pizza recipe. Crispy tortillas layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and classic toppings make for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning, water, and enchilada sauce. Simmer.
Assemble the Pizzas: Spread refried beans on a tortilla, top with beef, cheese, and another tortilla. Add enchilada sauce and more cheese on top.
Cook the Pizzas: Choose between air frying, oven baking, or pan frying methods to cook the pizzas.
Finish and Serve: Top cooked pizzas with tomatoes, onions, olives, sour cream, and green onions. Enjoy!

Notes

You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding jalapenos or avocado.
Feel free to use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fry, Oven Bake, Pan Fry
Cuisine: Mexican