Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better)

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Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is one of the most popular items on their menu. Recreate it at home with this copycat Mexican pizza Taco Bell recipe and feed the whole family for a fraction of the cost! It’s so much fun to make fan favorites right at home! 

titled image collage for taco bell mexican pizza


 

Most people will tell you that their favorite item is Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza. And when it’s taco night in our house, I’m all about making this copycat version.

It’s a great recipe that really does taste like the real deal. 

The simple steps to make this copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza recipe prove that this menu item is one that anyone can create!

Just add your favorite toppings, and enjoy eating this Taco Bell version from the comfort of your home. 

This recipe is a fun way to enjoy crispy tortillas topped with a layer of taco meat and your favorite taco toppings.

Change up the kids meal from ordering out, to ordering in! And who knows – you just might have enough leftover taco meat to create this delicious Mexican food item again and again.

Grab what you need from the grocery store the next time that you’re there! 

ingredients to make copycat taco bell pizza

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Instead of ordering another Taco Bell pizza for dinner, try this homemade version made with loads of fresh ingredients.

Plus, you can double the recipe to feed a crowd, and everyone can customize their own exactly how they like.

If you love this copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza, why not try some more of my homemade restaurant favorites? 

And whip up this homemade Baja Blast while you’re at it!

Add a side of cilantro lime rice or chunky guacamole — they both taste just like Chipotle’s! 

Even a drizzle of Applebee’s Spicy Queso Blanco would taste delicious on top.

frying flour tortillas in oil

How to Make Homemade Mexican Pizza

  1. Cook the ground beef. 

    First, brown and season the ground beef and transfer it to a separate bowl.
  2. Fry the tortillas

    Clean out the skillet, then heat up the oil and fry the tortillas. 
  3. Layer with beans and beef.

    Transfer them to a baking sheet in a single layer and top with refried beans and meat.
  4. Top with a tortilla, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese.

    Stack each round with another fried tortilla. Spread enchilada sauce evenly to the edges and sprinkle with cheese.
  5. Bake and garnish with Mexican pizza toppings.

    Bake each homemade Taco Bell Mexican pizza at 400°F until the cheese melts, then add your toppings and slice!

Mexican Pizza Taco Bell Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Easy meal prep. Make a big batch of seasoned ground beef when you have the time, then thaw a one-pound portion to use for this Taco Bell Mexican pizza recipe.
  • Tip for easier spreading: Warm the refried beans in the microwave to soften them up, or mix them with a little salsa or enchilada sauce to thin them out.
  • Use different cheeses. Pepper Jack will add extra heat to your Taco Bell Mexican pizza, while a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack gets you closest to the real thing.
  • Tortillas puffing up too much? This is totally normal as they fry, but you can press them down a bit on the baking sheet to make them more level.
  • Don’t forget the hot sauce! Dig through your hidden stash of Taco Bell sauce packets, or grab a bottle from the store!

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • Medium Skillet – This is my go-to pan that I’ve had for over a decade!
  • Candy Thermometer– Gives you an accurate reading on the oil so you know when it’s hot enough to fry.
  • Baking Sheets – Used for anything from cookies to roasting, a good baking pan will last for years.
  • Box Grater – As much as I love buying bagged shreds because it’s easier, freshly grated cheese melts down smoother and tastes better too.
spooning ground beef onto fried tortillas

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe FAQ

What’s the best way to reheat Mexican pizza from Taco Bell?

Taco Bell pizza is best eaten while it’s crisp and melty, right from the oven. This is because the tortillas soak up the other ingredients the longer they sit.

Reheating the pizzas isn’t recommended, but if you absolutely have to, reheat them on a sheet pan in a 350°F oven.

A better option is to prep homemade Mexican pizza ahead of time. 

Cook the meat and prepare the toppings, then store them in individual containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, fry the flour tortillas and assemble everything according to the Taco Bell Mexican pizza recipe instructions.

What can I add to this Mexican pizza Taco Bell recipe? 

It’s easy to personalize your homemade Mexican pizza with whatever amount of meat, beans, sauce, and cheese that you like.

To really put your meal over the top, swap out the ground beef for some pulled pork, chicken, or crockpot barbacoa.

Or, create a vegetarian version of Taco Bell pizza with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies — bell peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, and red onion would be tasty!

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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sliced taco bell mexican pizza on a plate

    mexican pizza close up

    Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better)

    Donna Elick
    Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is one of the most popular items on their menu. Make it at home with this copycat recipe for a fraction of the cost!
    4.80 stars from 5 reviews
    Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Course Main
    Cuisine Mexican
    Method Oven, Stovetop
    Servings 4

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1/4 cup taco seasoning
    • 3/4 cup water
    • 8 taco-size flour tortillas
    • 1 cup refried beans
    • 1 cup enchilada sauce
    • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
    • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
    • 1/4 cup diced green onions, or chives
    • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
    • sour cream, for garnish
    • vegetable oil, or other frying oil

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, using a spatula or wooden spoon to chop meat into very small pieces.
    • Add taco seasoning and water; stir and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
      Transfer meat to a bowl and keep warm.
    • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
    • Clean the skillet and fill with 1/2-inch of frying oil. Heat over medium high heat until oil reaches 350°F.
      Meanwhile, heat refried beans and enchilada sauce in the microwave.
    • Gently drop one flour tortilla into the hot oil, frying on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until it bubbles up and becomes golden brown.
      Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
    • Place a fried tortilla on a baking sheet. Spread 1/4 cup of refried beans over the tortilla, then spread 1/4 cup of the meat over the refried beans.
    • Place a second tortilla on top of the meat.
      Spoon 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce (or desired amount) over the top of the stacked tortilla and top with cheese (1/4 cup or desired amount).
    • Assemble as many pizzas as will fit on the baking sheet and place in oven.
      Bake for about 5 minutes, or until cheese melts. Remove pan with pizzas from the oven.
    • Sprinkle pizza tops with tomatoes and any other toppings you’d like. Cut into fourths and serve immediately.

    Donna’s Notes

    1. Taco Bell pizza is best eaten while it’s crisp and melty, right from the oven. This is ly because the tortillas soak up the other ingredients the longer they sit.
      Reheating the pizzas isn’t recommended but if you absolutely have to, reheat them on a sheet pan in a 350°F oven.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1pizza | Calories: 651cal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 2896mg | Sugar: 11g | Fiber: 9g | Calcium: 339mg | Iron: 7mg

    All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    titled image collage for taco bell pizza

    Originally published July 2021, updated and republished May 2024

    Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

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    8 Comments

    1. 4 stars
      Instead of enchilada sauce, we went with Taco Bell mild sauce in a jar from the supermarket! And used the finely shredded cheese like TB has on their tacos. It melted just like theirs. The TB mild sauce for the topping adds another level of “copycat.”

    2. 5 stars
      don’t usually leave reviews, but this recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian was too amazing not to share! So easy to make and absolutely delicious. Donna and Chad really know their stuff!

    3. 5 stars
      Wow, this Mexican Pizza recipe is a winner! Thanks, Donna and Chad from The Slow Roasted Italian, for sharing this gem. It’s a restaurant-quality dish right in my own kitchen.

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