Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
If you remember the absolute meltdown people had when Taco Bell took the Mexican Pizza off the menu… you already understand why we’re here.
There’s just something about that crispy tortilla, seasoned beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese all stacked together that hits different. And honestly? These homemade Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas are even better.
They’re crispier. They’re fresher. And they are loaded. And you don’t have to leave your house. I also created a version of these using chicken and you can find those here!
Table of contents
And go ahead and check out these other great recipes while you are here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden tortillas just like the original
- Budget-friendly family dinner (makes 6 pizzas!)
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for fake-out takeout nights
- Better than the drive-thru version
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef (1 pound) – The hearty base of the filling. Browned with onion and seasoned for that classic Taco Bell flavor.
- Diced onion (1 small) – Adds flavor and depth to the beef mixture.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet) – Brings all the Tex-Mex flavor together.
- Water (¼ cup) – Helps the seasoning coat the meat evenly while simmering.
- Flour tortillas (12 taco-sized) – These get fried until crispy and become the signature crunchy layers.
- Canola oil (about 1 cup for frying) – Used to fry the tortillas until golden and crisp. (You can strain and reuse it if it’s still clean.)
- Refried beans (16 oz can) – Creamy layer that holds everything together.
- Red enchilada sauce (10-ounce can, mild) – Spread on top for that classic Mexican Pizza flavor.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (8oz) – Adds bold, rich flavor.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese (8oz) – Gives a little extra melt and a subtle kick.
- Chopped tomatoes – Fresh topping for color and brightness.
- Sliced green onions – Adds freshness and crunch.
How To Make Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
Next, stir in the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until thickened and flavorful. Set aside
In a separate skillet, heat about 1 cup of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, or until golden and crisp. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. They crisp up fast, so don’t walk away! Once all tortillas are fried, preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C.
To assemble, place one crispy tortilla on your work surface. Spread a spoonful of refried beans evenly over the top. Add a spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture, then a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Place a second tortilla on top. Spread a couple spoonfuls of red enchilada sauce over that tortilla and top with more shredded cheese.
Repeat until you’ve assembled all six Mexican pizzas.
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and transfer the pizzas to the pan. Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and immediately top with chopped tomatoes and sliced green onions.
Serve with sour cream and your favorite hot sauce.
Tips for Success
- Keep the oil temperature steady so tortillas don’t absorb too much oil.
- Let tortillas drain well so they stay crisp.
- Assemble right before baking for maximum crunch.
- These are best fresh — leftovers soften in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
- Add sliced black olives for a more authentic Taco Bell look.
- Swap in shredded lettuce after baking for extra crunch.
- Serve with Spanish rice or tortilla chips and salsa.
- Make it a fun DIY family dinner and let everyone assemble their own.
If you do make this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating! I love hearing from you and it helps so much! Thank you!
Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef or turkey or chicken
- 1 Yellow Onion, Diced optional
- 1 Packet Taco Seasoning
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 3/4-1 Cup Canola, Vegetable or Avocado Oil
- 12 Taco Sized Flour Tortillas
- 15 oz Can of Refried Beans
- 10 oz Can of Red Enchilada Sauce
- 8 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 8 oz Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
- 1-2 Tomatoes, Chopped
- 2-3 tbsp Sliced Green Onions
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked and onions are softened. Drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- In a separate skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Assemble each pizza by spreading refried beans on one tortilla, adding seasoned beef, then a sprinkle of cheese. Top with a second tortilla.
- Spread enchilada sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle with additional cheese.
- Repeat to make 6 pizzas and place on prepared sheet pan.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with chopped tomatoes and green onions. Serve immediately.
Looks so good!! Thanks for this!
My pleasure! Hope you enjoy!
Classic, golden, and full of rich flavor
Do you have approx calories? Thanks! ☺️
I do not, I am very sorry!
thank you for the information! url url