Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

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Why Make This Recipe

If you love Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza but want to enjoy it at home, this copycat recipe is perfect. Making this dish allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you can customize it to your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a fun and easy meal to prepare, whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The crunchy tortillas, seasoned meat, and gooey cheese combine for a mouthwatering dish that captures all the best flavors of the iconic fast-food version.

Making this recipe at home also means you can enjoy it fresh out of the oven, with all the toppings you love. You can experiment with different toppings or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat. Overall, this recipe brings the flavors of Taco Bell to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a classic favorite anytime you want without stepping out.

How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Making your own copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is straightforward and requires minimal kitchen skills. Here’s how you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Mexican Pizza:

2 crispy tortillas
1 cup seasoned ground beef
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced olives
1/4 cup green onions (optional)
Sour cream (for topping, optional)

Directions

Follow these steps to create your copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Next, place one tortilla on a baking sheet. This will be the base layer of your Mexican pizza.
Add Pizza Sauce: Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the tortilla. Be generous to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Layer the Ground Beef: Top the sauce with 1 cup of seasoned ground beef. Make sure to distribute it evenly across the tortilla for balanced flavors.
Sprinkle Cheese: Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef. Use your favorite cheese blend for extra flavor.
Add Second Tortilla: Place the second tortilla on top of the layers. This will sandwich all the tasty ingredients together.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of sauce, beef, and cheese on top of the second tortilla. This makes the pizza even more delicious.
Bake It: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts and bubbles, creating a rich texture.
Add Toppings: Once baked, remove your Mexican pizza from the oven. Top it with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and green onions if you are using them.
Slice and Serve: Finally, slice the pizza into pieces and serve hot. If desired, add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

How to Serve Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Serving your Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is simple and fun. Once you have sliced the pizza, place the pieces on a serving platter. You can set out additional toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, or extra diced tomatoes so guests can customize their slices further. This makes it perfect for gatherings, as everyone can enjoy their pizza just how they like it.

It’s also great alongside a fresh salad or some tortilla chips. The crunchy chips can complement the cheese and beef flavors perfectly. Don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a soda for a delightful meal.

How to Store Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Storing the Mexican pizza properly will help keep it fresh for later. Here are some tips for storage:

Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, let the pizza cool completely. Then place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy it again without any hassle.
Frozen Storage: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the pizza. Slice it into pieces and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Frozen, it can last up to 2 months. To reheat, just remove the plastic wrap, place the pizza on a baking tray, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips to Make Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Crispy Tortillas: For the best texture, use crispy tortillas. You can achieve this by baking or frying the tortillas before assembling your pizza to add an extra crunch.
Seasoned Ground Beef: Use your favorite spices to season the ground beef. A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder works wonderfully to mimic that Taco Bell flavor.
Cheese Choices: Mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all melt beautifully together.
Customize Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings. You can add jalapeños for some heat, corn for sweetness, or even avocado for a creamy finish.
Make it Vegetarian: If you prefer a meatless meal, simply replace the ground beef with black beans or refried beans for a hearty alternative.

Variation

Vegetarian Mexican Pizza: Replace the ground beef with black beans or refried beans, and add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and more tomatoes for a fresh twist.
Spicy Mexican Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef layer for a spicy kick.
Breakfast Mexican Pizza: Use scrambled eggs with the beef, and top with salsa and avocado instead of the pizza sauce for a fun breakfast variation.

FAQs

Can I make this Mexican pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead and keep them in the fridge, then assemble and bake them when ready to eat. It’s best to wait until just before baking to add the cheese, so it stays fresh.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza sauce is a great way to save time. Just choose a sauce that you enjoy—it doesn’t have to be Italian. Any type of tomato-based sauce will work.

What is the best way to reheat leftover Mexican pizza?

To reheat, the oven is your best bet for maintaining crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pizza for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for a quick and crispy reheat, cooking at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes.

Creating your own Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home is not only fun but also a rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have a delicious meal that brings joy to your taste buds. Plus, with the added bonus of customization, this recipe can easily become a family favorite. Enjoy exploring different flavors and toppings until you find your perfect combination!