Description
This Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat) recipe offers a quick and easy way to recreate the iconic crispy, layered Tex-Mex favorite at home. Using simple pantry staples like flour tortillas, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and Mexican blend cheese, this dish delivers a perfectly crispy and cheesy experience bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal meal or snack for busy days and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or cilantro
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
- Mexican spices: 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned meat: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease, then add the Mexican spices—cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until fully cooked and fragrant, then set aside.
- Crisp the bottom tortilla: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the pan and cook until golden and crisp on one side, about 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully and crisp the other side slightly. Remove and place on a plate.
- Layer with beans and sauce: Spread a generous layer of refried beans evenly over the crispy tortilla. Spoon over salsa or a thin layer of pizza sauce to build foundational flavors and keep the layers moist.
- Add the meat and cheese: Scatter the seasoned ground beef evenly on top of the beans and salsa. Then sprinkle a generous amount of Mexican blend cheese over the meat to help bind the layers and add melty cheesiness.
- Top with second tortilla and crisp again: Place the second tortilla over the layered ingredients and press lightly. Return the assembled pizza to the skillet and cook on medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the top tortilla crisps to a golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Flip carefully midway using a spatula.
- Garnish and serve: Once crispy and melty, transfer the Mexican Pizza to a cutting board. Top with fresh chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped green onions or cilantro. Slice into wedges and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Distribute ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
- Use a little oil to crisp tortillas and prevent sticking.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burnt tortillas before the cheese melts.
- Let the pizza rest for a minute or two before slicing to help layers set and reduce mess.
- Adjust spices to your preference for a customized homemade flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/4 of the pizza)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Mexican Pizza, Taco Bell Copycat, Tex-Mex, Quick Meal, Crispy Tortillas, Ground Beef, Vegetarian Option