Irresistible Cheesy Taco Bell Pizza Recipe for Home Cooks
Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this mouthwatering Taco Bell pizza recipe that combines classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
The crispy crust serves as the perfect canvas for layering zesty toppings and melted cheese.
Bold spices dance across each slice, creating a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing.
Taco Bell’s signature ingredients blend seamlessly with traditional pizza elements, crafting a fusion dish that’s both comforting and adventurous.
Packed with protein and bursting with vibrant colors, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a celebration of culinary creativity.
You’ll love how simple it is to recreate this restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen.
Prepare to experience a delicious twist on two beloved favorites that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 9
Taco Bell Pizza Recipe Ingredient Guide
For Protein Base:For Pizza Foundation:For Topping and Finishing:Tools to Help Build Your Own Taco Bell Pizza at Home
How to Make a Cheesy, Layered Taco Bell Pizza
Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into tiny pieces. Drain away excess fat. Sprinkle in zesty taco seasoning and let the mixture bubble and thicken for a quick couple of minutes.
Heat a splash of oil in a skillet. Flash-fry tortillas until they turn golden and crunchy, about 30 seconds per side. Let them rest on paper towels to drain extra oil.
Stack tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread a creamy layer of refried beans, then scatter the seasoned beef. Top with another tortilla, drizzle taco sauce, and shower with melty cheese.
Crank your oven’s broiler to high. Slide the pizza under the searing heat for 1-2 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.
Pull out your sizzling creation. Sprinkle with fresh diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Serve immediately with cool dollops of sour cream and creamy guacamole.
Flavor Variations for Your Taco Bell Pizza Copycat
Serving Taco Bell Pizza for Taco Night Reinvented
Store Your Taco Bell Pizza to Keep the Crust Just Right
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat for a different protein option.
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. For mild flavor, choose a regular seasoning mix. For more heat, select a spicy version or add extra chili powder and cayenne pepper.
You can bake the pizzas in a preheated oven at 425F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts completely. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and crisp tortillas in advance, then assemble and bake the pizzas when ready to eat. Components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
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Cheesy Taco Bell Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 1x
Description
Mexican-inspired Pizza Lovers’ delightful Taco Bell Pizza combines zesty flavors from two beloved cuisines. Crisp tortilla base, spicy ground beef, and melted cheese create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
- 1 can (16 oz / 454 g) refried beans, warmed
- 1 ½ cups (6 oz / 170 g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water
- ¾ cup (180 ml) taco sauce (or enchilada sauce)
- ½ cup (76 g) diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, draining excess liquid. Blend taco seasoning with a water splash, reducing to create intense, concentrated flavors.
- Tortilla Foundation: Crisp tortillas by lightly frying in oil until golden and firm, or bake in a preheated oven for a similar crunchy texture. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Layer Assembly: Spread refried beans across the first tortilla, evenly distribute seasoned beef, and top with a second tortilla. Liberally drizzle taco sauce and generously cover with melting cheese.
- Broiling Technique: Position the assembled pizza under the broiler, monitoring closely as cheese bubbles and turns golden. Maintain vigilance to prevent burning, typically requiring 2-3 minutes of intense heat.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Accompany with cooling sour cream and creamy guacamole to balance the dish’s warm, spicy profile.
Notes
- Manage Meat Moisture: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy tortillas and ensure a crisp pizza base. Extra liquid can make the tortillas soft and unappetizing.
- Control Cheese Melting: Watch the broiler closely during the final stage. Cheese can quickly burn, so keep the oven door slightly open and rotate the pizza for even, golden browning.
- Customize Tortilla Technique: For a healthier version, bake tortillas instead of frying. Use whole wheat tortillas or low-carb alternatives to adapt to different dietary needs.
- Balance Spice and Cool Toppings: Add fresh toppings like cilantro or jalapeños to enhance flavor complexity. Adjust spice levels by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
John Nicholson
Lead Writer & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen