Cheesy Taco Bell Pizza Recipe

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:
  • Ground Beef: Delivers robust, hearty flavor profile and creates the classic taco meat foundation.
  • Taco Seasoning: Infuses bold southwestern spices and transforms plain meat into zesty filling.
For Pizza Foundation:
  • Flour Tortillas: Lightweight, crispy base that mimics traditional pizza crust with authentic Mexican twist.
  • Refried Beans: Provides creamy, smooth layer that acts as delicious binding sauce between tortilla layers.
For Topping and Finishing:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating golden stretchy layer that connects all ingredients.
  • Taco Sauce: Adds tangy, spicy kick that elevates overall flavor complexity.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Introduces fresh, bright element with slight acidic contrast.
  • Black Olives: Contributes rich, salty Mediterranean accent.
  • Green Onions: Offers sharp, crisp garnish with mild onion undertone.
  • Sour Cream: Delivers cool, creamy counterpoint to spicy components.
  • Guacamole: Provides smooth, buttery finish with herbal undertones.

Tools to Help Build Your Own Taco Bell Pizza at Home

  • Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and simmering taco seasoning.
  • Baking Sheet: Crucial for assembling and baking the tortilla pizzas.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Broiler: Quickly melts cheese and creates a golden top.
  • Cutting Board: Used for chopping tomatoes, olives, and green onions.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precise vegetable chopping.
  • Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried tortillas.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurate taco seasoning and sauce portions.

How to Make a Cheesy, Layered Taco Bell Pizza

  • Brown the Beef Filling

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.

  • Crisp the Tortilla Base

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.

  • Layer the Pizza

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.

  • Blast in the Oven

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.

  • Finish and Feast

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

  • Ensure tortillas are completely dry before frying to achieve maximum crispiness without sogginess. Pat them with paper towels to remove any moisture before cooking.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious taco-style flavor profile. Season the leaner meats carefully to prevent dryness.
  • Replace beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-packed vegetarian version. Add extra spices to boost the flavor intensity.
  • Prepare taco meat and crisp tortillas in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, assemble and broil for a lightning-fast dinner solution that takes less than 10 minutes.
  • Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or cauliflower bases for a keto-friendly version. Use low-carb cheese and skip high-carb toppings to maintain diet compliance while enjoying similar flavor profiles.

Serving Taco Bell Pizza for Taco Night Reinvented

  • Fiesta Flavor Fusion: Serve this Taco Bell Pizza with zesty sides like fresh pico de gallo or a crisp Mexican-style salad for added freshness.
  • Dip Delight Station: Set up a mini condiment bar with sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce, and salsa so guests can customize their pizza slices with their favorite toppings.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Pair the pizza with Mexican street corn (elote), black beans, or a light cilantro-lime rice to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the pizza's rich flavors.
  • Casual Gathering Star: Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or weekend hangouts where friends can enjoy a fun, interactive meal that combines the best of pizza and tacos.

Store Your Taco Bell Pizza to Keep the Crust Just Right

  • Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap individual pizzas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Revive cold pizzas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, restoring their original crunch and preventing microwave mushiness.
  • Chop garnishes and cook beef in advance, storing separately in sealed containers to streamline assembly and reduce day-of cooking time.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

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.

  • How spicy is this taco pizza?

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.

  • What if I don't have a broiler?

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.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

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

Cheesy Taco Bell Pizza Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

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

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