Description
Indulgent Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza combines layers of crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, and zesty toppings for a restaurant-favorite meal. Homemade perfection delivers all the nostalgic flavors you crave, making dinner an exciting culinary adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 34 cup water
Bread and Base:
- 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 0.25 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- 0.25 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Transform ground beef into a savory taco-seasoned mixture by browning it thoroughly in a skillet, draining excess fat, and simmering with spices until the texture becomes rich and concentrated.
- Create crispy tortilla foundations by carefully frying each disc in hot oil until golden and rigid, ensuring a crunchy base for the pizza layers. Remove and let excess oil drain on absorbent paper.
- Construct the pizza layers by spreading a smooth refried bean foundation on four tortilla bases, then generously top with the seasoned meat mixture. Carefully position a second crisp tortilla atop each creation, pressing gently to secure the layers.
- Enhance the pizza with a vibrant enchilada sauce, covering the top tortilla completely. Sprinkle a generous blanket of shredded cheese, then garnish with diced tomatoes, finely chopped green onions, and scattered black olive slices for added texture and flavor.
- Position the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated oven. Bake until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden landscape, typically requiring 8-10 minutes of careful heating.
- Slice each pizza into four equal triangular sections using a sharp pizza cutter or knife. Serve immediately while the cheese remains molten and the tortillas maintain their crisp texture.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and packed with protein.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the crispy texture and authentic flavor profile.
- Control oil absorption by dabbing fried tortillas with paper towels, ensuring a lighter, less greasy final dish that doesn’t compromise on crunch.
- Experiment with low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate different dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg