Delicious Mexican Pizza Copycat in Just 40 Minutes!

Name: Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 8 small flour tortillas; 1 can (16 oz) refried beans; 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce; 4 tbsp taco sauce; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1 large tomato, diced; 1/2 cup sliced black olives; 3 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe

This easy Mexican Pizza recipe lets you recreate the iconic Taco Bell classic right at home, delivering that perfect combination of crispy shells, savory beef, and a zesty sauce that everyone loves.

A homemade Taco Bell copycat Mexican Pizza, cut into four wedges, showing the two crispy tortilla layers, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings on a wooden board. — The Best Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat)

Have you been craving that nostalgic taste of a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza since they brought it back? I know I have! This recipe is my tried-and-true version, and it’s so much better because you’re making it with love right in your own kitchen. You’re going to get that crispy, crunchy texture you’ve been dreaming of, and the flavor is spot on.

Jump to Section

Key Takeaways

This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for a fun family dinner or a game-day feast. It comes together in just a few simple steps!
You’ll be shocked at how easy it is to make the signature crispy, layered shells right at home. It’s a total game-changer.
This copycat version is completely customizable—you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble.
The homemade sauce is a snap to make, and it’s what gives this pizza that nostalgic, vibrant flavor we all crave. This recipe uses ground beef, just like my Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Pizza

You know that feeling when you bite into something so good it just brings a smile to your face? That’s what this Mexican Pizza is all about.

It’s a nostalgia trip! Remember the joy of getting one of these from Taco Bell? This homemade version tastes just like you remember, maybe even better.
The crispy, crunchy texture is simply amazing. Trust me, there’s nothing like the sound of that first bite into a perfectly fried tortilla shell.
It’s incredibly fun to make. Get the whole family involved! Let everyone build their own pizza with their favorite toppings, just like we do with these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs.
The sauce is rich and zesty without being too spicy, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
You’ll feel good knowing that it’s packed with wholesome, fiber-rich refried beans that help keep you full and satisfied.
Unlike the fast-food version, you have total control over the ingredients, from the quality of the beef to the amount of cheese.

Food or Cultural Background

I still remember the first time I had a Mexican Pizza. It was at a Taco Bell in the ’90s, and it was a revelation. It wasn’t quite a taco, not quite a pizza—it was this perfect mashup of flavors and textures that just worked. For so many of us, this dish is tied to a certain era, a time of late-night fast-food runs and easy, delicious dinners.

The idea of taking familiar ingredients like taco meat, tortillas, and refried beans and layering them into something new and exciting is part of what makes Mexican-inspired food so brilliant. It’s a testament to how creative you can be in the kitchen with just a few pantry staples.

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a piece of American food history, a comforting classic that brings back a flood of happy memories, just like my Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe. It’s a way to bring that beloved, nostalgic taste right to your own table, without ever having to leave home.

Ingredients for Mexican Pizza

All ingredients for a two-layer Mexican Pizza laid out on a kitchen counter, including ground beef, flour tortillas, taco seasoning, refried beans, enchilada and taco sauce, shredded cheese, and fresh toppings. — Mexican Pizza ingredients

Ingredient	Notes/Substitutions
Ground Beef	I like to use lean ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken works beautifully. You can also use a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian version.
Taco Seasoning	A standard packet works great, or you can make your own. The right blend of spices makes all the difference, just like in my recipe for Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower!
Flour Tortillas	You’ll want the smaller, fajita-sized ones. The key to that perfect crispiness is frying them.
Refried Beans	Use canned refried beans for convenience. You can find vegan versions, too.
Red Enchilada Sauce	A canned sauce is the simplest option here. Use a mild or medium spice level depending on your preference.
Taco Sauce	Just a few spoonfuls will give the enchilada sauce that authentic Taco Bell flavor.
Shredded Cheese	A Mexican blend is perfect, but a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great.
Toppings	Diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and green onions are the classic trio. Feel free to add sour cream or fresh jalapeños!

Equipment Needed

A large skillet or frying pan for browning the meat and frying the tortillas.
A baking sheet to assemble and bake the pizzas.
A small bowl for mixing the sauce.
A spatula or tongs for flipping the tortillas.
Paper towels for draining the fried tortillas.

How to Make Mexican Pizza Step-by-Step

Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions. Simmer for about 5 minutes until it’s thick and fragrant.
Crisp the tortillas: Pour a thin layer of oil (about 1/4 inch) into a separate skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Carefully fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until they turn golden and crunchy. Transfer them to a paper towel to drain.
Prepare the sauce: While the tortillas cool, whisk together the enchilada sauce and taco sauce in a small bowl.
Assemble the first layer: Place one crispy tortilla on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of refried beans, then top with a scoop of the seasoned ground beef.
Build the second layer: Gently place a second crispy tortilla on top of the beef and beans. This is the heart of the pizza!
Add the toppings: Ladle a few spoonfuls of the mixed sauce over the top tortilla, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese all over.
Bake to perfection: Pop the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or in a 425°F oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot.
Finish and serve: Immediately after removing from the oven, top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Cut into quarters and serve right away!

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t skip frying the tortillas! This is the single most important step for achieving that signature crunch. Baking them in the oven just doesn’t give you the same texture.
Use a wire rack to drain the tortillas. This allows air to circulate underneath and keeps them from getting soggy on the bottom. It’s a little trick that works every time!
Warm the refried beans first. Microwaving them for a minute or two makes them easier to spread and ensures everything heats up evenly in the oven.
The sauce is a must-have. You might be tempted to use just enchilada sauce, but mixing in a little taco sauce is what gives the Mexican Pizza that truly authentic Taco Bell flavor.
Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the shells are still super crispy, just like my Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich.

Mexican Pizza featured — mexican pizza (taco bell copycat recipe)

What to Serve With Mexican Pizza

This dish is a hearty meal all on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a few fresh sides:

A simple side of cilantro-lime rice.
A fresh garden salad with a creamy avocado dressing.
A big bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips.
A side of roasted corn with a sprinkle of chili powder.
A side of Pistachio Summer Pasta Salad.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These pizzas are definitely best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. To reheat, the best way is to pop it back in the oven or an air fryer to help the shells re-crisp. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy.

Nutrition Facts

	Amount per serving
Calories	430
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	8g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	810mg
Total Carbohydrates	41g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Sugars	3g
Protein	21g

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods. For the most accurate data, consider using a tool like the USDA FoodData Central website.

FAQs About Mexican Pizza

What are Mexican Pizza shells made of?

The shells are made from standard flour tortillas that have been fried until they’re golden brown and crispy. This is the key to creating that crunchy, layered texture for your delicious Mexican Pizza.

What red sauce does Taco Bell use for Mexican Pizza?

Taco Bell’s sauce is a specific blend, but you can easily copy it by combining a store-bought red enchilada sauce with a little bit of taco sauce to get that signature zesty flavor.

How unhealthy is Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?

The fast-food version can be high in calories and sodium. However, making your own at home gives you full control over the ingredients, so you can use leaner meat, less oil, and lower-sodium sauces for a healthier take on Mexican Pizza.

What are the layers of Mexican Pizza?

The layers start with a crispy fried flour tortilla, followed by a layer of seasoned ground beef, another crispy tortilla, a smear of red sauce, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. It’s all finished off with fresh toppings like tomatoes and olives.

How to make soft flour tortillas crispy?

The easiest and best way is to fry them in a thin layer of oil in a skillet for 30-60 seconds per side until they’re golden and crunchy. You can also bake them in the oven at 400°F until they crisp up.

Does Taco Bell use flour or corn tortillas for Mexican Pizza?

Taco Bell uses fried flour tortillas for their Mexican Pizza. The recipe you see here is a perfect copy of their method, which is why it calls for the same ingredient.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings a little bit of that Taco Bell magic right into your kitchen. It’s one of my all-time favorite comfort foods, and I have a feeling it’s about to become one of yours, too. I can’t wait to see your photos and hear how it turned out! Be sure to check out my One-Pot Chicken Dinner for more easy dinner ideas! Happy cooking, my friend!