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.

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

Description

This recipe is my all-time favorite way to get that nostalgic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza flavor right in your own kitchen! We’re talking two perfectly crispy tortilla layers, savory seasoned ground beef, a zesty sauce, and a blanket of melted cheese. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and so much better than the fast-food version because you get to control every delicious ingredient.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning (or your favorite homemade blend)

8 small flour tortillas (taco or fajita size)

1 can (16 oz) refried beans

1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce

4 tbsp taco sauce

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

1 large tomato, diced

1/2 cup sliced black olives

3 green onions, sliced

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and water according to the packet instructions, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Crisp the tortillas: Pour a thin layer of oil into a separate skillet. Fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the red enchilada sauce and taco sauce.
Assemble the first layer: Place one crispy tortilla on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans over the tortilla, then top with a layer of the seasoned ground beef.
Build the second layer: Place a second crispy tortilla on top of the beef and beans to create the two layers.
Add toppings and bake: Spread the prepared sauce on the top tortilla and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Bake at 425°F (220°C) or broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and serve: Top with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and green onions. Cut into quarters and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

To get that authentic crunch, don’t skip frying the tortillas—it makes a world of difference! Warming the refried beans for a minute in the microwave makes them much easier to spread. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for 1-2 days. The best way to reheat is in the oven or air fryer to help the shells get crispy again.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 810 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 21 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: Mexican Pizza, Taco Bell, copycat, homemade, ground beef, crispy tortillas, weeknight dinner, family meal