Craving that Taco Bell style Mexican pizzas? This easy recipe will satisfy your fast food cravings without leaving the comfort of your home. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this delicious Mexican pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own version of Taco Bell’s fan-favorite dish.
Easy Taco Bell Style Mexican Pizzas
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 6-8 flour tortillas
- 1 can refried beans
- 1-2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Taco sauce or salsa
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Bell Style Mexican Pizzas
1. Prepare the Taco Meat
Begin by preparing the flavorful taco meat that will be the star of your Mexican pizzas. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 pound of ground beef. As the beef starts to brown, toss in the diced onion to cook alongside. Stir frequently to ensure even browning and softness in the onions.
Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the pan. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning mix according to the package instructions, and add a little water to help the seasoning incorporate evenly. Let the meat simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Fry the Tortillas for a Crispy Base
While your taco meat is simmering, it’s time to create the crispy tortilla shells that will give your Mexican pizzas their signature crunch. In a separate frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place one flour tortilla in the pan. Fry each side for approximately 1 minute or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tortilla and set it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process for all the tortillas. The number of tortillas you fry will depend on how many pizzas you’re making (you’ll need two tortillas per pizza).
3. Assemble Your Mexican Pizzas
With your taco meat and crispy tortillas ready, it’s time to assemble the Mexican pizzas. Start by laying one crispy tortilla flat on a plate or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of refried beans across the surface of the tortilla, followed by a generous scoop of your seasoned taco meat.
Next, sprinkle on some shredded Mexican blend cheese, covering the taco meat and beans evenly. Now, place another crispy tortilla on top to act as the “lid” of your pizza.
4. Top with Taco Sauce and More Cheese
To give these Mexican pizzas their true Taco Bell flair, drizzle your favorite taco sauce or salsa on top of the upper tortilla. Don’t hold back! The taco sauce is what gives it that extra zing.
After the sauce, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese on top to add a final layer of cheesy goodness. The combination of melty cheese and crispy tortillas is what makes these Mexican pizzas irresistible.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once your Mexican pizzas are assembled and topped, place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
When the pizzas come out of the oven, they’ll be hot, cheesy, and ready to serve. Garnish each pizza with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful finish.
Slice your Mexican pizzas into quarters, and they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them with extra taco sauce, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping, and you’ve got a delicious homemade meal that rivals the Taco Bell original.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mexican Pizza
- Tortilla Crispiness: If you want extra crispy tortillas, fry them a little longer or bake them in the oven for a couple of minutes after frying to achieve ultimate crunch.
- Meat Alternatives: Ground chicken, turkey, or even a meatless option like seasoned tofu can be substituted for the ground beef if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add jalapeños, black olives, or a sprinkle of cilantro to make the pizzas your own.
- Homemade Taco Sauce: If you want to go the extra mile, you can make your own taco sauce with tomato sauce, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, and a touch of sugar for sweetness.
Why Make Mexican Pizzas at Home?
These easy Taco Bell style Mexican pizzas are a fantastic option for a quick dinner or snack. Not only are they simple to make with everyday ingredients, but they also allow for customization. By making them at home, you have full control over the quality of the ingredients and can avoid the preservatives often found in fast food.
Homemade Mexican pizzas are also a fun, hands-on meal that the whole family can get involved in assembling. Kids will enjoy building their own pizzas and adding their favorite toppings, while adults can experiment with bolder flavors.
Now that you know how to make these easy Taco Bell style Mexican pizzas, you can enjoy a taste of fast food at home whenever the craving strikes. This recipe is versatile, fun to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. The crispy tortillas, savory taco meat, and melty cheese come together in a way that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. So, next time you’re thinking about ordering Taco Bell, try making these Mexican pizzas yourself—you might just like them better than the original!
