Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

Craving the iconic flavors of a Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza right in your own kitchen? Look no further! This recipe has been perfected through countless trials in my home, ensuring that every cheesy, spicy, and crunchy bite will transport you back to your favorite fast-food memories. Ideal for cozy family nights or sharing with friends, this Mexican pizza stands up to the real deal in every way.

As a food blogger and self-proclaimed cheese enthusiast, I must say that the bubbling, melty layer of cheese under the broiler is what truly makes this dish magical. Every slice is a battle for the cheesiest portion at my dinner table, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Even my pickiest eater has been won over by this flavorful and satisfying homemade taco pizza.

Whether you’re preparing for a pizza party or a casual family gathering, this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy swaps for dietary preferences and make-ahead tips, you can customize this dish to suit any occasion. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of these delicious Mexican pizzas, and get ready to create new memories around the dinner table!

Quick Benefits

• Family Favorite: Perfect for family nights or sharing with friends, this recipe is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Cheesy Goodness: The bubbly, melty cheese layer is a favorite among everyone and adds a delicious richness to each bite.
• Versatile Options: Easily customizable with ingredient swaps like ground turkey, corn tortillas, or different cheese types, catering to different dietary preferences.
• Make-ahead Convenience: Components can be prepared in advance, allowing for easy assembly and broiling just before serving to maintain the perfect crispy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe Recipe

• Cheesy, Spicy, and Crunchy Delight: This recipe perfectly captures the flavors and textures of the iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, bringing all the cheesy, spicy, and crunchy elements straight to your dinner table.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and kids, this dish is perfect for family nights or sharing with friends, creating a fun and delicious mealtime experience everyone will enjoy.
• Irresistibly Cheesy: The bubbly and melty cheese layer under the broiler is truly magical, making it the favorite part for many and a delightful surprise for your pickiest eaters.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit different dietary preferences, you can swap ingredients like ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles, flour tortillas for corn for a gluten-free option, or customize the cheese types to your liking.
• Make-ahead Friendly: You can prepare the components in advance, perfect for busy days. Assemble and broil just before serving to achieve the best crispy texture, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a pizza party, family dinner, or a casual get-together, this Mexican Pizza recipe will be a hit, especially when served alongside a light salad, guacamole, and chips, or with extra jalapeños and sour cream for dipping.
• Combines Flavors from Tex Mex and Mexican Cuisine: While not authentically Mexican, this recipe blends American Tex Mex flavors with playful fast-food elements, creating a unique and comforting dish that brings everyone together over a delicious meal.

Ingredients for Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

Mexican Pizza Components

• 120 grams shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 35 grams sliced black olives
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 80 grams diced tomatoes
• 15 grams sliced green onions
• 30 grams diced green chilies
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 240 grams refried beans
• 120 grams shredded cheddar cheese
• 120 millilitres water
• 1 pound ground beef
• Vegetable oil for frying

Taco Bell-Style Sauce

• Salt to taste
• 2 grams cayenne pepper
• 7 grams paprika
• 12 grams sugar
• 7 grams ground cumin
• 3 grams garlic powder
• 30 grams diced pickled jalapeños
• 120 grams mayonnaise

Pro Tips for Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

For the perfect crispy base, fry each flour tortilla in oil until golden and crisp. This step is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in your Mexican pizza.

Feel free to experiment with different protein options like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to suit your dietary preferences while still enjoying the layers of flavors and spices.

Don’t skip the sauce! Combine mayonnaise with diced pickled jalapeños and a mix of spices for a tangy and spicy kick that complements the cheesy layers of the pizza beautifully.

How to Make Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Taco Bell-Style Sauce

Combine mayonnaise, diced pickled jalapeños, sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning and spiciness to taste. Chill until ready to use.

Step 2: Brown and Season Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking up clumps. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer and stir until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Crisp Flour Tortillas

In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, heat a thin layer of vegetable oil. Fry each flour tortilla individually for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: First Layer Assembly

Place a fried tortilla on a baking tray and evenly spread refried beans on top.

Step 5: Second Layer and Beef Filling

Place another tortilla on top of the beans and evenly spread a generous portion of seasoned ground beef over it.

Step 6: Third Layer and Sauce Application

Place a third tortilla on top and spread Taco Bell-style sauce evenly over it.

Step 7: Add Cheeses and Toppings

Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the sauce. Add diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and green chilies to garnish as desired.

Step 8: Melt Cheese Under Grill

Place the prepared pizza under the broiler until cheeses are melted, toppings are heated, and edges are crisp.

Step 9: Portion and Serve

Take out of the oven, let it cool a bit, then cut into wedges. Serve with extra sauce if preferred.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their quality. After letting the dish cool completely, layer the pizza slices between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two to three days. When freezing leftovers, wrap individual slices tightly and thaw them in the fridge before reheating in a toaster oven or skillet to restore their crispiness.

For a lighter or vegetarian twist, consider swapping the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles. You can also customize the dish by using corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or adjusting the cheese types to suit your preferences, such as pepper jack or a Mexican blend. If you prefer a chunkier texture, black beans can be substituted for refried beans. By making these simple swaps, you can create a personalized version of this flavorful Mexican pizza to enjoy anytime.

To elevate your dining experience, serve the Mexican pizza cut into triangles for appetizer platters or as a fun family dinner. Pair it with a light salad or a simple bowl of guacamole and chips on the side for a complete meal. For a party or gathering, offer bowls of sour cream and extra jalapeños for dipping to enhance the flavors of this dish. Whether enjoyed with a salty margarita or sparkling limeade, this recipe promises a delightful taco pizza night filled with flavor and fun for everyone.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version of the Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, consider using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and absorb the flavorful taco seasoning mix well, making the dish suitable for those looking to cut down on red meat consumption.

If you prefer a gluten-free option, swap the flour tortillas with corn tortillas. This substitution will maintain the integrity of the dish while catering to dietary restrictions. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack or a Mexican blend to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

To enhance the tangy and spicy sauce, you can adjust the amount of diced pickled jalapeños or even add other ingredients like hot sauce or chipotle peppers for extra heat. This will allow you to tailor the sauce to your preferred level of spiciness and flavor intensity.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try turning these Mexican pizzas into a build-your-own taco pizza bar for a fun party idea. Set out all the toppings in separate bowls and let guests customize their own mini pizzas before baking them. It’s a great interactive way to enjoy this dish with friends and family.

Another idea is to serve these Mexican pizzas as a tasty and unique appetizer at your next gathering. Cut them into smaller squares or triangles and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole to elevate the flavors and offer a delicious bite-sized treat for your guests.

FAQs for Homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based option for a lighter twist while keeping the layered structure and spice blend.

What’s in the sauce for this Mexican pizza?

The sauce combines mayonnaise, diced pickled jalapeños, and staple spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for tangy heat.

Can I prepare the components of this Mexican pizza in advance?

You can make the components in advance. Assemble and broil just before serving for the best crispy texture.

What are some classic toppings for this Mexican pizza?

Classic toppings include diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and green chilies. Adjust to taste or add jalapeños for extra kick.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe is a surefire way to bring the beloved flavors of fast food right to your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress your family with a fun dinner twist or hosting a pizza party with friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. The cheesy, spicy, and crunchy layers come together harmoniously, making every bite a delightful experience.

Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to your liking by swapping ingredients or adding extra toppings. Whether you opt for a lighter version with ground turkey or a vegetarian twist with plant-based crumbles, the essence of the Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza remains intact – a comforting and delicious meal that brings everyone together. So, gather your loved ones, put on some music, and enjoy a memorable home taco pizza night with this fantastic recipe!