How I Make a Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza That’s Crispy, Cheesy, and Totally Satisfying
Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza has always been one of my favorite fast-food indulgences — crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef, beans, melty cheese, and topped with fresh diced tomatoes and taco sauce. When it disappeared from the menu for a while, I knew I had to figure out how to make it at home. After a few tries, I found a version that’s not only spot-on but somehow even better.
This homemade Mexican pizza has quickly become one of my go-to comfort foods for taco night or weekend snacks. It’s quick to put together, uses simple ingredients, and tastes exactly like the original — maybe even a little fresher. Plus, I love that I can customize it with extra cheese, different toppings, or a bit of added spice.
Why I Love This Copycat Mexican Pizza
- Crispy tortillas layered with all the flavors I love.
- So easy to make at home in under 30 minutes.
- Perfectly cheesy and packed with seasoned beef and beans.
- Fun to customize with extra toppings and sauces.
- Great for family taco nights, parties, or game-day snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 4 Mexican pizzas | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes)
For the pizza base:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil (for frying the tortillas)
For the filling and topping:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1/2 cup taco sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
- Jalapeño slices (optional for heat)
How I Make My Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (Step-by-Step)
- Brown and Season the Beef
I cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain the fat. I add the taco seasoning and water, stirring to coat the meat. I let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened and full of flavor. - Fry the Tortillas
I heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a pan and fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until golden and crispy. Then I drain them on paper towels. - Warm the Beans
I gently heat the refried beans in a small saucepan so they’re spreadable and smooth. - Assemble the Pizzas
On a baking sheet, I spread a layer of refried beans on one fried tortilla, top it with some seasoned beef, and place another crispy tortilla on top. I spread taco sauce over the top tortilla, sprinkle generously with shredded cheese, and finish with diced tomatoes. - Bake and Melt
I pop the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve
I remove the pizzas from the oven and top with green onions, jalapeños, and extra taco sauce if desired. Then I slice and serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side.
My Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Pizza
- Fry the tortillas until golden and crispy — they’re the base of the entire pizza.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
- Add toppings like black olives, sliced jalapeños, or extra salsa for variety.
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole for dipping.
Fun Variations I’ve Tried
- Swapping ground beef for seasoned ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- Using spicy taco sauce or salsa verde for extra kick.
- Adding black beans or corn for more texture.
- Making vegetarian versions with beans, sautéed peppers, and onions.
What I Serve with Mexican Pizza
- A simple side of chips and guacamole.
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.
- A refreshing margarita or cold soda.
- Fresh fruit salad for a light finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prep the beef and beans in advance, but I recommend assembling and baking right before serving so the tortillas stay crisp.
Q: Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying?
A: Yes! Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes per side until crispy.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: These are best fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or spicy taco sauce to the layers for an extra kick.
Why This Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Deserves a Spot on Your Table
This recipe is everything I love about Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza, but homemade and even more flavorful. It’s crispy, cheesy, and layered with all the goodness of seasoned beef and beans. Whether you’re making it for a fun dinner, a weekend snack, or to impress friends on taco night, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot.
I hope you give this one a try and enjoy every bite. And if you get creative with toppings or sauces, let me know — I love hearing how others customize this favorite!
Easy Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Perfect for Taco Tuesday or Late-Night Cravings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups taco sauce (plus more for serving)
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef, along with 1 cup of water. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a layer of refried beans on one side of each tortilla.
- On half of the tortilla, add a layer of the seasoned beef, diced tomatoes, onions, and shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- Place the folded tortillas on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Remove from the oven, top with extra taco sauce, cheese, diced tomatoes, black olives, and sour cream if desired.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
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