Tex-Mex
Taco Bell Inspired Mexican Pizza
Two crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes for a homemade version of the fan-favorite Mexican Pizza.
Inspired by Taco Bell
Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Method
- 1
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- 2
Drain the excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water.
- 3
Simmer the meat until the seasoning is evenly absorbed.
- 4
Heat a small amount of oil and fry the tortillas one at a time until crisp and golden on both sides.
- 5
Spread a thin layer of refried beans over one crispy tortilla.
- 6
Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the beans.
- 7
Place a second crispy tortilla on top to create the sandwich layer.
- 8
Spread enchilada sauce across the top tortilla.
- 9
Sprinkle generously with the shredded cheese blend.
- 10
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 11
Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions.
- 12
Slice into quarters and serve immediately while the tortillas are still crisp.
Recipe notes
Fry tortillas until fully crisp and drain them on a rack, not a flat plate. Use thin layers of beans, beef, and sauce; heavy or wet layers make the bottom tortilla bend before the cheese melts.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate beef, beans, sauce, cheese, and toppings separately for up to 3 days. Store crisp tortillas airtight at room temperature for 1 day. Assemble and bake only when serving; finished pizzas do not freeze or reheat crisply.
Make-ahead tips
Cook beef and warm beans up to 2 days ahead, and fry tortillas several hours ahead. Reheat hot fillings before assembling, then add tomatoes and green onions after baking.
What to serve with it
- - Shredded lettuce and pico de gallo
- - Corn salsa or black beans
- - Lime wedges and hot sauce
Equipment needed
- - Large skillet
- - Sheet pan
- - Wire rack and instant-read thermometer
Difficulty explained
The medium rating reflects frying, layering without sogginess, and safely cooking ground beef.
Nutrition estimate
Calories
870
Protein
42g
Carbs
72g
Fat
45g
Sat. fat
18g
Fiber
9g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
1700mg
Estimated nutrition per serving. Values are approximate and can change materially with brands, substitutions, optional toppings, portion size, and cooking method.
Alternatives
- Use seasoned black beans in place of beef for a vegetarian version and reduce refried beans slightly to avoid overfilling.
- Bake oil-brushed tortillas at 425°F (220°C), turning once, for a less oily but slightly different crisp base.
- Corn tortillas can make smaller pizzas, but a gluten-free version requires verified sauces, seasoning, and handling.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Pale, flexible tortillas collapse under toppings; fry or bake until crisp all the way to the center.
- Too much enchilada sauce soaks the top layer; spread a thin coating and serve extra sauce separately.
- Cook beef to 160°F (71°C) and keep its pan and utensils away from tomatoes and green onions.
Nutrition Context
- Beef, beans, and cheese provide protein, while multiple tortillas, frying oil, cheese, and sauces make this calorie- and sodium-dense.
- Baked tortillas, leaner portions of cheese and beef, and extra fresh toppings can reduce richness and add fiber.
FAQ
How do I keep the tortillas crisp?
Fry until fully golden, drain on a rack, and assemble only when the beef and beans are ready. Wet toppings soften the layers quickly.
Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying?
Yes. Brush lightly with oil and bake, flipping once, until rigid and golden. The result is lighter but slightly less blistered.
Why should I add water to the taco seasoning?
A splash of water helps the spices coat the beef evenly and simmer into a cohesive filling instead of tasting dusty.
Can Mexican pizzas be assembled ahead?
Prepare every component ahead, but keep tortillas separate. Assemble and bake immediately before serving so the base remains crunchy.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Use a 375 F oven or air fryer until the cheese bubbles and the base firms. Remove cold lettuce or sour cream before reheating.