✔ Updated · new copycat recipe with crispy tortillas and step photos
This copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza layers two crispy tortillas with seasoned beef and refried beans, then piles on red sauce, melted cheese and tomatoes. It tastes like my Austin years, and it's a Friday-night winner in my house.
How Do You Make a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza? (Quick Answer)
To make a copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, fry 8 flour tortillas until crisp, brown 1/2 pound of ground beef to 160°F with taco spices and a little water, then layer refried beans and beef between two tortillas. Top with red enchilada sauce and shredded cheese, bake at 400°F (205°C) for 5 to 7 minutes and finish with diced tomatoes.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Fry the tortillas until they are truly golden and crisp, not just warm. That crunch is what makes it a Mexican Pizza instead of a soft quesadilla.
Why You'll Love This Mexican Pizza
- Crispy, crunchy layers with soft beans and saucy beef in the middle.
- On the table in 40 minutes with pantry staples.
- Homemade taco seasoning so you control the salt and heat.
- Easy to make meatless with extra beans or seasoned lentils.
- Kid-approved and fun to top at the table.
Ingredient Notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Small flour tortillas: 6 to 7 inch ones fry evenly and are the right size.
- 80/20 ground beef: enough fat for flavor; drain it before adding the spices.
- Flour or masa harina: thickens the seasoned beef so it stays put between the layers.
- Red enchilada sauce: the closest swap for the mild red topping sauce.
- Shredded cheese: a Mexican blend or cheddar and Monterey Jack melts smooth.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Get the oil hot. At about 350°F the tortillas crisp in under a minute per side. In cooler oil they soak it up and turn greasy.
- Pop the bubbles. Tortillas puff as they fry. A quick poke with a fork keeps them flat enough to stack.
- Crumble the beef fine. I mash it with a potato masher as it browns for that classic, fine taco-shop texture.
- Thin the beans. Stir a tablespoon or two of water into the refried beans so they spread easily without tearing the crispy tortilla.
- Bake just until melted. Five to seven minutes is plenty. Longer and the bottom tortilla softens.
- Air fryer option. Brush tortillas with oil and air fry at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once, instead of frying.
Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
4
pizzas15
minutes25
minutes690
kcal40
minutesA copycat-style Mexican Pizza inspired by Taco Bell: two crispy fried flour tortillas sandwiching seasoned ground beef and refried beans, topped with red sauce, melted cheese and diced tomatoes. Makes 4 pizzas.
Ingredients
- For the Seasoned Beef
1/2 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or masa harina
1/3 cup water
- For the Pizzas
8 flour tortillas, 6 to 7 inch
1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
1 can refried beans, warmed (16 oz can)
1/2 cup red enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar-jack cheese
1 Roma tomato, finely diced
2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Directions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortillas one at a time for 30 to 45 seconds per side, until golden and crisp and puffed in spots. Pop any big bubbles with a fork. Drain on paper towels.
- Pour off the oil. Brown the beef in the same skillet, breaking it up finely, until no pink remains and it reaches 160°F. Drain the fat, then stir in the spices and flour, add the water and simmer 3 to 4 minutes until thick.
- Place 4 tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread each with a thin layer of refried beans, then a quarter of the beef. Top with the remaining 4 tortillas and press gently.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over each top tortilla and sprinkle with the cheese.
- Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Top with tomatoes and green onions, cut into quarters and serve hot.
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Fried, Baked or Air Fryer Tortillas
Pick the method that suits your night. Frying gives the closest crunch.
| Method | Heat | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shallow fry | Oil about 350°F | 30 to 45 sec per side | Crispiest, puffy |
| Oven | 400°F (205°C), brushed with oil | 6 to 8 min, flip once | Crisp, flatter |
| Air fryer | 400°F (205°C), brushed with oil | 3 to 4 min, flip once | Crisp, one at a time |
More Taco Bell Copycats
Make it a Taco Bell night at home with my copycat Taco Bell quesadilla, the Enchirito and Nacho Fries. Find more in our copycat recipes collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?
Two crispy flour tortillas with seasoned beef and refried beans in the middle, topped with a red pizza-style sauce, a three-cheese blend and diced tomatoes. This copycat uses red enchilada sauce for the topping.
What sauce is on the Mexican Pizza?
Taco Bell calls it Mexican Pizza Sauce. It is a mild, slightly sweet red sauce, similar to a thick red enchilada sauce, which is the easiest swap at home.
Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying them?
Yes. Brush both sides with oil and bake at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and golden. They are a little less puffy but still crunchy.
Can I make a vegetarian Mexican Pizza?
Yes. Skip the beef and double the beans, or add seasoned black beans or cooked lentils with the same spices. Everything else stays the same.
How do I reheat a Mexican Pizza?
Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes until hot through, 165°F. The microwave works but softens the tortillas.
Is this the official Taco Bell recipe?
No. It is a copycat-style recipe inspired by the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, made in my home kitchen. Taco Bell does not publish its recipe.
