I’ve always loved the bold flavors of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, but making it at home seemed daunting. Then I stumbled upon a copycat recipe that captured all the cheesy goodness and zesty toppings. Now you can enjoy this favorite fast-food treat right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Crust
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Refried Bean Layer
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Meat Layer
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Cheese Layer
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Equipment
To recreate the perfect Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what I use in my kitchen to ensure every layer turns out just right:
- Oven or Toaster Oven
A reliable oven is crucial for baking the pizza to a golden perfection. If you’re making smaller portions, a toaster oven works wonderfully too.
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Pan
A sturdy baking sheet provides a stable surface for assembling the pizza. Alternatively, a pizza pan can help achieve that classic pizza shape and crispiness.
- Mixing Bowls
I prefer having multiple mixing bowls for preparing different components like the beef mixture and the homemade sauce. It keeps everything organized and makes the assembly process smoother.
- Skillet or Frying Pan
A good skillet is necessary for browning the ground beef and mixing in the spices. It ensures the meat is cooked evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
- Saucepan
For homemade sauce, a saucepan allows for controlled heating and stirring, helping to meld the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and spices perfectly.
- Spatula and Wooden Spoon
These tools are indispensable for stirring, spreading, and layering ingredients without disrupting the structure of your pizza.
- Knife and Cutting Board
A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board make chopping onions, olives, and other toppings quick and safe.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision is key in replicating the flavors accurately. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you add just the right amount of each ingredient.
- Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper
Lining your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, allowing for easy removal of your pizza.
Having these tools on hand not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the overall quality of your homemade Mexican Pizza. With the right equipment, you’re all set to master this delicious copycat recipe in your own kitchen.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing parts of the Mexican Pizza ahead of time can save you valuable time when assembling and baking the dish later. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth make-ahead process:
1. Prepare the Sauce
Making the sauce a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, and spices in a saucepan. |
| 2 | Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. |
| 3 | Let the sauce cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. |
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Having the seasoned ground beef ready ahead of time ensures quick assembly later.
Instructions:
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water as per the recipe.
- Simmer until the beef is well-coated and the sauce thickens.
- Let it cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Prepare Additional Toppings
Fresh toppings like onions and olives can be prepped ahead to save time.
Instructions:
- Chopping Onions:
- Dice the onions finely.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Slicing Olives:
- Slice the olives evenly.
- Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
4. Assemble Individual Components
Bring all prepared components together for quick assembly.
Instructions:
- Lay out the flour tortillas as your base.
- Spread a layer of refried beans evenly over each tortilla.
- Add a layer of the cooked ground beef.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Cover with another tortilla and repeat the layers.
- Top with remaining cheese and prepared toppings.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. Freezing for Longer Storage
If you wish to make the Mexican Pizza several days in advance, freezing is a great option.
- After assembling the pizza layers, wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped pizzas in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with baking as directed.
Directions
Recreating the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home is a rewarding experience. Follow these steps to craft your own delicious version.
Prep
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat, then mix the beef with the prepared sauce. Set aside.
- Chop Toppings: Finely dice ½ cup onions and slice ½ cup olives. Grate 2 cups of your favorite cheese if not done ahead of time.
Cook
- First Tortilla Layer: Place one flour tortilla on the prepared baking sheet. Spread ½ cup refried beans evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border.
- Add Beef and Cheese: Sprinkle half of the seasoned beef mixture over the beans. Follow with 1 cup shredded cheese.
- Second Tortilla Layer: Carefully place the second flour tortilla on top of the cheese layer.
- Repeat Layers: Spread another ½ cup of refried beans over the second tortilla. Add the remaining beef mixture and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are lightly golden.
Assemble
- Cool Slightly: Remove the Mexican Pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set.
- Cut into Triangles: Transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Slice into 6 equal triangles for serving.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Garnish each slice with diced onions and sliced olives. If desired, add a sprinkle of additional cheese.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza fresh from the oven with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve perfected your homemade Mexican Pizza, it’s time to elevate your dining experience with some thoughtful serving ideas. Here are several ways to make your Mexican Pizza meal unforgettable:
Garnish with Fresh Toppings
Enhance the flavors and add a burst of freshness by topping your Mexican Pizza with:
- Diced Tomatoes
- Sliced Jalapeños
- Chopped Cilantro
- A Dollop of Sour Cream
- A Drizzle of Guacamole
Pair with Complementary Sides
Create a balanced meal by serving your Mexican Pizza alongside these delicious sides:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy and seasoned with tomatoes and spices.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, perfect for dipping.
- Street Corn: Grilled corn with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime.
- Side Salad: A light mix of lettuce, avocado, and citrus dressing.
Choose the Perfect Beverage
Select beverages that complement the bold flavors of your Mexican Pizza:
- Margaritas: Classic lime or fruity variations like mango.
- Agua Fresca: Refreshing fruit waters such as hibiscus or watermelon.
- Mexican Beer: Light lagers or amber ales to balance the spices.
- Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened with a hint of citrus.
Create a Festive Presentation
Make your meal visually appealing with these presentation tips:
- Serve on a Large Platter: Arrange slices in a fan shape for easy sharing.
- Use Colorful Plates: Bright plates can highlight the vibrant ingredients.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
Customize for Different Preferences
Cater to various tastes by offering customization options:
- Spice Levels: Provide hot sauce or extra jalapeños for those who like it spicy.
- Cheese Choices: Offer a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack.
- Protein Add-Ins: Include options like grilled chicken, additional beef, or black beans.
Ideal for Gatherings
Mexican Pizza is perfect for social occasions. Consider these ideas:
- Party Platters: Serve as a main dish for casual get-togethers.
- Family Dinners: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to share with loved ones.
- Game Day Snacks: Great for feeding a hungry crowd during sports events.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can transform your delicious Taco Bell Mexican Pizza copycat into a complete and enjoyable meal that will impress family and friends alike.
Conclusion
Making the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home has been a game changer for me. It’s amazing how easy it is to recreate that cheesy and flavorful goodness in my own kitchen. I love being able to tweak the recipe to suit my taste and share it with friends and family.
There’s something special about enjoying a favorite fast-food treat made from scratch. Plus it’s fun to experiment with different toppings and sides to make each pizza unique. I hope you enjoy this copycat recipe as much as I do and find joy in every delicious bite. Happy cooking!
