Mexican Pizza

Craving Taco Bell’s famous Mexican Pizza? Now you can make it at home with this simple and delicious recipe! This homemade version brings all the flavors of the original, with crispy tortillas, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, but even better. It’s quick to prepare, super satisfying, and fun for the whole family!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 8 flour tortillas, taco size
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Once fully cooked, add the taco seasoning and water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
In a large skillet or on a griddle, heat half of the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the tortillas and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping frequently, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
On a crispy tortilla, spread about 1/4 cup of refried beans evenly. Top the beans with the taco meat mixture. Place another tortilla on top. Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Divide the diced tomatoes evenly among the pizzas and sprinkle each one with shredded Colby Jack cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Mexican Pizzas
Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the pizzas are hot throughout.

Step 6: Slice and Serve
Remove from the oven, slice the pizzas, and serve them hot!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Accompaniments: Serve your homemade Mexican Pizza with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or jalapeño slices can also add a nice kick.
• Customize toppings: Add black olives, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for more variety and personalization.
• Side dishes: Pair it with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Mexican pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the pizza in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispness, or heat it in the microwave for a quicker option, though it may not be as crispy.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pizzas by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in freezer-safe bags. When ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Mexican Pizza: Swap the ground beef for black beans or pinto beans. You can also add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn for extra flavor.
2. Chicken Mexican Pizza: Replace the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast seasoned with taco seasoning.
3. Spicy Mexican Pizza: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce like Sriracha or chipotle sauce for some heat.
4. Taco Bell Copycat Style: Use ground beef seasoned exactly as you would for tacos, and top with Taco Bell’s mild or hot sauce for an authentic taste.
5. Low-Carb Mexican Pizza: Use low-carb tortillas or even swap the tortilla base with a cauliflower or almond flour tortilla for a keto-friendly version.
6. Pico de Gallo Topping: Substitute the diced tomatoes for freshly made pico de gallo, adding a zesty flavor from fresh onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
7. Supreme Mexican Pizza: Layer on toppings like black olives, onions, green bell peppers, and sour cream to create a “supreme” version with extra ingredients.
8. Breakfast Mexican Pizza: Replace the ground beef with scrambled eggs and sausage, and top with a combination of cheddar and Colby Jack cheese for a breakfast twist.
9. Cheesy Mexican Pizza: Add extra cheese by using a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco for an ultra-cheesy pizza.
10. BBQ Mexican Pizza: Mix the enchilada sauce with a bit of your favorite BBQ sauce, and top the pizza with pulled pork or shredded chicken to create a BBQ-Mexican fusion dish.
11. Vegetarian Mexican Pizza: Skip the ground beef and use black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of refried beans and sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, and corn. You can also add a layer of mashed avocado for extra flavor.
12. Chicken Mexican Pizza: Substitute the ground beef with shredded or diced chicken. Season the chicken with taco seasoning or use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
13. Spicy Mexican Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños, hot salsa, or sprinkle cayenne pepper on top of the pizza for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or a hot enchilada sauce.
14. Low-Carb Mexican Pizza: Replace the flour tortillas with low-carb tortillas, or make your own cauliflower or almond flour tortillas. You can also use lettuce wraps to reduce carbs even further.
15. Seafood Mexican Pizza: Swap the ground beef for shrimp or crab, seasoned with taco or fajita spices. Top with pico de gallo and fresh cilantro for a light and refreshing twist.

FAQs:

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just make sure to crisp them up in the skillet as you would with flour tortillas.
2. Can I make Mexican pizza ahead of time? You can prepare the individual components (meat, beans, sauce) ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the pizzas right before serving to maintain crispness.
3. How can I make this dish spicier? To make your Mexican pizza spicier, add ingredients like jalapeños, hot salsa, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or hot enchilada sauce.
4. Can I freeze Mexican pizza? It’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled Mexican pizzas, as the tortillas may become soggy when reheated. However, you can freeze the taco meat and refried beans separately and assemble the pizzas fresh when needed.
5. What can I use instead of enchilada sauce? If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can substitute it with salsa, taco sauce, or even tomato sauce mixed with taco seasoning.
6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just season it with taco seasoning the same way you would for beef.
7. What are good side dishes for Mexican pizza? Mexican pizza pairs well with sides like Mexican rice, guacamole, sour cream, chips and salsa, or a simple salad with avocado and lime dressing.
8. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free tortillas and check the labels on your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce to ensure they are gluten-free.
9. Can I cook the tortillas in the oven instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the tortillas in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are crispy. This method is healthier and less oily.
10. Can I add more toppings to the pizza? Absolutely! Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, onions, black olives, and lettuce to give it more flavor and texture.