Recreate Taco Bell’s famously delicious Mexican Pizza right in your own kitchen with this incredibly easy copycat recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can assemble and cook this beloved fast-food classic, brimming with flavorful taco-seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, rich red enchilada sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex flavors packed into a simple, family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Table of contents
- Introduction to Mexican Pizza
- Why You’ll Love This Homemade Mexican Pizza
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Pizza
- Optional Toppings for Your Mexican Pizza
- Recipe Notes and FAQs
- What to Serve with Mexican Pizza
- More Delicious Tex-Mex Recipes
- Full Recipe Card
Introduction to Mexican Pizza: A Fast Food Legend
The Mexican Pizza is a celebrated Tex-Mex creation that masterfully blends the best elements of a tostada with the satisfying layers of a pizza. At its core, it features two crispy tostada shells – or as Taco Bell famously dubbed them, “Mexican pizza shells” – sandwiching a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef and rich refried beans. This delicious foundation is then crowned with a vibrant Mexican pizza sauce, a generous sprinkle of melty cheese, and a scattering of fresh diced tomatoes.
When crafting this irresistible dish in your own kitchen, simplicity and flavor are key. For the signature Mexican pizza sauce, a high-quality red enchilada sauce works wonders, delivering that authentic, savory depth. To achieve the perfect gooey, cheesy topping, I recommend a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, offering both creamy texture and sharp flavor. But why stop there? One of the greatest joys of homemade cooking is the freedom to customize! I love to load my Mexican pizzas with extra fresh toppings like crisp shredded lettuce, creamy homemade guacamole, and a drizzle of copycat creamy jalapeno sauce, often referred to as Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce. These additions elevate the dish, adding layers of texture and taste.
Beyond being incredibly tasty, these homemade Mexican pizzas are an ideal solution for a quick and fun weeknight meal. They’re so simple to prepare that even children can lend a hand in the assembly process, making it a wonderful interactive cooking experience for the whole family. Each person can customize their pizza with their favorite toppings, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they crave. It’s truly a delicious, enjoyable, and effortless meal that promises to bring smiles to the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Mexican Pizza
Bringing a fast-food favorite home means you get to control the quality and customization. Here’s why this copycat Mexican Pizza recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your meal rotation:
- Lightning Fast: Ready from start to finish in about 20 minutes, it’s faster than driving to the drive-thru!
- Fresh Ingredients: You choose the freshest components, from lean ground beef to your favorite cheese, ensuring a high-quality meal every time.
- Endless Customization: Personalize each pizza with an array of toppings to suit everyone’s preferences, whether you like it spicy, fresh, or extra cheesy.
- Budget-Friendly: Making Mexican Pizza at home is significantly more economical than ordering it out, allowing you to feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
- Family Fun: It’s an engaging recipe that’s perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen, making meal prep an enjoyable activity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your perfect homemade Mexican Pizza. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitutions:
- Ground beef: A pound of lean ground beef is ideal for this recipe, providing a rich, savory base. For a lighter alternative, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken. If you’re looking to make a delicious vegetarian version, consider using soy chorizo for a spicy kick or simply doubling up on the refried beans for a hearty plant-based option.
- Taco seasoning: This is where much of the flavor comes from! I always recommend using my homemade spice blend. It’s incredibly easy to mix up in about 5 minutes using common pantry staples like chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can prepare a larger batch in advance and store it in your pantry for up to 6 months. Alternatively, any good quality store-bought taco seasoning, readily available in the spice aisle of your grocery store, will work perfectly.
- Tostada shells: These crispy corn shells are the foundation of your Mexican Pizza. You’ll typically find them in the grocery store alongside the tortillas. If you’re feeling ambitious or can’t find them, check out the “Recipe Notes” section below for simple instructions on how to make your own at home using either corn or flour tortillas.
- Refried beans: Creamy refried beans add a crucial layer of texture and authentic flavor. Be sure to choose vegetarian refried beans if you are making a meat-free version.
- Red enchilada sauce: This sauce serves as the “Mexican pizza sauce,” bringing a tangy, slightly spicy, and savory element to the dish. You can click the link for my homemade recipe, which is fantastic, or simply pick up a jar of your favorite brand of enchilada sauce from the grocery store.
- Shredded cheese: Taco Bell traditionally uses a three-cheese blend of cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella. For this recipe, you’ll need about one cup of cheese. Feel free to use your preferred combination; I often use a mix of half cheddar cheese and half Monterey Jack cheese for a balanced flavor and excellent melt. A crucial tip for the best melt: I highly recommend grating your cheese at home from a block. Pre-shredded bags of cheese often contain anti-caking additives that can prevent them from melting as smoothly and evenly as freshly grated cheese.
- Tomato: Fresh diced tomatoes add a burst of freshness, color, and a slight tang to the finished pizza. Any variety of tomato will work well for this recipe. You can either dice up a large tomato or, for a sweeter option, halve or quarter some cherry tomatoes to top your pizzas.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Mexican Pizza
Follow these detailed instructions to create a fantastic homemade Mexican Pizza. I’ve included helpful tips to make each step a breeze!
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, place one pound of ground beef over medium-high heat on the stove. Cook and crumble the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is completely browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the beef. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the liquid reduce. Afterward, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the Base: Take four tostada shells and spread an even layer of refried beans on each. Then, top the beans with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Layer the Second Shell: Carefully place another tostada shell directly on top of the beef and bean layer for each pizza, creating a sandwich effect.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread about 2 tablespoons of red enchilada sauce evenly over the top of each stacked tostada shell. Finish each with a quarter cup of the shredded cheese blend.
- Broil or Bake: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high, positioning a rack in the middle of the oven. Carefully transfer the assembled Mexican pizzas onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack. Broil for 30-60 seconds, watching *very closely* to prevent burning. The goal is simply to melt the cheese until it’s bubbly and golden. If you prefer to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pizzas for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven. Immediately add the diced tomatoes and any other optional fresh toppings of your choice (see section below for ideas).
- Slice and Enjoy: Serve the Mexican pizza whole for a hearty individual meal, or slice it into quarters for easier sharing or smaller portions. If you plan to slice it, I recommend adding any delicate toppings like shredded lettuce or guacamole *after* cutting to ensure they stay in place.
Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Pizza
Achieve Mexican Pizza perfection every time with these handy tips:
- Don’t Over-Broil: Broilers can go from melted to burnt in seconds. Keep a watchful eye on your pizzas while broiling. If you’re nervous, baking is a safer bet for a consistent melt.
- Warm Your Beans: Slightly warming your refried beans before spreading them can make them easier to work with and ensures a more cohesive, warm center.
- Crispy Shells are Key: If your tostada shells feel a little soft, you can lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes before assembling to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Even Spreading: Distribute the beans, beef, and sauce evenly to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Serve Immediately: Mexican pizzas are best enjoyed fresh off the oven when the shells are crisp and the cheese is still wonderfully gooey.
Optional Toppings for Your Mexican Pizza
One of the best things about making Mexican Pizza at home is the ability to customize it exactly to your liking. Taco Bell offers a variety of “add-ons,” and I’ve got some personal favorites too. Pick a few of these to elevate your homemade Mexican pizza to gourmet status!
- Guacamole: My personal favorite topping for these pizzas, and frankly, for almost everything else! Click the link for my easy homemade recipe, or simply pick up your favorite pre-made guacamole at the grocery store.
- Shredded lettuce: Finely shred some iceberg or romaine lettuce to add a refreshing crunch and cool contrast to the warm pizza.
- Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce (creamy jalapeno sauce): This sauce is often referenced as a “popular upgrade” on the Taco Bell website, and for good reason! I happened to have my copycat version in the fridge and drizzled it over these pizzas—it added a wonderful creaminess and an incredible burst of flavor. (As pictured below.)
- Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds a bright, aromatic pop of flavor and vibrant color. If cilantro isn’t your preference, finely diced green onions make a great alternative.
- Sour cream: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream is a simple yet classic creamy addition that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Nacho cheese sauce: For the ultimate cheese lovers! Click the link for my easy 10-minute homemade recipe, or use your favorite store-bought jar of nacho cheese to drizzle generously on top. I’ve tried this with my homemade cheese sauce, and it made my cheese-loving heart incredibly happy!
- Jalapeno peppers: Pickled, nacho-sliced jalapeno peppers are a fantastic addition for a touch of heat and tang, and they’re a consistent favorite in our household. For more crunch and a fresher spice, you can also add thinly sliced fresh jalapenos.
- Diced onions: Finely diced white or red onions offer a pungent, fresh bite.
- Sliced black olives: These add a mild, earthy, and slightly briny flavor.
- Hot sauce: For those who love an extra kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce is always a welcome addition.
- Pico de gallo: A fresh, chunky salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Chipotle sauce: A smoky and spicy sauce that adds a deep, complex flavor.
- Cilantro lime sauce: A zesty and herbaceous dressing that brightens up the entire dish.
- Salsa macha: A rich, nutty, and subtly spicy oil-based salsa for a unique flavor profile.
Recipe Notes and FAQs
Here are some additional tips and answers to common questions to help you master your homemade Mexican Pizza:
- Reheating Leftovers: Prepared and cooked Mexican pizzas do not reheat well, as the shells can become soggy. For the best experience, I strongly recommend only assembling and baking as many pizzas as you plan to eat in one sitting. However, each individual component of the pizza – including the cooked ground beef, refried beans, and sauce – can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can then easily reheat the beef, quickly assemble fresh pizzas with new tostada shells, and broil them in the oven in less than 5 minutes. This method ensures maximum crispiness and flavor for every fresh batch.
- Making it Vegetarian: To create a delicious vegetarian version of this recipe, simply substitute the ground beef with soy chorizo for a flavorful meat alternative, or you can double up on the refried beans in the middle for a heartier filling. Just ensure you use vegetarian refried beans, as some brands may contain animal fats.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use the ingredients as listed. Always double-check the labels on your refried beans, taco seasoning, and enchilada sauce to confirm they are certified gluten-free, as formulations can vary by brand.
- Refried Beans Alternative: If you’re not a fan of refried beans, you can easily replace them with homemade nacho cheese sauce. The gooey nacho cheese will effectively hold the ground beef in place inside the pizzas, providing a different but equally delicious creamy layer.
- Homemade Tostada Shells: If you want to make your own crispy tostada shells from corn or flour tortillas, it’s quite simple! Line up 8 six-inch tortillas on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly brush the tops of the tortillas with vegetable oil or spray them with cooking spray. To prevent them from bubbling up excessively during cooking, place another oven-safe wire rack upside down directly over the tortillas on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and let the tostadas cool completely before assembling your pizzas.
- Recipe Yield and Scaling: This recipe yields 4 delicious Mexican pizzas. Typically, one pizza per person is a sufficient serving, especially if accompanied by side dishes. If you need to feed a larger crowd, simply double the recipe to make 8 pizzas. Adjusting the quantities in the full recipe card (found below) is easy to do.
What to Serve with Mexican Pizza
While Mexican Pizza is a satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with some complementary side dishes can create a truly complete and festive Tex-Mex feast. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Mexican Rice: A classic and flavorful side, this seasoned rice perfectly complements the rich flavors of the pizza.
- Mexican Black Beans: Simple, hearty, and full of flavor, these beans offer a great source of protein and fiber.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Light, fresh, and zesty, this rice provides a bright counterpoint to the savory pizza.
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A vibrant and creamy pasta salad inspired by elote, offering a delicious textural and flavor contrast.
- Mexican Pickled Vegetables (pickled onions, carrots and jalapenos): The tangy, slightly spicy crunch of pickled vegetables is an excellent palate cleanser and adds a refreshing zing.
More Delicious Tex-Mex Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the bold flavors and easy preparation of this Mexican Pizza, then you’re in for a treat! Tex-Mex cuisine is all about comfort, spice, and family-friendly meals. Explore more of our blog favorites that bring that vibrant Southwestern flair straight to your table.
Pin Recipe
Mexican Pizza
Recreate Taco Bell’s famous Mexican Pizza at home with this easy copycat recipe! In just 20 minutes make the famous fast food dish loaded with taco-seasoned ground beef, refried beans, red enchilada sauce, and plenty of cheese. It’s a delicious combination of flavors in a simple family-friendly meal!
Servings: 4 pizzas
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons water
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup refried beans
- ½ cup red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler in the oven to high. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven.
- In a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook and crumble, until no longer pink.
- Drain any grease from the skillet, then add the taco seasoning and water.
- Stir to combine, lower the heat on the stove to medium-low and simmer the ground beef for 5 minutes.
- Spread refried beans on 4 of the tostada shells, then top with the ground beef.
- Layer another tostada shell on top of the ground beef, then spread 2 tablespoons enchilada sauce on each tostada and top with ¼ cup shredded cheese on each one.
- Place all of the Mexican pizzas on a foil-lined baking sheet, then onto the middle rack of the oven for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can bake the pizzas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the pizzas from the oven and top with the diced tomato and any additional toppings of your choice.
Notes
- Optional toppings could include guacamole, shredded lettuce, Taco Bell quesadilla sauce, fresh cilantro, or sour cream. See even more options in the blog post above.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, use soy chorizo instead of ground beef, or just double up on the refried beans in the middle. Be sure to use vegetarian refried beans.
- This recipe is gluten-free using the ingredients shown above. Always check the label to make sure the refried beans and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.
- If you don’t like refried beans, you can replace the beans with nacho cheese. The nacho cheese will hold the ground beef in place inside the pizzas.
- Prepared and cooked Mexican pizzas do not reheat well. I recommend only assembling and baking as many as you’d like to eat in that setting. Each of the elements of the pizza, including the cooked ground beef leftovers, can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can easily heat up the ground beef, assemble more pizzas, and broil them in the oven in less than 5 minutes. I highly recommend this option instead of reheating leftover pizzas.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories 615kcal (31%) | Carbohydrates 33g (11%) | Protein 32g (64%) | Fat 40g (62%) | Saturated Fat 16g (80%) | Polyunsaturated Fat 4g | Monounsaturated Fat 15g | Trans Fat 1g | Cholesterol 107mg (36%) | Sodium 1178mg (49%) | Potassium 480mg (14%) | Fiber 6g (24%) | Sugar 5g (6%) | Vitamin A 873mg (17%) | Vitamin C 5mg (6%) | Calcium 274mg (27%) | Iron 4mg (22%)
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We hope you enjoy making this easy copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home as much as we do! It’s a testament to how simple and rewarding it can be to recreate your fast-food favorites with fresh ingredients and a personal touch. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering, this recipe promises delicious results and happy eaters. Experiment with toppings, share with loved ones, and savor every crispy, cheesy bite!