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    Home » Recipes » Cast Iron

    Published: Mar 15, 2025 · Modified: Mar 26, 2025 by Jeremy Klae · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This homemade Mexican Pizza tastes just like the fast-food favorite but even better! The crispy tortillas hold up under layers of seasoned beef and refried beans, creating that perfect crunch with every bite. The homemade Taco Bell-style beef is rich, flavorful, and easy to make, while the pizza sauce adds the right balance of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Unlike the drive-thru version, you can customize this how you want—extra cheese, more sauce, or a little heat? You’re in control. Plus, it’s a quick and fun recipe that the whole family will love, whether it’s for Taco Tuesday or a nostalgic treat!

    If you love copycat fast-food recipes, take a look at this recipe for Arby's Roast Beef Sandwiches.

    Homemade Mexican Pizza sliced and topped with fresh diced tomatoes and sliced black olives served on a wooden cutting board.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Pizzas
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    If you love Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, you’re going to love this homemade copycat version even more! Crispy tortillas, layers of flavorful Taco Bell-style seasoned beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and a bold, tangy pizza sauce—this recipe brings back the iconic fast-food favorite right from your own kitchen. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and you can customize it just the way you like!

    You may also want to check out this Taco Bell Chalupa Copycat Recipe and this awesome Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe!

    Ingredients

    Copycat Taco Bell Copycat Ground Beef Ingredients

    Taco Bell ground beef taco meat ingredients laid out and labeled on a wood table.

    Lean Ground Beef – The base of the filling, lean beef provides the perfect texture while keeping the mixture from becoming too greasy.

    All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the beef mixture, giving it that signature Taco Bell texture.

    Accent (MSG, optional) – Enhances the umami flavor, making the beef taste more like the fast-food original.

    Chili Powder – Adds warmth and depth to the seasoning mix.

    Kosher Salt – Brings out all the flavors and balances the spice.

    Dried Minced Onion & Onion Powder – Provide a subtle, sweet onion flavor without overpowering the beef.

    Paprika – Gives the beef a slight smokiness and enhances the overall seasoning.

    Garlic Powder – Adds a savory depth to the beef, making it taste rich and bold.

    Sugar – Balances out the acidity of the seasonings and enhances the overall taste.

    Water – Helps distribute the flavors evenly while simmering.

    Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Sauce Ingredients

    Taco Bell Copycat Mexican Pizza Sauce Ingredients laid out and labeled on wood table.

    Pizza Sauce – Forms the base of the sauce, adding a familiar tomato flavor.

    Ortega Taco Sauce – Brings in that mild, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor found in Taco Bell’s sauce.

    Red Enchilada Sauce – Adds an extra depth of Mexican-inspired flavor.

    Diced Green Chiles – Provide a mild heat and a bit of texture to the sauce.

    Mexican Pizza Ingredients

    TAco Bell Copycat Mexican Pizza Ingredients labeled and laid out on a wood table.

    Crispy Tortillas

    Flour Tortillas – The foundation of the Mexican Pizza, these crisp up beautifully when fried or baked, creating that perfect crunch.

    Vegetable Oil – Used for frying the tortillas to a golden, crispy texture that holds up under layers of toppings.

    Homemade Mexican Pizza Fillings and Toppings

    Taco Bell Copycat Ground Beef – Seasoned to perfection with a blend of chili powder, garlic, onion, and a hint of sweetness, this beef mixture mimics the exact texture and taste of Taco Bell’s version.

    Refried Beans – A creamy, savory layer that binds everything together and adds a deliciously rich flavor.

    Taco Bell Copycat Pizza Sauce – A unique blend of pizza sauce, Ortega taco sauce, red enchilada sauce, and diced green chiles, creating a slightly sweet, smoky, and spicy topping that brings everything together.

    Shredded Cheese – A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack (or a Mexican cheese blend) melts beautifully over the pizza.

    Diced Tomatoes – Adds a fresh, juicy contrast to the richness of the cheese and sauce.

    Sliced Black Olives (Optional) – A briny, slightly salty bite that adds extra depth to each slice.

    See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Ground beef and taco bell copycat seasoning in a cast iron skillet.

    Step 1: Prepare the Taco Bell Copycat Beef

    Brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into fine crumbles.

    In a small bowl, mix the flour, chili powder, salt, dried onion, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, and Accent (if using).

    Once the beef is cooked, drain the excess grease and stir in the seasoning mix.

    Add water and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened.

    Sauces and green chiles being poured into a mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce

    In a small mixing bowl, mix the pizza sauce, Ortega taco sauce, red enchilada sauce, and diced green chiles.

    Whisk until thoroughly combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Flour tortilla being fried in a cast iron skillet.

    Step 3: Fry the Tortillas

    Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

    Poke holes in each tortilla so the don't puff up too much during frying.

    Fry each tortilla until crispy and golden brown on each side.

    Drain on a cooling rack over a cookie sheet.

    Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza being assembled with beans and ground beef spread on the bottom shell.

    Step 4: Assemble the Mexican Pizzas

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

    Spread a layer of refried beans on one crispy tortilla.

    Top with seasoned beef and place a second tortilla on top.

    Spread the pizza sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

    Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Top the pizzas with diced tomatoes and sliced olives if using, slice into quarters, and serve.

    Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Pizzas

    • Crispy Tortillas are Key! Make sure to fry them long enough so they stay crunchy under the toppings.
    • Want it Spicy? Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños.
    • Use Ground Turkey or Plant-Based Meat for a lighter option.
    • Double the Sauce if you like extra saucy Mexican Pizzas!

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

    Yes! Corn tortillas will give you a crunchier, more traditional Mexican-style pizza. Just be sure to fry them until they’re completely crisp so they don’t get soggy under the toppings.

    How do I store and reheat leftover Mexican Pizza

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes or until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas soggy.

    What’s the best cheese for Mexican Pizza?

    A Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla) works best, but you can also use just cheddar or even pepper jack for a little spice.

    Can I make this vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or extra refried beans for a meat-free version.

    Why did Taco Bell discontinue the Mexican Pizza?

    Taco Bell removed it from their menu in 2020 due to sustainability concerns, but after massive customer demand, they brought it back! Now you can make it anytime at home without worrying about it disappearing again.

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    Homemade Mexican Pizza sliced, served on a wooden table and topped with diced tomatoes and sliced black olives.

    If you made this Homemade Mexican Pizza recipe or any other of my recipes, please leave a Star Rating and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

    Don't forget to tag @chickenfriedkitchen on Instagram, Subscribe on YouTube, and Follow on Pinterest and Facebook! I'll see you there!

    📖 Recipe

    Homemade Mexican Pizzas sliced on a wood cutting board.

    Homemade Mexican Pizza (Taco Bell Copycat Recipe)

    This homemade Mexican Pizza is the perfect Taco Bell copycat recipe, featuring crispy tortillas, perfectly seasoned beef, refried beans, and a bold, tangy pizza sauce. Baked to cheesy perfection, this easy recipe brings back all the nostalgic flavors of the fast-food favorite—right from your kitchen! Serve it for Taco Tuesday, a fun dinner, or anytime you’re craving a crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main, Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Fast Food, Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 Servings
    Calories: 200kcal
    Author: Jeremy Klae

    Equipment

    • Cast Iron Skillet

    Ingredients

    Taco Bell Copycat Ground Beef Taco Meat

    • 2 ¼ Lb Lean Ground Beef
    • ¼ Cup All Purpose Flour
    • 1 teaspoon Accent Optional
    • 2 tablespoon Chili Powder
    • 2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Dried Minced Onion
    • ½ teaspoon Paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 2 teaspoon Sugar
    • ½ Cup Water

    Taco Bell Copycat Pizza Sauce

    • ½ Cup Pizza Sauce
    • ½ Cup Ortega Taco Sauce
    • 4 tablespoon Red Enchilada Sauce
    • 2 tablespoon Green Chiles Diced

    Mexican Pizza Ingredients

    • Fried Flour Tortillas
    • 16 Oz Refried Beans Rosarita Traditional is my go-to.
    • Taco Bell Copycat Ground Beef
    • Taco Bell Copycat Pizza Sauce
    • Shredded Cheese
    • Diced Tomatoes
    • Sliced Balck Olives

    Instructions

    Taco Bell Copycat Ground Beef Taco Meat

    • Brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into fine crumbles.
    • In a small bowl, mix the flour, chili powder, salt, dried onion, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, and Accent (if using).
    • Once the beef is cooked, drain the excess grease and stir in the seasoning mix.
    • Add water and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened and ground beef has become a fine texture.

    Taco Bell Copycat Mexican Pizza Sauce

    • In a small mixing bowl, mix the pizza sauce, Ortega taco sauce, red enchilada sauce, and diced green chiles.
    • Whisk until thoroughly combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Fried Flour Tortillas

    • Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Poke holes in each tortilla so the don't puff up too much during frying.
    • Fry each tortilla until crispy and golden brown on each side.
    • Drain on a cooling rack over a cookie sheet.

    Mexican Pizza Assembly

    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    • Spread a layer of refried beans on one crispy tortilla.
    • Top with seasoned beef and place a second tortilla on top.
    • Spread the pizza sauce over the top tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
    • Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • Top the pizzas with diced tomatoes and sliced olives if using, slice into quarters, and serve.

    Video

    YouTube video

    Notes

    • Crispy Tortillas are Key! Make sure to fry them long enough so they stay crunchy under the toppings.
    • Want it Spicy? Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños.
    • Use Ground Turkey or Plant-Based Meat for a lighter option.
    • Double the Sauce if you like extra saucy Mexican Pizzas!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 1258mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 716IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ChickenFriedKitchen or tag #chickenfriedkitchen!

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