Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is nicely seasoned.
3. Prepare the Tortillas (Optional): For extra crispy tortillas, you can either lightly fry them in a skillet with a little vegetable oil for about 1-2 minutes per side, or bake them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes per side, until lightly golden and crisp. This step is optional but highly recommended for a more authentic texture.
4. Assemble the First Layer: Spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over four of the tortillas.
5. Add the Beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the refried beans on each of the tortillas.
6. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the ground beef on each tortilla.
7. Top with Tortillas: Place the remaining four tortillas on top of the cheese, creating the “pizza” layers.
8. Add Toppings: Spread the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top tortillas. Then, sprinkle with diced tomatoes, diced white onion, and sliced black olives.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled Mexican pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are heated through.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the Mexican pizzas from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Let cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving immediately.

Cooking Tips and Variations

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a spicier kick. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheddar and Colby are all great options.
• Bean Variations: Try using black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans. You can also add a layer of seasoned black beans on top of the refried beans for added flavor and texture.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for added flavor and nutrients. Sauté them before adding them to the pizza.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a more authentic and flavorful experience, make your own taco seasoning. There are many recipes available online that allow you to control the ingredients and spice level.
• Crispier Tortillas: For even crispier tortillas, consider using a cast iron skillet for baking. The cast iron will help to create a more even and intense heat, resulting in a crispier crust.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add a layer of seasoned lentils or crumbled vegetarian “beef” for a vegetarian version.
• Adjusting Meat Sauce Consistency: If your meat sauce is too watery after cooking, simmer it for a few more minutes without the lid to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Conversely, if it is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth.
• Even Topping Distribution: Take the time to evenly distribute the toppings across the pizza surface. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and prevents certain areas from being overloaded.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Leftover Mexican pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, you can either bake the Mexican pizzas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also microwave individual slices, but the tortillas may become slightly soggy. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze assembled Mexican pizzas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed above. Be aware that the texture of the tortillas may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

While flour tortillas are more traditional for this recipe, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. However, corn tortillas tend to be more fragile, so be careful when handling them. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly.

How can I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

The key to preventing soggy tortillas is to lightly fry or bake them before assembling the pizza. This will help to create a barrier that prevents the moisture from the refried beans and ground beef from soaking into the tortillas. Also, avoid over-saucing the beef.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the ground beef and refried beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the Mexican pizzas just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Assembling too far in advance can result in soggy tortillas.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can easily make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. There are many recipes available online that you can adjust to your liking.