Name: Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup taco seasoning; 3/4 cup water; 8 taco-size flour tortillas; 1 cup refried beans; 1 cup enchilada sauce; 1 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup diced green onions, or chives; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; sour cream, for garnish; vegetable oil, or other frying oil

Jump to Recipe·5 from 9 reviews

If you love Tex-Mex comfort food with layers of flavor and crave that fast-food favorite, you’re going to flip over this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better). We’re talking double-crisped tortillas holding hearty seasoned beef and creamy refried beans, all smothered in enchilada sauce and gooey cheddar, then finished off with bright, fresh toppings. This homemade version checks all the nostalgic boxes and then some, all with ingredients you’ll happily find right in your kitchen. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll find yourself making this again and again!

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the simple but absolutely essential ingredients that bring this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better) to vibrant life. Each one adds flavor, color, or that unmistakable texture we all crave—there’s no skipping or substituting if you want the real deal!

Ground beef: A classic, juicy foundation for any Taco Bell-style creation—make sure to break it up well for the best texture.
Taco seasoning: Use your favorite blend for that unmistakably bold, savory kick—homemade or store-bought both work!
Water: Helps the taco seasoning soak in and creates a saucier, more flavorful filling.
Flour tortillas (taco-size): Crisped up, these become the golden, crunchy layers that hold everything together—don’t skip frying for that takeout texture.
Refried beans: Creamy and satisfying, they add heft and help everything stick together.
Enchilada sauce: Brings a tangy, spicy layer that makes every bite saucy and irresistible—choose mild or spicy depending on your mood.
Grated cheddar cheese: Melts to a bubbly, gooey blanket—feel free to try a Mexican blend if you love a little extra cheesiness.
Diced tomatoes: Freshness and juiciness for the perfect pop of color and flavor on top.
Diced green onions or chives: A peppery, mild bite that livens up the pizza’s final flavor.
Sliced black olives: Optional, but totally recommended for that tangy, briny finish.
Sour cream: The ultimate cool, creamy garnish—don’t hold back!
Vegetable oil (or another frying oil): Essential for turning those soft tortillas into irresistibly crunchy pizza “crusts.”

How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Get started by heating a medium skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to chop it into the smallest pieces you can—this helps the meat layer spread evenly and brings that signature Taco Bell texture. Cook until browned and no longer pink, letting those delicious aromas fill your kitchen already!

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef, then pour in the water. Stir it all together, making sure every bit of meat is coated, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring every so often until the water’s mostly absorbed and the flavors have melded. Then, transfer your seasoned beef to a bowl and keep it warm—it’s ready and waiting for pizza assembly!

Step 3: Get Ready to Fry

Clean out your skillet and add enough oil to make a 1/2-inch layer. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350 degrees F (if you don’t have a thermometer, toss in a tiny bit of tortilla; if it sizzles, you’re good to go). Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F so it’s ready for pizza time!

Step 4: Warm the Beans and Sauce

While your oil is heating, pop the refried beans and enchilada sauce into the microwave for a minute or two, just until warmed through. This makes both easier to spread and guarantees that oozy, saucy texture we love.

Step 5: Fry the Tortillas

Gently drop one flour tortilla at a time into the hot oil, frying them on each side for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll watch as they bubble up and turn a beautiful golden brown—they should look crisp, but not burnt! Remove each from the oil and drain on paper towels, keeping them as flat as possible for easy stacking.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizzas

Now the fun begins! Place one fried tortilla on a baking sheet, then spread a generous 1/4 cup of refried beans over it, followed by a layer of the seasoned beef. Cap it with a second fried tortilla to create your pizza sandwich. On top, spoon a hearty dollop of enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheddar cheese—go as thick or thin as you like!

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Once you’ve assembled as many pizzas as your baking sheet can handle, pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melty and bubbly. The smell will be impossible to resist!

Step 8: Add Toppings and Serve

Pull your hot pizzas from the oven, then scatter diced tomatoes, green onions (or chives), and sliced black olives over the top. Finish with a few dollops of sour cream for that final Taco Bell flair. Cut each pizza into quarters and serve immediately, while everything is crisp, gooey, and at peak deliciousness.

How to Serve Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better)

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Topping your Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better) is where you can truly make it your own! After baking, sprinkle on the classic trio of diced tomatoes, green onions or chives, and black olives for authentic flair. If you love a little heat, a dash of fresh jalapeños or a few shakes of hot sauce will take it up a notch. And don’t be shy with the sour cream—it’s cooling, rich, and ties everything together beautifully.

Side Dishes

For a Tex-Mex feast, serve your Mexican pizzas with sides of classic Spanish rice, zesty black beans, or a crunchy lettuce-and-avocado salad. Chips and salsa (or guacamole!) make a fun, shareable starter, while a cool, creamy corn salad never fails to win hearts. Keep it casual and let everyone mix and match their favorite sides for the ultimate Taco Night at home!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better) to the next level by creating a “pizza bar” with bowls of toppings—let your crew customize their own masterpieces before baking. For parties, cut the pizzas into bite-sized wedges and spear with toothpicks for fun Tex-Mex appetizers. Or serve individual pizzas on colorful plates, finished with a sprinkle of cilantro and a lime wedge for a festive, restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have leftovers, let your pizzas cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment to keep them from sticking. Pop them in the fridge and enjoy within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze fully assembled but unbaked pizzas. Wrap each pizza tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready for a Mexican pizza fix, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the oven time until the cheese is bubbling and everything is heated through.

Reheating

While these pizzas are at their crispiest straight from the oven, you can reheat them for a delicious encore! Skip the microwave (which creates sogginess) and instead warm them on a sheet pan in a 350-degree oven for 7-10 minutes. This brings back some of that original crunch while remelting the cheese beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

For the most authentic Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better), you’ll want to stick with fried flour tortillas, which crisp up just like the original. Corn tortillas tend to break apart and don’t give you that signature structure or crunch.

What’s the best way to keep the tortillas crispy?

Fry the tortillas just before assembling your pizzas, then serve them immediately after the final bake. Avoid letting them sit with toppings too long, as the sauce and beans can soften them pretty quickly!

Is there a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! Simply skip the beef and double up on refried beans or add a layer of seasoned sautéed veggies (like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms) for a hearty vegetarian take on the Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better).

What kind of enchilada sauce should I use?

You can use your favorite canned enchilada sauce for convenience, or try homemade if you have extra time. Both mild and hot varieties work—just choose one that matches your family’s spice preferences.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely! You can brown and season the beef, fry the tortillas, and chop all the toppings ahead of time. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and assemble just before you’re ready to bake and enjoy. This makes hosting a Mexican pizza night a total breeze!

Final Thoughts

If the craving strikes, don’t wait—make this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe (Even Better) right in your own kitchen! It’s impossible not to smile while layering up those crispy tortillas and watching all that cheese melt. Sharing this with friends and family is guaranteed to make any night feel special, so grab your ingredients and enjoy some nostalgic, delicious fun at home tonight!