Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
If you’ve ever had a late-night craving for Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, you’re going to absolutely adore this homemade version that tastes just like the real thing—but better.
I’ve perfected this recipe through countless test runs (and maybe a few midnight comparison taste tests).
What makes it special? The crispy tortillas, that savory meat filling, and the perfect ratio of beans to cheese.
Plus, you control the ingredients—no mystery additives here.
And can we talk about how much money you’ll save? Make a whole batch for what you’d spend on two at the drive-thru.
What Ingredients are in Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?
Creating your own Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home is surprisingly easy once you gather the right ingredients. The beauty of this copycat recipe is that it uses simple components you can find at any grocery store, but when layered together, they create that unmistakable Mexican Pizza magic we all crave. Ready to shop for your DIY fiesta?
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
- ⅔ cup water (for meat mixture)
- 8 small 6-inch flour tortillas (can substitute corn tortillas)
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- ¼ cup water (to thin beans)
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce or mild taco sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/monterey jack)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray if baking)
While the ingredient list might seem long, don’t be intimidated—many of these are pantry staples you might already have on hand. For the best flavor, I recommend using a quality enchilada sauce, and if you have time, freshly diced tomatoes rather than canned ones.
The black olives are marked as optional in the recipe, but they add that authentic Taco Bell touch that really completes the experience. And remember, you can always customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning depending on your preference.
How to Make This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Let’s start by preparing the star of our show—the flavorful meat filling. In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken until no pink remains.
Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat (nobody wants a greasy pizza, right?), and then sprinkle in 1 packet of taco seasoning along with ⅔ cup of water. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up and all those spices bloom into something magical.
While your meat is simmering, let’s get those refried beans ready. In a small saucepan, warm up one 15-oz can of refried beans with ¼ cup of water, stirring until they reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Now for the tortillas—which form the “crust” of our Mexican Pizza. You have options here: for the authentic Taco Bell experience, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and fry each 6-inch flour tortilla until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels.
Want a healthier version? You can spray the tortillas with cooking spray and bake them until crispy.
Assembly is where the fun begins. Spread a layer of those warm refried beans on a crispy tortilla, then top with a portion of the seasoned meat. Place another crispy tortilla on top, then spread with enchilada sauce (about 1 cup total for all your pizzas).
Sprinkle generously with 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese, and finish with a colorful topping of ½ cup diced tomatoes, ¼ cup sliced green onions, and if you’re feeling traditional, ¼ cup sliced black olives.
Pop these assembled beauties in a 350°F oven for just a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. The result? A crispy, savory, multilayered delight that might just be better than the drive-thru version.
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza delivers a perfect harmony of flavors, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs or simply shake things up at home.
Try swapping ground beef for the turkey, or go vegetarian with black beans or plant-based crumbles. Can’t do gluten? Corn tortillas work beautifully here.
I sometimes use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost, or dairy-free cheese when my lactose-intolerant sister visits.
For a spicier kick, mix chipotle peppers into your sauce, or tone it down with mild salsa. The beauty of homemade? It’s yours to play with.
What to Serve with Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Side dishes can transform your homemade Mexican Pizza from a simple meal to a restaurant-worthy feast.
I love pairing mine with a zesty cilantro lime rice or a simple Mexican street corn salad. A small bowl of tortilla soup makes for a delightful starter, too.
Don’t forget the drinks! A frosty margarita or ice-cold Mexican beer complements these flavors perfectly.
For non-alcoholic options, try horchata or agua fresca.
And what about dessert? Churros with chocolate dipping sauce or sopapillas drizzled with honey provide that sweet finish.
Trust me, your guests will think they’re at a real fiesta.
Final Thoughts
After making this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe countless times, I’m convinced it’s even better than the original. The layers of crispy tortilla, savory beans, and seasoned meat create that perfect balance we all crave, but with ingredients you can control.
What I love most? The versatility. Add extra cheese, pile on the tomatoes, or throw in some jalapeños for heat. Make it your own.
Trust me, once your family tries this homemade version, those late-night drive-thru runs might become a thing of the past. Quick, satisfying, and nostalgic—what more could you want from a weeknight dinner?
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (Copycat)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground turkey or chicken in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and ⅔ cup water to the meat. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- In a small saucepan, warm refried beans with ¼ cup water, stirring until smooth and spreadable.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry each tortilla until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Alternatively, spray with cooking spray and bake until crispy.
- Spread refried beans on a crispy tortilla, top with seasoned meat.
- Place another crispy tortilla on top, spread with enchilada sauce.
- Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and black olives if using.
- Bake at 350°F until cheese melts.
