Homemade Copycat Mexican Pizza Recipe

Craving the iconic flavors of Taco Bell’s beloved menu item? Look no further than this homemade delight – the Copycat Mexican Pizza. When Taco Bell temporarily removed this gem from their offerings, my mission was clear: recreate it at home. And oh, what a revelation it was! The secret lies in frying your own tortillas to golden perfection, elevating the texture to a whole new level that even fast food can’t match.

At first, my family was skeptical about my “copycat” creation. But one bite in, and they were hooked. Even my daughter, a devoted fast food aficionado, declared this version superior to the original. Now, these Mexican pizzas are a staple in our weekend lunches and a hit with my daughter’s friends, proving that homemade is always better than the drive-thru.

Don’t be tempted to skip the tortilla frying step; trust me, it’s the game-changer that sets these pizzas apart. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a satisfying meal, these pizzas are versatile and sure to please. Customize with your favorite toppings, from spicy jalapeños to creamy guacamole. Just remember, these pizzas are best devoured fresh to savor that irresistible crispy bite. Get ready to wow your taste buds with this easy, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious Copycat Mexican Pizza.

Quick Benefits

• Crispy Texture: Frying the tortillas creates a perfect crispy texture that elevates the dish, making it better than the fast food version.
• Customizable: Easily customize with different beans, toppings, or protein options like turkey or chicken to suit your preferences.
• Versatile: Great for parties as appetizers, a main dish with sides, or game day snacks due to their hand-held, mess-free nature.
• Freshness: Best enjoyed immediately to savor the crispy tortillas; prepping components in advance allows for easy assembly when ready to consume.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Copycat Mexican Pizza Recipe Recipe

• Better Than Takeout: This recipe recreates the beloved Taco Bell Mexican pizza but with a homemade touch that’s even tastier than the restaurant version.
• Crispy Texture: Frying your own tortillas gives them a perfect crispy texture that elevates the dish and sets it apart from the original.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe with different beans, toppings, or protein options to suit your family’s preferences and spice levels.
• Perfect Party Food: These Mexican pizzas are great for parties as appetizers or as a main dish paired with Mexican rice and a salad, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• Family Favorite: Even skeptics will be won over by this recipe – it’s a hit with both teenagers and adults, making it a go-to meal for weekend lunches or game day snacks.
• Easy Prep: While the frying step is essential for the crispy texture, you can prep all the components ahead of time for a quick assembly and bake when you’re ready to eat.
• Satisfying and Budget-Friendly: Enjoy the satisfaction of making a delicious homemade version of a fast food favorite, saving money and enjoying a better-tasting meal that doesn’t require complex techniques or rare ingredients.

Ingredients for Homemade Copycat Mexican Pizza Recipe

Base Components

• 8 8-inch flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked Mexican-seasoned ground beef
• 1 cup refried beans, warmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce and Cheese

• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup red enchilada sauce
• ½ cup taco sauce

Toppings

• 3 tablespoons black olives, sliced
• 3 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• ½ cup diced tomatoes

How to Make Homemade Copycat Mexican Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Fry Tortillas

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Fry tortillas one at a time for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain fried tortillas on paper towel-lined plates.

Step 2: Start Building the Base

Arrange 4 fried tortillas on a large baking sheet. Spread warmed refried beans evenly over each tortilla, followed by cooked Mexican-seasoned ground beef.

Step 3: Add First Cheese Layer

Top each pizza with half of the mozzarella cheese over the beef layer to help secure the toppings before adding the second tortilla.

Step 4: Add Top Layer and Sauce

Top each pizza base with 4 fried tortillas. In a small bowl, combine taco sauce and enchilada sauce, then spread 2 tablespoons of the mixture over each tortilla.

Step 5: Add Final Cheese

Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Mexican cheese blend over the sauced tortillas, ensuring all edges are covered.

Step 6: Bake and Garnish

Bake for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Cut into quarters and serve hot.

Storage Tips

Once you have assembled and baked the Copycat Mexican Pizzas, it is best to enjoy them fresh while the tortillas are still crispy. The dish does not store well as leftovers since the toppings can make the tortillas soggy over time. To make the most of this dish, plan to eat it right after cooking to savor the crispy texture and flavors at their best.

If you need to prepare in advance, you can pre-cook the components such as the ground beef, refried beans, and sauces. When you are ready to eat, simply assemble the pizzas and bake them to enjoy them fresh. This method allows you to save time without compromising the quality of the dish. Remember that the key to the success of this recipe lies in serving the Mexican pizzas immediately after baking, ensuring a delightful dining experience with every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu seasoned with Mexican spices or meatless crumbles. This swap will still provide a protein-rich filling for the Mexican pizzas without compromising on flavor. Additionally, consider using vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that still gives that cheesy goodness.

If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can switch out the flour tortillas for whole wheat or corn tortillas. Corn tortillas can add a deliciously rustic flavor and texture to the dish. To reduce the oil content, you can bake the assembled pizzas in the oven instead of frying them. This method will still give you a crispy exterior while cutting down on the added oil. Additionally, you can experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even spinach as toppings to add more nutrients and flavors to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these homemade Copycat Mexican Pizzas as a fun and interactive party appetizer by cutting them into quarters. Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for guests to customize their slices. The crispy tortilla crust and flavorful layers of beans, beef, and cheese will be a hit with everyone at the gathering.

For a satisfying weeknight dinner, pair the Mexican pizzas with a side of Mexican rice and a simple salad. The combination of textures and flavors will make for a delicious and well-rounded meal that the whole family will enjoy. To add a fresh touch, garnish the pizzas with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

FAQs for Homemade Copycat Mexican Pizza Recipe

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that corn tortillas may result in a slightly different texture compared to the crispy flour tortillas.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using additional beans or a meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Can I bake the Mexican pizzas instead of frying them for a healthier option?

While frying the tortillas gives them a crispy texture, you can bake the Mexican pizzas in the oven for a healthier alternative. Brush the assembled pizzas with a little oil and bake them at a high temperature until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I freeze these Mexican pizzas for later?

It’s not recommended to freeze these Mexican pizzas as they may become soggy when reheated. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for the best crispy texture and flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your own Copycat Mexican Pizza at home is not only a fun and rewarding cooking project but also a delicious way to enjoy a beloved fast food favorite with a homemade twist. The crispy texture of the fried tortillas, the flavorful layers of beans, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese truly make this dish a winner for family meals, gatherings, or game day snacks.

Remember, don’t skip the essential step of frying the tortillas for that perfect crunch that sets this Copycat Mexican Pizza apart from the rest. Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it spicy with jalapeños or prefer a lighter version with ground turkey or chicken. Embrace the flexibility of this recipe and have fun experimenting with different variations to create your own signature Copycat Mexican Pizza. Keep delighting your loved ones with this homemade treat that will have them craving more and forgetting all about the fast food chain version. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Copycat Mexican Pizza!

Homemade Copycat Mexican Pizza Recipe

Homemade Copycat Mexican Pizza: Crispy fried tortillas topped with seasoned beef, beans, two sauces, and gooey cheese – better than the fast-food original!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineMexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 Mexican pizzas)

Ingredients

Base Components

• 8 8-inch flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked Mexican-seasoned ground beef
• 1 cup refried beans, warmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce and Cheese

• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup red enchilada sauce
• ½ cup taco sauce

Toppings

• 3 tablespoons black olives, sliced
• 3 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• ½ cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prep and Fry Tortillas: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
   2. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
   3. Fry tortillas one at a time for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
   4. Drain fried tortillas on paper towel-lined plates.
2. Start Building the Base: Arrange 4 fried tortillas on a large baking sheet. Spread warmed refried beans evenly over each tortilla, followed by cooked Mexican-seasoned ground beef.
3. Add First Cheese Layer: Top each pizza with half of the mozzarella cheese over the beef layer to help secure the toppings before adding the second tortilla.
4. Add Top Layer and Sauce: Top each pizza base with 4 fried tortillas. In a small bowl, combine taco sauce and enchilada sauce, then spread 2 tablespoons of the mixture over each tortilla.
5. Add Final Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Mexican cheese blend over the sauced tortillas, ensuring all edges are covered.
6. Bake and Garnish: Bake for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. Cut into quarters and serve hot.