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A close-up of a homemade Mexican Pizza on a wooden board, topped with cheese, tomatoes, olives, and avocado.

Taco Bell Copycat Mexican Pizza

Recreate the iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home with crispy tortillas, savory seasoned beef, refried beans, a zesty 'pizza' sauce, and melted cheese, finished with fresh toppings for an irresistible meal.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 pizzas
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Seasoned Beef
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 lean preferred
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Mix (approx. 1 oz)
  • 1/2 cup Water
For the 'Pizza' Sauce
  • 8 oz Tomato Sauce canned
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin ground
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Sugar
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper optional, for heat
For Assembly & Toppings
  • 8 count Flour Tortillas 6-inch, taco-sized
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil for pan-frying, or cooking spray for air fryer
  • 1 can Refried Beans 16 oz
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend or Colby-Jack
  • 1 Tomato diced
  • 2 tbsp Green Onions sliced, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream for serving, optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Air Fryer
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Prepare the Seasoned Beef
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly absorbed and the beef is well-coated. Set aside.
Make the 'Pizza' Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and flavors have melded, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare the Crispy Tortilla Shells (Choose Method)
  1. Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray each tortilla on both sides with cooking spray. Place 1-2 tortillas in the air fryer basket (do not overlap). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with remaining tortillas. (Alternatively, bake at 375°F/190°C for 5-7 minutes per side on a baking sheet until crisp).
  2. Pan-Fry Method: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortillas one at a time for 30-60 seconds per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Add more oil as needed. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Warm the Refried Beans
  1. Warm the refried beans in the microwave or a small saucepan until heated through and easily spreadable.
Assemble the Mexican Pizzas
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare your air fryer. Lay four of the crispy tortillas on a baking sheet or air fryer rack.
  2. Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans evenly over each of the four tortillas. Top with an even layer of the seasoned ground beef.
  3. Place the remaining four crispy tortillas on top of the beef layer, creating a sandwich. Spread a generous amount of the homemade 'pizza' sauce over these top tortillas.
  4. Sprinkle each pizza evenly with the shredded Mexican cheese blend.
Bake/Air Fry to Melt Cheese
  1. Oven Method: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
  2. Air Fryer Method: Air fry one or two pizzas at a time at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Carefully remove the Mexican Pizzas. Garnish with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions. Add a dollop of sour cream on top if desired.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Copycat Mexican Pizza!

Notes

For best results, keep the tortillas and assembled pizzas warm while working in batches. You can also customize toppings with pickled jalapeños, black olives, or hot sauce. If you prefer a softer shell, lightly warm the tortillas instead of crisping them completely.