Craving that iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home I have fine-tuned this recipe after many rounds in my own kitchen and the result brings all those cheesy spicy crunchy memories right to your dinner table It is ideal for family nights or sharing with friends and stands up to the real thing in every bite
My family devours this every time I make it and even my pickiest eater gets excited for home taco pizza night I remember the first time I served this and everyone looked so happily surprised I have not stopped making it since
Ingredients
- Small flour tortillas: give the signature crispy layered base Choose the softest you can find for best results
- Ground beef: brings that hearty filling Classic 80 20 blend has the perfect amount of richness
- Taco seasoning mix: delivers classic Tex Mex flavor Look for one with real spices not just salt and fillers
- Refried beans: act as the glue for the layers Opt for creamy style and warm them before spreading
- Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese: provide that gooey stretchy melt Buy block cheese and shred it fresh
- Diced tomatoes: add bright juicy freshness Be sure to drain off excess juice so the pizza does not get soggy
- Sliced black olives: deliver salty brininess Choose pitted and sliced for extra convenience
- Sliced green onions: give a pop of color and a mild crisp onion bite Pick vibrant green stalks
- Diced green chilies: bring gentle heat Totally optional but I love the extra kick
- Cooking oil: is for frying the tortillas Use a neutral oil like canola
- Mayonnaise: forms the base of the creamy Taco Bell style sauce Go for full fat for richness
- Diced pickled jalapeños: add tang and spice I sometimes use mild for a family friendly version
- Sugar cumin paprika garlic powder cayenne pepper: blend together for that sauce’s signature tangy warmth
- Salt: is the final flavor booster Taste and adjust as you go
Instructions
- Make the Taco Bell Style Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl stir together mayonnaise pickled jalapeños sugar cumin paprika garlic powder cayenne pepper and salt Blend until completely smooth Taste and adjust heat level Chill until ready to use
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks Drain off any excess fat for a less greasy pizza
- Season the Beef:
- Add taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef Stir together and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture has thickened and is fragrant This step ensures the meat’s savory flavor permeates every bite
- Fry the Tortillas:
- Pour a thin layer of oil into a skillet and heat over medium high Once hot fry each tortilla for about one to two minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp Use tongs for flipping and drain each cooked tortilla on paper towels to keep them crispy
- Layer One Beans:
- Spread a generous layer of warmed refried beans evenly onto one tortilla Press right to the edges for even coverage The beans will help the layers stick together
- Layer Two Beef:
- Place a second crispy tortilla on top of the beans and gently press Spread a good layer of seasoned ground beef over this tortilla Try to keep as even as possible without overfilling
- Layer Three Sauce and Cheese:
- Top the beef with a third tortilla and spread a thick layer of Taco Bell style sauce over the surface Sprinkle freshly shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly on top for irresistible melt
- Add Fresh Toppings:
- Scatter diced tomatoes sliced black olives green onions and if desired green chilies across the cheesy top These add brightness color and a bit of crunch
- Broil and Crisp:
- Slide the assembled pizza onto a baking sheet and place under the broiler Watch closely for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the edges brown slightly Remove when it looks irresistibly melty
- Slice and Serve:
- Let the pizza rest for a minute before cutting into wedges This keeps all the layers intact Serve with extra sauce on the side if you love extra dip
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