Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Copycat Recipe

One of Taco Bell's most iconic menu items is Mexican Pizza. It consists of ground beef, refried beans, crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and tomatoes. Moreover, the Mexican Pizza's cult-like menu status is partly due to its easy customization. In fact, if you order a veggie Mexican pizza without the shredded cheese, it is a suitable vegan option.

If you recall the days when you could add green onions and black olives to your Mexican pizza, you will be pleased to learn that this copycat recipe allows you to do so once more. Similar to the original, this copycat recipe can be tailored to match your and your family's food preferences.

What is the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?

The classic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza includes seasoned beef and refried beans layered between two fried flour tortillas. It is then topped with pizza sauce, a three-cheese blend, and fresh diced tomatoes. Additionally, there's a vegetarian version of the Mexican pizza, which, as previously mentioned, can be customized to suit your personal ingredient preferences.

This menu item was first introduced in 1985 as “Pizzazz Pizza” but was later renamed “Mexican Pizza” in 1988. The renaming may have been due to a 1985 lawsuit in which a local pizzeria sued Taco Bell's then-owner, PepsiCo, citing trademark infringement.

For years, Mexican pizza has been one of the most popular items on the menu at Taco Bell. It became especially popular among South Asian Americans because the beef could be substituted with beans, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.

Why Did Taco Bell Remove the Mexican Pizza from its Menu?

Taco Bell removed the Mexican Pizza from its menu in 2020 as the company began streamlining to “provide a more efficient restaurant experience.” The chain also cited environmental concerns about its paperboard packaging. In response, Krish Jagirdar, a vegetarian Indian American, started a Change.org petition for Taco Bell to reinstate it, which received over 170,000 signatures.

The Mexican Pizza made a comeback to the Taco Bell menu in 2022 and received an overwhelming response from customers. In fact, one customer even placed an order for 180 Mexican Pizzas at once. Now, Taco Bell says that the Mexican Pizza will be a permanent item on the menu.

What are the Ingredients in the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?

To make your own Mexican Pizza at home, you will need the following ingredients.

• Small flour tortillas – You may want to use a non-stick skillet to keep the tortillas from sticking to the pan.
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
• 1 pound of ground beef – The great thing about making this copycat recipe at home is that you can use any type of ground meat. So, if you do not like ground beef, consider using ground turkey or even chicken. For vegetarians, use a meat substitute or the beans of your choice.
• 1 packet of taco seasoning – You can use any taco seasoning. You can even make your own. 
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Optional toppings – black olives, diced green onions, sour cream, salsa

With these basic ingredients, follow the recipe below to create your ideal copycat version of Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza.

What Can I Serve with Mexican Pizza?

Here are some side serving ideas for your next Mexican pizza dinner.

• Chips and Dip – We recommend this delicious Taco Dip recipe.
• Cocktails – You can enjoy a fruity cocktail with your copycat Mexican pizza, including fresh sangria or a Blue Lagoon. Of course, margaritas are perfectly fine, too.
• Guacamole – Guacamole made with fresh avocados is another great topping for your Mexican pizza.
• Salsa -Any salsa would pair nicely with your homemade Mexican Pizza, but we suggest trying it with a side of a fruit-based salsa, like a mango or peach salsa.

Final Thoughts

Since 1985, Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza has been a beloved menu choice among its customers. After disappearing for two years, the chain permanently brought Mexican Pizza back to its menu in 2022. During that time, many copycat recipes appeared online to comfort those who missed this iconic menu item.

Now, you can make your own Mexican Pizza at home and customize it with your favorite ingredients while saving money by not eating out. Complete your meal with our delicious sides and a cocktail, and you may not want to go back to Taco Bell for the original Mexican Pizza.

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Copycat Recipe

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• Author: Bobbie Morris
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 4

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Description

Our simple copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe offers a quick and delicious alternative to the fast-food favorite. Furthermore, you can customize this recipe to suit your family's preferences.

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Ingredients

– 8 small flour tortillas
– 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional toppings: diced green onions, sour cream, salsa

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and add the taco seasoning according to packet instructions. Set aside.
3. Heat the refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl until warm.
4. In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. Fry each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes on each side until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
6. To assemble each Mexican pizza, spread a layer of refried beans on one tortilla, followed by a layer of seasoned ground beef.
7. Place another tortilla on top and spread a layer of diced tomatoes and sliced black olives (if using) over the beef.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
9. Repeat to make another Mexican pizza.
10. Place assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot with optional toppings like diced green onions, sour cream, and salsa.

• Prep Time: 10-15 Minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 Minutes in the oven

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Leigh Loftus/Shutterstock.com.