Copycat Mexican Pizza

This Mexican pizza became my answer when Taco Bell temporarily removed it from their menu and my husband kept complaining about missing his favorite fast food item. I figured if I could recreate it at home, we'd save money and probably get something that tasted better anyway. Turns out frying your own tortillas makes a huge difference, they get this perfect crispy texture that's way better than whatever Taco Bell uses.

My teenage daughter was skeptical when I told her I was making Taco Bell food at home, but after her first bite she admitted it was actually better than the restaurant version. Now she requests these for weekend lunches with her friends, which is saying something since she usually prefers ordering takeout to anything I make.

What You'll Need

• Eight-inch flour tortillas: The size matters for getting the proportions right
• Refried beans: Warm them up so they spread easily without tearing the tortillas
• Mexican-seasoned ground beef: Make your own or use leftover taco meat you have on hand
• Taco sauce and enchilada sauce: Mixing these creates that distinctive flavor
• Two different cheeses: Mozzarella for melting and Mexican blend for flavor
• Fresh toppings: Diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions for that authentic finish

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How to Make Them

Fry the tortillas:

Heat oil in a skillet and fry each tortilla until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain them on paper towels while you work.

Layer the bottom:

Place four fried tortillas on a baking sheet and spread with warm refried beans, then add the seasoned ground beef and half the mozzarella cheese.

Add the top layer:

Put the remaining fried tortillas on top of each stack, then mix the taco sauce and enchilada sauce together and spread over each one.

Finish with cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Mexican cheese blend over the tops.

Bake briefly:

Just 3-4 minutes at 400 degrees until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.

Add fresh toppings:

Top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and sliced green onions, then cut into quarters and serve hot.

I tried to shortcut the tortilla frying step once by just using them straight from the package, and the whole thing turned into a soggy mess. The frying step really is essential for getting that crispy texture that makes these special instead of just weird taco layer things.

Serving Ideas

These work great cut into quarters as appetizers for parties, or serve whole ones as a main dish with some Mexican rice and a simple salad. They're also perfect for game day snacks since they're easy to eat with your hands and don't make too much mess.

Ways to Change It Up

Try using different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety. You could add jalapeños if your family likes heat, or use different toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or lettuce. Ground turkey or chicken works instead of beef if you want something lighter.

Storage Reality

These are definitely best eaten right away while the tortillas are still crispy. They don't keep well as leftovers because everything gets soggy, so plan to eat them fresh. You can prep all the components ahead of time and just assemble and bake when you're ready to eat.

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This recipe has become our go-to when we want that fast food taste without actually having to leave the house or spend the money. There's something really satisfying about making something at home that tastes better than what you can buy, especially when it doesn't require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Every time I make these, someone mentions how much better they are than the restaurant version.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying them?

Yes! Brush tortillas with oil and bake at 400°F for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy. Frying gives better texture, but baking works too.

→ What kind of ground beef seasoning should I use?

Use a packet of taco seasoning or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook according to package directions.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving to keep the tortillas crispy. The fried tortillas can be made earlier in the day.

→ What if I don't have enchilada sauce?

You can use all taco sauce, or substitute with salsa or even a little hot sauce mixed with tomato sauce for similar flavor.

→ How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Make sure to fry them until really crispy and don't overload with wet toppings. Warm the refried beans so they spread easier without tearing the tortilla.

→ Can I make a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and add extra beans, or use seasoned black beans, grilled vegetables, or plant-based ground meat substitute.