Description
This Taco Bell-inspired Mexican Pizza features a crispy tortilla crust layered with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and a colorful mix of Mexican blend cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and olives. Baked until bubbly and melty, it’s a flavorful Tex-Mex main course perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
Tortillas and Frying
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Toppings
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce or Taco Bell mild sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Sour cream and hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
- Simmer with seasoning: Add the taco seasoning mix and 2/3 cup water to the cooked beef. Stir well and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the seasoning to thicken and infuse the meat.
- Warm the refried beans: In a small saucepan, gently heat the refried beans until they become soft and easily spreadable, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Fry the tortillas: Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry each flour tortilla one at a time for about 30 to 60 seconds on each side, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pizzas.
- Assemble the pizzas: Spread a layer of warmed refried beans evenly over four tortillas. Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the beans. Place the remaining four tortillas on top to form a sandwich-like “pizza.”
- Add toppings: Spread red enchilada sauce or mild sauce over the top tortillas. Sprinkle generously with shredded Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and black olives if using.
- Bake: Place the pizzas onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, cut each pizza into quarters, and serve warm with optional sour cream and hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a quicker and healthier alternative, air-fry or toast the tortillas instead of deep-frying them.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
