Step-by-step instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Season: Add the taco seasoning mix and water, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Fry the Tortillas: Heat some cooking oil in a separate pan.
- Layer: Take a flour tortilla, spread a layer of refried beans, then a layer of the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle a layer of cheddar cheese on top, and cover with a second tortilla.
- Fry: Carefully place the layered tortilla in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Repeat this for all tortillas.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, diced pickled jalapeños, sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Serve: Once fried, drain the pizzas on paper towels. Top each one with diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and, if desired, green chilies. Drizzle with the taco sauce before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Mexican pizzas are bursting with flavors and are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve them alongside a simple salad for a balanced meal, or pair them with chips and salsa for an added crunch. They’re versatile enough that you could even make a taco bar out of them!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store any leftovers, place the pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to freeze them, layer parchment paper between pizzas to prevent sticking and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.
Helpful cooking tips
- Crispy Tortillas: Ensure your oil is adequately heated before frying to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings—avocado, sour cream, or guacamole can elevate these pizzas even further.
- Batch Cook: These pizzas freeze wonderfully, making them a great option for meal prepping.
Creative twists
You can easily modify this recipe to suit different tastes. Try using ground chicken or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter version. For a spicy kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños between the layers or switching up the cheese for pepper jack. You can also experiment with different toppings based on your favorites!
Common questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes total.
Can I store the sauce separately?
Absolutely! The taco sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for a mix of sautéed vegetables or meat alternatives, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian option.
These Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas offer a delightful taste of nostalgia while making it easy to enjoy the comfort of home-cooked meals. Enjoy!
