Start with golden tortillas and stack them with beans, taco beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese. Bake till bubbly, then top with fresh veggies for a fun twist on Mexican pizza.
When Taco Bell discontinued their beloved Mexican Pizza, I set out to recreate this classic at home. After much testing, this homemade version emerged even better than the original, featuring crispy tortillas layered with seasoned beef, creamy beans, and authentic enchilada sauce.
Key Benefits
- Perfectly crispy tortillas with flavorful fillings
- Customizable ingredients and spice levels
- Family-sized portions for easy serving
This recipe has become a certified crowd-pleaser. The first time I served these, guests couldn't believe they were homemade - the authentic restaurant taste with fresher, better-quality ingredients makes all the difference.
Essential Components
- Flour tortillas - Creates the perfect crispy base layer
- Refried beans - Adds creamy texture and helps bind layers
- Enchilada sauce - Provides authentic Mexican flavor
- Cheese blend - Mix of melty cheddar and pepperjack
- Fresh garnishes - Diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions
Assembly Method
- Base Preparation
- Pre-crisp tortillas in the oven until lightly golden, flipping halfway. Watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve ideal crispness. Cool slightly before topping.
- Beef Preparation
- Simmer ground beef with taco seasoning and water for 10 minutes to develop deep flavor. Drain excess fat thoroughly. Optional green chiles add extra dimension.
- Bean Layer
- Heat refried beans until spreadable. Apply thin, even layer using circular motions. Keep layer light to maintain structural integrity.
- Construction
- Build directly on baking sheets. Layer beans, seasoned beef, second tortilla, sauce, and cheese. Ensure even distribution of toppings.
- Cheese Application
- Cover completely with cheese blend, extending to edges. Fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Final Baking
- Bake until cheese melts fully and begins bubbling at edges, about 5 minutes. Rest briefly before slicing.
Ingredients
→ Base and Protein
6 regular-sized flour tortillas1 lb of lean minced beef1 small packet (1 oz) taco seasoning1/2 cup water→ Sauces and Cheese
1 large (16 oz) can of refried beans1 small (10 oz) can of red enchilada sauce1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese→ Toppings
1 Roma tomato, chopped into small pieces1 green onion, thinly sliced1 small can of black olives, pre-sliced→ Optional Additional Toppings
Creamy sour creamRich guacamoleChopped fresh cilantroSpicy sliced jalapeños