Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: A Delicious Guide to Ingredients and History

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: Remember the outcry when Taco Bell temporarily removed this iconic dish from their menu? The internet practically exploded! And for good reason. This isn’t just fast food; it’s a nostalgic flavor bomb that combines the best of Tex-Mex cuisine in a uniquely satisfying way. I, for one, was devastated! But fear not, fellow Mexican Pizza enthusiasts, because today, I’m sharing a recipe that allows you to recreate this beloved classic in your very own kitchen.

While not authentically “Mexican,” the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza draws inspiration from tostadas and other layered Mexican dishes. It cleverly combines crispy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and a tangy pizza sauce to create a symphony of flavors and textures. The dish first appeared on the Taco Bell menu in 1985, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, affordability, and the sheer deliciousness of the combination. The contrasting textures – the crunch of the tortillas against the creamy beans and melted cheese – are simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to eat, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack.

So, if you’re craving that familiar taste of a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, but want a homemade version that you can customize to your liking, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is easy to follow, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers that authentic Taco Bell flavor we all know and love. Get ready to experience the joy of a homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the “Pizza” Shells (Tostadas):
• 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Seasoned Ground Beef:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend, see below)
• ¾ cup water
• Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• For the Refried Beans:
• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
• 2 tablespoons water (or more, to thin)
• For the Pizza Sauce:
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• For the Cheese:
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• For the Toppings:
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions

Preparing the “Pizza” Shells (Tostadas)

Okay, let’s get started! The foundation of our Mexican Pizza is the crispy tortilla shell, acting as the “pizza” crust. We’re going to fry these up to golden perfection. Trust me, this is easier than you think!

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as it can burn the tortillas quickly.
2. Fry the Tortillas: Carefully place one or two tortillas into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the tortillas and ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
3. Drain the Excess Oil: Remove the fried tortillas from the oil using tongs and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
4. Repeat: Repeat the frying process with the remaining tortillas until you have 6 crispy tostadas. These will be the base and top layers of our Mexican Pizzas.

Making the Seasoned Ground Beef

Next up, we’re tackling the seasoned ground beef. This is a crucial element that brings that classic Taco Bell flavor. Don’t skip the seasoning – it’s what makes it special!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This step is important to prevent a greasy final product.
2. Add the Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning (either the packet or your homemade blend) and water. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the beef is nicely coated with the seasoning. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The beef should be moist but not watery.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the seasoned beef and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a little extra chili powder for more flavor.

Preparing the Refried Beans

Refried beans add a creamy, comforting layer to our Mexican Pizza. We’re going to warm them up and thin them out slightly for easy spreading.

1. Warm the Beans: In a small saucepan, combine the refried beans and water. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the beans are warmed through and slightly thinned. If the beans are too thick, add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Keep Warm: Keep the refried beans warm until ready to assemble the pizzas. You can also microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Making the Pizza Sauce

This isn’t your typical pizza sauce! We’re creating a flavorful, slightly spicy sauce that complements the other ingredients perfectly. It’s a simple sauce, but it packs a punch.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a little more chili powder for extra flavor.

Assembling the Mexican Pizzas

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where our Mexican Pizzas really start to take shape. Get ready to layer those delicious ingredients!

1. First Layer: Place three of the fried tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over each tortilla.
2. Add the Beef: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef over the refried beans on each tortilla.
3. Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce over the seasoned ground beef on each tortilla.
4. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend) over the sauce on each tortilla.
5. Second Layer: Carefully place the remaining three fried tortillas on top of the cheese-covered tortillas, creating a “sandwich.”
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce over the top tortilla of each “sandwich.” Then, sprinkle generously with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. You can also broil them for a minute or two to get the cheese extra melty and browned, but watch them carefully!
8. Add Toppings: Remove the Mexican Pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions.
9. Serve: Cut each Mexican Pizza into wedges (optional) and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! My take on the iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. I truly believe this recipe captures the essence of that craveable flavor combination we all know and love, but with a homemade touch that elevates it to a whole new level. It’s quick, it’s customizable, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy that Mexican Pizza craving without the drive-thru line.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s more than just a copycat recipe; it’s a chance to recreate a nostalgic favorite in your own kitchen, using fresh ingredients and tailoring it to your personal preferences. Forget the processed ingredients and long waits – this version is fresher, tastier, and frankly, more fun to make! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills (even if it’s a “secret” recipe!).

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature Mexican Pizza masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a spicier taco seasoning for an extra kick. You could even incorporate some chopped jalapeños into the layers.
* Go vegetarian! Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils for a delicious and protein-packed vegetarian option.
* Add some veggies! Consider adding a layer of sautéed bell peppers and onions for added flavor and texture. Corn would also be a great addition.
* Cheese, please! While the recipe calls for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, queso quesadilla, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty finish.
* Make it a party! Cut the Mexican Pizza into smaller squares and serve as appetizers at your next gathering. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
* Elevate the sauce! While the enchilada sauce works perfectly, consider making your own homemade version for an even more authentic flavor. There are tons of easy recipes online!
* Don’t forget the sides! Serve your homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo for dipping. A refreshing Mexican salad would also be a great complement.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of making your own Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun way to get creative in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of Mexican Pizza enthusiasts and inspire each other with our delicious creations! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.