If you’ve ever craved Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, this homemade version will be your new favorite! With crispy tortillas, flavorful seasoned beef, refried beans, gooey cheese, and a zesty homemade sauce, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home.
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or you’re just looking for a delicious and simple dinner idea, this Homemade Mexican Pizza is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & Quick – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
✔ Crispy & Cheesy – The perfect balance of textures and flavors.
✔ Better Than Takeout – Fresher, more flavorful, and completely customizable.
✔ Family-Friendly – Everyone can add their favorite toppings!
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for extra crunch)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once combined and warm, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain any excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tortillas on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Remove and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
- Spread refried beans evenly on four tortillas.
- Add a layer of seasoned beef on top of the beans.
- Place another tortilla on top of each to create a “pizza sandwich.”
- Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the top tortilla.
- Sprinkle with cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, and green onions.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Place the assembled pizzas back onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Slice into quarters and serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Cooking Tips & Variations
✔ Extra Crunchy Crust – Use corn tortillas and fry them in oil instead of baking for a crispier texture.
✔ Spicy Version – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the beef or sauce.
✔ Vegetarian Option – Swap out the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or grilled veggies.
✔ Loaded Version – Add toppings like grilled chicken, chorizo, or extra cheese for even more flavor.
What to Serve with Mexican Pizza
To complete your meal, try serving your Mexican Pizza with:
- Mexican Rice – A flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly.
- Guacamole & Chips – Adds a fresh and creamy contrast.
- Corn Salad – A light and zesty side to balance the richness.
- Horchata or Margaritas – For an authentic Mexican-style meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Mexican Pizza:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep it crispy, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for an extra crispy finish.
- Freezing: Assemble the pizza but don’t bake it yet. Freeze for up to 2 months, then bake when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef, sauce, and tortillas ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply assemble, bake, and enjoy.
Can I use store-bought taco sauce instead of homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought taco sauce works just as well.
What’s the best tortilla to use?
For a crispy pizza, corn tortillas are a great choice, but flour tortillas work well for a slightly softer texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free tortillas and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
Can I air fry my Mexican pizza?
Definitely! Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 4–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Mexican Pizza is the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful—a fun and delicious way to enjoy bold Mexican flavors at home. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a cheesy, satisfying meal that’s better than takeout!
Happy cooking!
