Name: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 large flour tortillas (room temperature; choose thin, pliable tortillas); 1–2 tbsp neutral oil for frying or brushing; 1/2 cup tomato sauce (smooth, slightly reduced for body); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp white vinegar; Salt to taste; 1 cup refried beans (warmed to spreadable consistency); 8 oz ground beef or plant-based crumbles (seasoned with 1 tbsp taco seasoning); 1 small onion, finely diced (sautéed until translucent); 1 cup shredded cheddar or a cheddar–Monterey Jack blend (finely shredded for even melt); 1/2 cup diced ripe tomatoes (seeds removed); 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce (very thin ribbons); Sour cream or crema, optional; Chopped cilantro, optional

Description

A crisp, layered reinterpretation of the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza for the home kitchen, balancing crunchy tortillas with flavorful beans, seasoned beef, and a bright tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large flour tortillas (room temperature; choose thin, pliable tortillas)
1–2 tbsp neutral oil for frying or brushing
1/2 cup tomato sauce (smooth, slightly reduced for body)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp white vinegar
Salt to taste
1 cup refried beans (warmed to spreadable consistency)
8 oz ground beef or plant-based crumbles (seasoned with 1 tbsp taco seasoning)
1 small onion, finely diced (sautéed until translucent)
1 cup shredded cheddar or a cheddar–Monterey Jack blend (finely shredded for even melt)
1/2 cup diced ripe tomatoes (seeds removed)
1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce (very thin ribbons)
Sour cream or crema, optional
Chopped cilantro, optional

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Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and vinegar. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 6–8 minutes.
Cook the beef: Sauté diced onion in 1 tbsp oil until translucent, then add ground beef and brown, breaking into small pieces.
Crisp the tortillas: Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with oil. Fry in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side.
Assemble the layers: On one crisped tortilla, spread warm refried beans, then layer with seasoned beef, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese, and top with a second tortilla.
Finish and melt: Transfer the assembled pizzas to a hot oven (400°F / 200°C) for 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
Garnish and serve: Flip each pizza, spoon fresh diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of sour cream; slice and serve immediately.

Notes

For crisping techniques and portion sizes, consult related methods like air-fryer salmon tacos. Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking & Frying
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pizza slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg