If you’re a fan of the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, this is for you!
To recreate the beloved flavors of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, we’ll give you a list of essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this delicious pizza at home.
Table of Contents
What is Taco Bell Mexican Pizza?
Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza is a beloved dish that fuses Tex-Mex flavors with the ease of pizza. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Taco Bell CEO Mr. King stating that ‘it was time-consuming to make’ and that there was a need to simplify their menu. Read the details of the announcement here.
However, it seems the beloved pizza will be making a return later this year.
The Mexican Pizza consists of two crispy tortillas layered with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese. It’s then topped off with zesty taco sauce and green onions for an extra kick of flavor.
A Brief Taco Bell History
The origin story behind Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza dates back to when Glen Bell first founded his chain in 1962. Inspired by Italian-American pizzas’ popularity combined with traditional Tex-Mex ingredients found in dishes like enchiladas or quesadillas, Glen decided on creating something unique – thus giving birth to what we now know as “Mexican Pizza.”
Glen sought to set himself apart from other fast-food restaurants by introducing a unique fusion dish combining the flavors of Italian-American pizza and Tex-Mex cuisine.
This innovative dish quickly gained a loyal following and has since become one of Taco Bell’s most iconic menu items.
Although the Mexican Pizza may no longer be available at Taco Bell, its legacy lives on through the countless home cooks who continue to recreate this delicious fusion dish in their own kitchens. Check out this recipe that claims to recreate the taste and texture of the original.
Ingredients Needed for a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Craving a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza but want to make it at home? Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tortillas: 2 medium-sized flour tortillas per pizza. Choose high-quality tortillas for the best results.
New to making your own tortilla pizza dough? No worries! Follow this easy guide. - Ground beef: Use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles.
- Taco seasoning: Store-bought or make your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Refried beans: Canned or homemade using pinto beans.
- Salsa or enchilada sauce: Mild or spicy, your choice.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar jack mixtures like Monterey Jack Colby blends.
Optional Toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sliced olives
- Diced onions
- Jalapeno peppers (pickled or fresh)
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Making Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (step-by-step)
- Cook the meat: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat and add taco seasoning according to package instructions.
- Prepare the tortillas: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the tortillas in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5 minutes to achieve crispness.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread a layer of refried beans on each tortilla, followed by a layer of cooked meat. Add a second tortilla on top of the meat layer. Spread a layer of diced tomatoes atop the second tortilla, followed by sprinkling sliced green onions and olives (if desired).
- Bake the pizza: Bake the assembled pizzas in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza.
Extra Tips for Making the Perfect Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Follow these additional tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies = better flavor. Ensure the tomatoes and green onions are of top-notch quality.
- Crispy tortillas: No one likes a soggy pizza. Make sure your tortillas are crispy before assembling.
- Sauce consistency: The sauce is key. Make sure it’s just the right thickness by adjusting with water or tomato paste.
- Balanced seasoning: Don’t overdo it on any one flavor. Balance is key.
- Cheese selection: Choose a good quality shredded cheese blend like cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, or a three-cheese blend that can add a delicious touch.
If you are feeling super inspired, make your own veggie pizza using this easy veggie pizza guide.
Create Your Own Toppings Combination
Get creative with your own ideas too! Here are some ingredients for inspiration:
- Add black beans or refried beans for extra protein and flavor.
- Swap out ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even tofu crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, jalapenos, olives, or corn to add more color and texture to your pizza.
- Spice up your sauce by adding chipotle pepper to adobo sauce or hot sauce.
Now that you have the tips and tricks, go ahead and make your perfect Taco Bell Mexican Pizza tonight.
Can Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the Mexican pizza. It can be frozen for up to an average of 2 months.
It is essential to take certain steps in order to guarantee the best flavor and texture when reheating after freezing.
How to Freeze Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Cool it down: Let the pizza cool down completely at room temperature before freezing to prevent condensation from forming during the freezing process.
- Wrap it up: Wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn and maintain its freshness. Make sure there are no air pockets between the wrapping material and the food.
- Store it right: Place the wrapped slices into an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag to provide extra protection against moisture loss and keep any odors contained within. Label the container with the contents (Mexican pizza) and the date of storage to be safe.
Taco Bell’s Mexican pizzas should remain fresh in your freezer for up to three months if stored properly, following these guidelines. When you are ready to enjoy your pizza again, simply follow our tips below on how long it takes to reheat it.
Note that freezing and reheating any type of pizza may result in some changes to the texture or taste. However, by following these storage tips and proper reheating methods, your frozen Taco Bell Mexican Pizza should still be an enjoyable meal to feed your craving.
How Long to Reheat Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell
When reheating frozen pizza, it’s important to do it right to maintain its delicious taste and texture. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the pizza: Place the frozen pizza slices on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- Bake it: Bake the pizza for 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
Gas Oven:
If you’re using a gas oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza on an oven-safe dish or tray lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Once the oven is heated, put the pizza inside and let it bake for about 10–12 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Conventional Oven:
For a conventional oven, set the temperature at 375°F (190°C). Before baking, place the Mexican pizza on an aluminum foil-lined sheet or dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 8–10 minutes, until hot and crisp.
Reheating times may vary depending on the thickness of your pizza and the accuracy of your oven’s temperature. Monitor the reheating procedure carefully, since you don’t want to end up with a scorched Mexican pizza.
If you’re in a hurry or don’t have access to an oven, using a microwave is also an option. However, microwaving can make the crust soggy rather than crispy. To reheat, place the pizza on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes to achieve the desired warmth.
Remember to store leftover Taco Bell Mexican Pizza properly by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigeration or freezing.
In Summary
- Gather your ingredients, including ground beef, taco seasoning, refried beans, tortillas, and cheese.
- Cook the ground beef and mix in the taco seasoning.
- Spread the refried beans on a tortilla and top with the seasoned beef.
- Add another tortilla on top and bake in the oven until crispy.
- Sprinkle with cheese and any other toppings you desire.
Not only is it delicious, but making it at home is also a fun activity for the whole family.
So skip the drive-thru and impress your friends with your homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza skills.
