For the Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Sliced jalapeños, optional
  • Sour cream, optional
  • Fresh cilantro, optional

Flour or Corn Tortillas?

This is one of those questions that comes down to personal preference.

Flour tortillas can give you a sturdy, crisp base and are easy to find.

Corn tortillas bring a more pronounced toasted corn flavor and a texture that's closer to a traditional tostada.

If you're aiming for a restaurant-style copycat, choose the tortilla that gives you the texture you enjoy most.

The important part is getting them crispy.

Kitchen Tools You'll Need

Keep it simple:

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray
  • Spatula
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

How to Make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Add the taco seasoning and water.

Stir well and simmer for a few minutes until the beef is flavorful and the liquid has mostly cooked away.

Set aside.

Step 2: Warm the Refried Beans

Place the refried beans in a small saucepan over low heat.

Add a tablespoon or two of water and stir until the beans become smooth and spreadable.

You don't want them runny.

You just want them soft enough to spread easily across the tortillas.

Step 3: Crisp the Tortillas

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with oil.

Place them on a baking sheet.

Bake for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until they're golden and crisp.

Keep a close eye on them toward the end because tortillas can go from perfectly crisp to overly browned quickly.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Place one crispy tortilla on your work surface.

Spread a layer of refried beans over the top.

Leave a small border around the edge.

Step 5: Add the Beef

Spoon seasoned ground beef over the beans.

Spread it into an even layer.

Don't pile the beef too high or the pizza can become difficult to eat.

Step 6: Add the Second Tortilla

Place another crispy tortilla on top.

Press down very gently.

You want the layers to sit together without crushing the tortilla.

Step 7: Add the Sauce

Spread a thin layer of red taco sauce or enchilada sauce over the top tortilla.

This is where that classic pizza-like appearance starts to happen.

Step 8: Add Plenty of Cheese

Sprinkle shredded Mexican-blend cheese generously over the sauce.

You can also use a combination of:

  • Cheddar
  • Monterey Jack
  • Colby Jack
  • Pepper Jack

If you like your Mexican pizza extra cheesy, I fully support adding a little more!

Step 9: Bake

Return the assembled pizzas to the oven.

Bake for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For a little extra browning, you can briefly place them under the broiler.

If you do, watch them closely.

Cheese can burn surprisingly fast.

Step 10: Add the Fresh Toppings

Remove the pizzas from the oven.

Top with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions.

Add jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, or other toppings if desired.

Slice into wedges and serve immediately.

Tips for the Crispiest Mexican Pizza

Don't Skip Crisping the Tortillas

This is one of the most important steps.

Soft tortillas won't give you that signature crunchy texture.

Don't Overload the Layers

It can be tempting to add mountains of beef and beans.

But too much filling can make the tortillas soggy and difficult to eat.

A thin, even layer works best.

Keep the Sauce Layer Thin

You want flavor without drowning the crispy tortilla.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Freshly shredded cheese usually melts beautifully.

Pre-shredded cheese can still work, but it may not melt quite as smoothly.

Serve Immediately

Mexican pizza is at its absolute best while the tortillas are still crisp and the cheese is hot and gooey.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

Don't have a packet of taco seasoning?

No problem!

Mix together:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you like extra heat.

Mexican Pizza Variations

Once you've mastered the basic version, have some fun with it!

Spicy Mexican Pizza

Use hot taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and sliced jalapeños.

Chicken Mexican Pizza

Replace the ground beef with shredded seasoned chicken.

Vegetarian Mexican Pizza

Skip the meat and add extra beans, black beans, corn, peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.

Supreme-Style Mexican Pizza

Add:

  • Diced onions
  • Black olives
  • Jalapeños
  • Extra tomatoes
  • Sour cream

Extra-Cheesy Version

Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack.

Because sometimes more cheese really is the answer.

What to Serve With Mexican Pizza

Mexican pizza can easily stand alone, but a few sides turn it into a complete meal.

Try serving it with:

  • Mexican rice
  • Refried beans
  • Black beans
  • Corn salad
  • Guacamole
  • Fresh salsa
  • Pico de gallo
  • Tortilla chips
  • Avocado salad

And don't forget a little hot sauce for anyone who likes extra spice!

Can You Make Mexican Pizza Ahead?

You can prepare several components ahead of time.

Cook the beef and refrigerate it in an airtight container.

You can also prepare the bean mixture and chop the toppings in advance.

For the best texture, wait to crisp and assemble the tortillas until you're ready to eat.

That keeps the tortilla layers crunchy.

How to Store Leftovers

Mexican pizza is best fresh, but leftovers can be stored.

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Keep in mind that the tortillas will soften in the refrigerator.

How to Reheat

For the best chance of bringing back some crispness, reheat Mexican pizza in:

  • An oven
  • Toaster oven
  • Air fryer

Avoid relying solely on the microwave if crispiness is important to you.

The microwave will heat it quickly, but the tortilla can become soft.

Can You Freeze Mexican Pizza?

You can freeze the cooked beef and bean mixture separately, but freezing fully assembled Mexican pizzas isn't ideal because the tortilla texture can suffer.

For a better freezer-friendly option, freeze the cooked seasoned beef in a freezer-safe container and prepare fresh tortillas and toppings when you're ready to make the pizzas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas?

Yes! Corn tortillas are an excellent option and give the Mexican pizza a delicious toasted-corn flavor.

Why did my Mexican pizza turn soggy?

The most common reason is that the tortillas weren't crisp enough before assembly or too much sauce and filling was added.

Make sure the tortillas are thoroughly crisp and keep the layers relatively thin.

Can I make this without ground beef?

Absolutely. Try shredded chicken, ground turkey, black beans, or seasoned vegetables.

What cheese is best for Mexican pizza?

A Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack all work well. Pepper Jack is excellent if you want some heat.

Can I air fry the tortillas?

Yes. Air frying is a great way to crisp tortillas. Work in batches if necessary and keep an eye on them because they can brown quickly.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely. Replace the ground beef with additional beans or seasoned vegetables.

Can I add sour cream?

Of course! Add small dollops of sour cream just before serving.

What sauce should I use?

A red taco sauce or mild enchilada sauce works well. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Mexican pizzas
Category: Dinner / Copycat Recipe
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Approximate Nutrition

Nutritional values will vary depending on the tortillas, ground beef, cheese, toppings, and portion sizes used.

Per serving, one Mexican pizza may contain approximately:

  • Calories: 500–650
  • Protein: 25–32g
  • Carbohydrates: 45–55g
  • Fat: 25–35g
  • Fiber: 7–9g
  • Sodium: 1,000–1,500mg

These figures are estimates rather than laboratory-tested values.

Leave a Review!

Did you make this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza copycat recipe?

I'd love to hear how it turned out!

Did you use flour or corn tortillas? Did you make it spicy? Maybe you added jalapeños, guacamole, or extra cheese?

Leave a review and tell me what you changed.

And if you take a photo, save it to Pinterest and share it so other Mexican-pizza lovers can find this recipe too!

More Taco-Inspired Recipes to Try

If you're in the mood for more easy Tex-Mex-inspired comfort food, try:

  • Cheesy Beef Taco Pockets
  • Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls
  • Homemade Taco Casserole
  • Chicken Enchilada Casserole
  • Loaded Beef Nachos
  • Easy Chicken Quesadillas
  • Cheesy Taco Pasta

The Homemade Mexican Pizza Everyone Will Love

There is just something about that first bite of a crispy Mexican pizza.

You get the crunch of the tortilla.

Then the creamy beans.

The seasoned beef.

The tangy red sauce.

And finally, that glorious layer of melted cheese.

It's messy in the best possible way—and completely satisfying.

The beauty of making it at home is that you can customize every single one.

Want extra cheese?

Go for it.

Love spicy food?

Pile on the jalapeños.

Prefer chicken instead of beef?

Easy!

Want a vegetarian version?

You've got it.

That's the fun of homemade Mexican pizza.

So skip the drive-thru tonight, crisp up some tortillas, and make a batch for the family.

Just be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds! 

;