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Taco Bell Copycat Recipe: The Discontinued Mexican Pizza at Home | Eatin’ With Ella

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to sink your teeth into Taco Bell’s beloved Mexican Pizza, you’ll know why it became a fan favourite over the years. This delicious combination of crispy tortilla, seasoned beans, hearty ground beef, zesty sauce, and melted cheese is hard to resist. However, with Taco Bell sadly discontinuing this iconic item, many fans have been left craving that unique flavour. But fret not! Today, we’re recreating this delectable delight at home with a simple and easy recipe, so you can enjoy Mexican Pizza any time you like.

Ingredients

For the Taco Pizza Base:

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup of vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup of refried beans (canned or homemade)
• 1 pound (450g) of ground beef (or your choice of protein)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• ½ cup of water
• 1 cup of salsa (preferably a mild variety)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Jalapeños, sliced (optional for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Fry the Tortillas: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add one tortilla and fry for about 45 seconds to 1 minute on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Repeat with the second tortilla.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Brown the Beef: In a separate skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat.
2. Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Layer the Base: On one of the crispy fried tortillas, spread half of the refried beans evenly across the surface.
2. Add the Beef: Top the beans with half of the seasoned beef mixture, followed by a generous layer of salsa.
3. Cheese It Up: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top of the salsa.
4. Top Layer: Place the second fried tortilla on top to form a “pizza”. Repeat the layering on the top tortilla (refried beans, beef, salsa, and cheese).

Step 4: Bake

1. Melt the Cheese: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled Mexican Pizza on a baking tray and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sliced jalapeños, if using. Slice into wedges and serve hot!

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Pizza

• Bean Choices: If you wish to make it vegetarian, simply skip the beef and double the bean layer, or add your favourite vegetables.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a richer flavour – a Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice kick.
• Taco Sauce: Consider drizzling more homemade taco sauce or sour cream over the top before serving for an extra zesty finish.

Conclusion

With this Taco Bell copycat recipe for Mexican Pizza, you can easily recreate and enjoy this much-loved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for a casual dinner or a fun snack, this homemade version promises to satisfy your cravings whenever they strike. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and indulge in a taste of Taco Bell that you can make yourself – it’s bound to be a hit!

Happy cooking with Eatin’ With Ella! Enjoy your culinary adventure!