W/W Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

by

W/W Taco Bell Mexican Pizza: A Homemade Version of the Classic Favorite 🌮🍕

The Taco Bell Mexican Pizza has been an iconic and beloved item on the Taco Bell menu for years. Known for its crispy, cheesy, saucy layers, this dish has become a comfort food for many. The good news is you don’t have to head to Taco Bell to enjoy this delicious treat! With a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can recreate this flavorful dish at home. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making the W/W Taco Bell Mexican Pizza — a homemade version that is just as delicious, if not better, than the original! 😋

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process, with all the key ingredients and tips to help you make the perfect Taco Bell-style Mexican pizza in your very own kitchen. 🌯

Ingredients:

For the Crispy Taco Shells:

  • 4 large flour tortillas 🌯 (You can use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying) 🍳
  • 1/2 tsp salt 🧂

For the Ground Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option) 🥩
  • 1 packet taco seasoning 🌶️ (or homemade seasoning blend)
  • 1/4 cup water 💧

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce 🍅 (or substitute with enchilada sauce for extra flavor)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
  • 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
  • 1/2 tsp cumin 🌿
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 🔥
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder 🌶️
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder 🧅
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity) 🍬
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

For Toppings:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives 🫒
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion 🧅
  • 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes 🍅
  • Lettuce 🥬 (optional, for garnish)
  • Sour cream 🍦 (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Taco Shells 🌯

To make the crispy taco shells for the Mexican pizza, we need to fry the flour tortillas. While this step does require a bit of oil, it’s essential for getting that perfect crispy texture that makes the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza so delicious.

  1. Heat the oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large frying pan or skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. To test the oil, drop a small piece of tortilla into it — if it sizzles, the oil is ready! 🍳

  2. Fry the tortillas: Gently place each tortilla into the hot oil and fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Use tongs to flip them carefully. Make sure they don’t become too dark or burn — we want them crispy but not overcooked. Once they’re golden and crisp, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. 🧻

  3. Season the shells: Immediately sprinkle the fried tortillas with a pinch of salt for added flavor. Set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling 🥩

The ground beef filling is a key part of the Mexican pizza’s flavor profile. You want it to be perfectly seasoned and cooked through.

  1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. If there’s excess grease, drain it off. 🍖

  2. Season the beef: Add the taco seasoning packet (or your homemade seasoning blend) to the cooked beef. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir to combine. Let the beef simmer for about 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. 🍅

  3. Set aside: Once the beef is fully cooked and seasoned, remove it from the heat and set it aside. This will be the meaty layer for your Mexican pizza.

Step 3: Make the Sauce 🍅

The sauce for the Mexican pizza ties everything together with its tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Here’s how to make a quick and easy version that’s perfect for this dish.

  1. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together until smooth. 🍅

  2. Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you want a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to spice it up. 🔥

  3. Set aside: Once your sauce is well-mixed and flavorful, set it aside. This will go on top of your crispy tortillas for that signature pizza sauce layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Mexican Pizza 🍕

Now it’s time to put everything together and create your homemade Taco Bell Mexican pizza masterpiece. The layers are what make this dish so satisfying!

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). We’ll be baking the pizzas to melt the cheese and bring everything together. 🍽️

  2. Layer the tortillas: Take two of the crispy tortillas and place them on a baking sheet. These will be your base layers. Spread a generous amount of the pizza sauce over each tortilla, making sure it’s evenly covered. 🍅

  3. Add the beef layer: Spoon the seasoned ground beef onto the sauced tortillas, spreading it evenly across the surface. This beef layer adds that meaty richness that makes the Taco Bell Mexican pizza so satisfying. 🥩

  4. Add cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top of the beef. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates a great melt and gooey texture. 🧀

  5. Top with the second tortilla: Place the second tortilla on top of the cheesy beef layer, creating the pizza “top.” You can gently press down on it to help it stick. 🍕

  6. Repeat the layers: Repeat the process for the second Mexican pizza, layering the sauce, beef, and cheese as described.

Step 5: Bake the Mexican Pizzas 🍽️

Now that the pizzas are assembled, it’s time to bake them to melt the cheese and crisp up the tortillas even more.

  1. Bake: Place the baking sheet with the assembled Mexican pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top tortilla is golden and crispy. 🧀

  2. Check for doneness: After baking, check the pizzas to make sure the cheese has fully melted and the tortillas are nice and crispy. If they need more time, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches 🍅

Once the Mexican pizzas are out of the oven, it’s time to top them with fresh ingredients and get them ready to serve.

  1. Add toppings: Top the hot pizzas with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and diced red onion for added flavor, crunch, and color. 🫒🍅🧅

  2. Garnish: If you like, you can garnish the pizzas with a handful of shredded lettuce, a drizzle of sour cream, and even a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness. 🥬🍦🌿

Step 7: Slice and Serve 🍽️

Now that your Mexican pizzas are all assembled and topped, it’s time to slice and serve! Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the pizzas into wedges, just like you would with a traditional pizza.

Serve the pizzas with a side of chips, salsa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. 🍽️

Tips and Variations:

  1. Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or refried beans to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. 🌱

  2. Customize the toppings: You can add your favorite toppings, like jalapeños, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning for extra flavor. 🌶️🥑

  3. Make it spicy: Add some hot sauce or sriracha to the pizza sauce to give it a spicy kick. 🌶️🔥

  4. Make ahead: You can prep the tortillas, ground beef, and sauce in advance, and assemble the pizzas just before baking. This makes for a great quick dinner option on busy nights. ⏳

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: ~400-500 kcal per slice (depends on toppings and portion size)
  • Protein: ~20-25g
  • Carbs: ~30g
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~4g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This homemade version of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza is a fun, customizable dish that combines the crispy layers of tortillas with savory beef, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings. Whether you’re craving comfort food, looking for a crowd-pleasing meal, or just want to recreate your favorite Taco Bell item at home, this recipe delivers.

It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be adjusted to fit your dietary preferences. Plus, making it yourself means you can control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and potentially healthier option than the fast food version. 🌮🍕

Enjoy your delicious homemade Mexican pizza — no drive-thru required! 🍽️

Leave a Comment