The first time I bit into a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza after it returned to the menu, I was hit with a wave of pure, crispy, messy nostalgia. But between the drive-thru line and the craving striking at odd hours, I knew I had to recreate it at home. My kitchen became a delicious experiment zone. The moment the scent of sizzling beef seasoned with those familiar spices hit the air, and I heard the satisfying sizzle of a tortilla frying, I knew I was onto something special. This recipe is my lovingly crafted, from-scratch homage to that fast-food icon, and trust me, the joy of assembling and devouring your own version is even better than unwrapping the original.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this recipe because it takes that iconic fast-food flavor and gives you total control. You can make it cheesier, spicier, or crispier to suit your exact cravings. It’s a fun, hands-on cooking project that’s incredibly satisfying to put together, and the result is a restaurant-worthy meal that will absolutely wow your family or friends. Plus, once you see how simple the process is, you’ll never want to go through the drive-thru for one again.
Ingredients
- 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 pound lean ground beef (I use 85/15)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (mild or medium, your choice!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 large tomato, finely diced
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional, but highly recommended for authenticity)
- Neutral oil for frying (like canola or vegetable oil)
Let’s talk about a few key players here. Don’t skip frying the tortillas—it makes a huge difference. That crisp base is non-negotiable for the authentic texture. For the refried beans, I’ve found traditional-style works better than the fat-free variety, which can be too pasty. And while a pre-made taco seasoning packet is perfect for that signature flavor, if you’re out, I can tell you from testing that a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne works in a pinch. Trust me, using both cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a far superior melt and flavor than pre-shredded “taco blend” cheese.
(See the next page below to continue…)