If you’re a fan of Taco Bell, you may be disappointed to learn that the Mexican Pizza is no longer available on the chain’s menus in the United States. However, that doesn’t mean you have to go without this delicious dish! With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of cooking know-how, you can easily make your own version of the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at home. In this article, we’ll provide a recipe for homemade Mexican Pizza and some tips for getting the perfect result.
The History of the Mexican Pizza
The Mexican Pizza is a popular menu item at Taco Bell that was first introduced in the late 1980s. It consists of a layer of refried beans and seasoned beef topped with a layer of diced tomatoes, cheese, and a crispy tortilla. It is then baked in the oven to melt the cheese and crisp up the tortilla. The Mexican Pizza was a fan favorite for many years, but was recently removed from the menu due to concerns over sustainability.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup refried beans
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 small can diced black olives (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute.
- Spread the refried beans evenly over the four tortillas.
- Top the beans with the seasoned ground beef, dividing it evenly between the four tortillas.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ground beef.
- Top the cheese with the diced tomatoes and black olives (if using).
- Place the four tortillas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
- Serve the Mexican Pizzas hot, with your choice of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Tips for the Perfect Mexican Pizza
- Use small tortillas: The smaller size of the tortillas will help to keep the layers of the pizza from becoming too thick and overwhelming.
- Experiment with toppings: While the recipe above calls for diced tomatoes and black olives, you can feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some other ideas might include diced onions, jalapeños, or bell peppers.
- Make it a little healthier: If you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, you can use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef, or opt for low-fat refried beans.
Conclusion
While the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is no longer available on the chain’s menus, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of cooking know-how, you can enjoy the flavors of this fan favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.