Mexican Pizza: The Crispy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Classic You’ll Want Every Week

Mexican pizza is pure comfort food, and this homemade version might just outshine the original. Inspired by the legendary Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, this recipe is my personal twist on a fast food favorite made with love, real ingredients, and the kind of flavor that makes the whole family ask for seconds.

Whether you’re planning taco night ideas, searching for easy taco recipes, or just craving something cheesy and crispy for a weeknight meal, this homemade Mexican pizza is your answer. With layers of refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese tucked between crispy tortillas, it’s a Tex-Mex recipe that hits every note.

I call it a family dinner recipe with personality easy enough for a busy Tuesday, special enough to become a weekly ritual. Let’s dive in!

Why This Homemade Mexican Pizza Will Become Your Family’s Favorite

This isn’t just a copycat Taco Bell pizza it’s a love letter to every crunchy, cheesy, saucy bite you remember (and crave). But here’s why I love making it at home:

  • You control the quality no mystery ingredients here.
  • It’s fast! 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • It’s fun to build with kids (especially on Taco Tuesday).
  • And let’s be honest: tortilla pizza just sounds more exciting than your usual dinner.

Plus, this recipe gives you three ways to cook it air fryer, oven, or pan-fried. However you make it, you’re getting a golden, crispy tortilla layered with tex-mex goodness.

Layered Mexican pizza with ground beef, beans, and melted cheese on crispy tortillas

Homemade Mexican Pizza – Crispy, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed

This homemade Mexican pizza is crispy, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor. Made with seasoned beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and enchilada sauce layered between crispy tortillas. A perfect weeknight meal or Taco Bell copycat dinner idea!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 4 pizzas

Equipment

  • Frying Pan or Skillet
  • Air Fryer
  • Sheet Pan
  • Spatula
  • Spoon

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 8 Flour Tortillas or corn tortillas

Filling

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  • 0.25 cup Water
  • 4 tablespoons Enchilada Sauce
  • 8 ounces Refried Beans about 1/2 can
  • 0.5 cup Shredded Cheese cheddar, mozzarella or Mexican blend

Topping

  • 4 tablespoons Enchilada Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Shredded Cheese cheddar, mozzarella or Mexican blend

Garnishes

  • 1 Tomato roma or beefsteak, seeds removed and diced
  • 1 small Red Onion diced
  • 0.25 cup Black Olives sliced
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream
  • 2 Green Onions finely diced
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The 5 Ingredients You Can’t Skip

Here’s what you’ll need for the best layered Mexican pizza and yes, my grandma always said the magic is in the little details.

  • 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if you like a toastier bite)
  • 1 lb ground beef – I use 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor
  • Refried beans – creamy, smoky, and essential
  • Taco seasoning + enchilada sauce – for that bold, saucy flavor
  • Shredded cheese – cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend (the meltier, the better!)

💡 Anna’s tip: Mix a touch of cinnamon into your beef while cooking it’s my little secret for depth, and it brings out the tex-mex spices beautifully!

How to Make Taco Bell Mexican Pizza at Home (But Better!)

This is my go-to when I want an easy copycat Taco Bell recipe without the drive-thru. Here’s how I do it:

Layered Mexican pizza with ground beef, beans, and melted cheese on crispy tortillas
Better than Taco Bell – this homemade Mexican pizza is crispy, cheesy, and perfect for taco night!
  1. Cook the Beef:
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up with a spoon no big chunks!
    Drain the grease, then stir in taco seasoning, water, and a bit of enchilada sauce. Let it simmer to soak in all that flavor.
  2. Build the Pizza Layers:
    On one tortilla, spread a spoonful of refried beans, then a scoop of the beef mixture, then cheese. Top it with another tortilla.
    Now, spread enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle more shredded cheese over it.
  3. Choose Your Cooking Method:
    • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Cook one at a time for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and tortillas are crisp.
    • Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Bake on a lined sheet pan for 8–10 minutes.
    • Skillet (my favorite): Add a splash of oil to a frying pan, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes. The bottom gets deliciously golden!
  4. Garnish and Serve:
    This is where you can really make it your own! Top with diced tomatoes, red onions, black olives, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

More tasty ideas: Sweet Potato Boats, I Knew They Were Something Special

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pizzas and refrigerate, then cook when ready. Great for busy evenings.

What’s the best way to reheat Mexican pizza?
The air fryer brings back that crispiness like magic. Otherwise, a few minutes in the oven works too.

Can I use chicken or beans instead of beef?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or black beans are great swaps. It’s one of those ground beef recipes that’s super flexible.

Do I need enchilada sauce?
Yes it’s the glue that holds the flavor together. But in a pinch, salsa or taco sauce works too.

How to make Taco Bell pizza without oven?
Use the skillet method! It’s stovetop-friendly and gives that crispy texture we all love.

Layered Mexican pizza with ground beef, beans, and melted cheese on crispy tortillas
Better than Taco Bell – this homemade Mexican pizza is crispy, cheesy, and perfect for taco night!

Your Next Taco Tuesday Just Got an Upgrade

Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding picky eaters, or just treating yourself to a taco bell style dinner at home, this Mexican pizza recipe brings joy with every crunchy, cheesy bite. It’s a comforting, familiar dish with just enough flair to keep it exciting. Think easy tex-mex dinner idea, but with a homemade heart.

So grab those tortillas, turn on your air fryer (or stove, or oven!), and let’s make dinner the most delicious part of your day.

And if you make it? Tag me I truly love seeing your creations. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking