Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (How to Make in Air Fryer)
This Air Fryer Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe is so easy to make, and it tastes just like the real thing! You will love this pizza recipe!
If you love Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, then this is the recipe that you want to make as soon as possible for the whole family to enjoy. The best thing about this Taco Bell copycat recipe is that you can make it at home without leaving your house!
Enjoyed this recipe? You might like some more Tex-Mex food such as Enchilada Pie Casserole with Hatch Chiles or a simple Creamy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Enchiladas for main course ideas.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Crescent Taco Casserole recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe…
- Easy to Make – The best part about this Mexican Pizza Recipe is that it only takes 15 minutes to make!
- Save Money – This copycat Taco Bell recipe will save you money by allowing you to make the Mexican Pizza at home!
- Minimum Effort/Maximum Flavor – There are very few ingredients in this dish and they are all delicious. You won’t be disappointed with this recipe!
What Is Mexican Pizza?
Mexican Pizza is a delectable fast-food fusion dish that effortlessly combines the zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine with the universally loved texture and convenience of pizza. Essentially, it features a base of crisp, lightly fried tortillas that are then layered with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and refried beans.
This hearty combination is topped with another tortilla, acting as a “lid,” which is then smothered in a vibrant, red enchilada sauce and sprinkled generously with shredded cheese. The Mexican Pizza is finished with a broil in the oven or air fryer, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey layer of deliciousness.
Finally, it’s garnished with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions, adding a fresh and slightly sharp contrast to the rich flavors beneath.
What’s In This Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Refried Beans: The creamy base acts as a glue, holding the layers together and adding a rich, savory flavor quintessential to Mexican cuisine.
- Tostadas: These crisp, flat tortillas are the foundation of the pizza, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft toppings.
- Shredded Cheese: A generous sprinkle of cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer, bringing a comforting, rich flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Salsa: Adding a tangy, slightly spicy kick, salsa infuses the pizza with moisture and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Roma Tomatoes: Diced for a garnish, these fresh tomatoes offer a juicy, sweet pop of flavor, brightening up the dish.
- Taco Meat: A packet of taco seasoning combined with cooked ground beef brings a hearty, spiced element, making the pizza satisfyingly filling and delicious.
Substitutions and Variations
- Try using refried black beans instead of the refried beans.
- You could also use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack.
- Ground turkey would work in place of ground beef if you want a healthier swap.
- Add extra toppings such as black olives, red onion, or green chiles,
- Try a Mexican cheese blend for a burst of flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Step by Step
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons of refried beans on one tostada shell.
- Add 1/4 cup of seasoned beef on top of the beans to completely cover the tostada. (Photo 1)
- Combine salsa and hot sauce in a separate bowl.
- Place another tostada shell on top of the layer of taco meat.
- Spoon a tablespoon of the salsa mixture over the second tostada shell.
- Generously top with shredded cheese before placing in the air fryer basket. (Photos 2 & 3)
- Cook at 350℉ degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes in the air fryer. (Photo 4)
- Garnish the cooked Mexican pizza with diced Roma tomatoes or your favorite taco toppings before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Seasoning: If you don’t want to use store-bought taco seasoning, you can use my homemade taco seasoning recipe.
- Spread them out: Be sure to not overcrowd your air fryer basket. You most likely will only be able to cook one Taco Bell Pizza at a time.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add olives, jalapenos, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Varieties: Mixing different types of cheese, such as a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, can elevate the flavor.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the taco meat and refried beans in advance to save time on cooking day.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the spiciness of your Mexican pizza by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa according to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients for Garnishing: Fresh green onions, cilantro, or even avocado slices add a refreshing contrast to the hearty base.
- Ensure Even Cooking: For a uniformly crispy crust, ensure that the tostadas do not overlap in the air fryer.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have an air fryer, this Mexican Pizza can also be made in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 375℉ degrees Fahrenheit.
Assemble the Mexican Pizza as directed, placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tostadas begin to turn golden brown.
For those who prefer a crisper crust, broiling it for the last 1-2 minutes can add extra crunch. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Storing Tips
Leftover Taco Bell Pizzas should be refrigerated. And, can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Leftover taco meat can also be stored separately.
To freeze leftovers, do not top with tomatoes and refrigerate instead of cooking in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Pizza pairs beautifully with a variety of sides for a complete meal experience. Consider serving it with Cilantro-Lime Rice to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
For those who enjoy a bit of extra heat, a side of Elote Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese can complement the zesty profile of the pizza. Additionally, Mango Habanero Guacamole or a tangy pico de gallo can act as both a topping and a side, offering a burst of fresh flavors.
Recipe FAQs
I would not recommend using flour tortillas because the tostada shells are so much crisper.
Yes, for a vegetarian version, simply omit the taco meat or substitute it with a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more beans or incorporate seasoned, sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers and onions for added flavor and texture.
To achieve a crispier crust in the oven, pre-bake the tostada shells on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes before assembling the pizza. This allows hot air to circulate around the tostada, crisping it up more effectively.
Absolutely! Adding a layer of cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice between the refried beans and taco meat can introduce another dimension of flavor and texture, making the pizza even more filling. Just be aware this may make the pizza a bit more challenging to eat with your hands.
One key tip is to ensure that any wet ingredients, such as garden fresh salsa or hot sauce, are spread sparingly and not too close to the edge of the tostada shells. Additionally, assembling and cooking the pizza right before serving ensures that the tostada shells retain their crunch.
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Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (How to Make in Air Fryer)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 oz (141 ¾ g) refried beans
- 8 tostadas
- 1 ½ cups (168 g) shredded cheese
- ¼ cup (65 g) salsa
- ¼ cup (59 ⅐ ml) Taco Bell hot sauce
- 2 Roma tomatoes diced to garnish
- 1 pound (453 ⅗ g) taco meat cooked
Instructions
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons of refried beans on one tostada shell.5 oz refried beans,8 tostadas
- Add 1/4 cup of seasoned beef on top of the beans to completely cover the tostada.1 pound taco meat
- Combine salsa and hot sauce in a separate bowl.¼ cup salsa,¼ cup Taco Bell hot sauce
- Place another tostada shell on top of the layer of taco meat.
- Spoon a tablespoon of the salsa mixture over the second tostada shell.
- Generously top with shredded cheese before placing in the air fryer basket.1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- Cook at 350℉ degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes in the air fryer.
- Garnish the cooked Mexican pizza with diced Roma tomatoes or your favorite taco toppings before serving.2 Roma tomatoes diced
Notes
- Seasoning: If you don’t want to use store-bought taco seasoning you can use my homemade taco seasoning recipe.
- Spread them out: Be sure to not overcrowd your air fryer basket. You most likely will only be able to cook on Taco Bell Pizza at a time.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add olives, jalapenos, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Varieties: Mixing different types of cheese, such as a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, can elevate the flavor.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the taco meat and refried beans in advance to save time on cooking day.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the spiciness of your Mexican pizza by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa according to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients for Garnishing: Fresh green onions, cilantro, or even avocado slices add a refreshing contrast to the hearty base.
- Ensure Even Cooking: For a uniformly crispy crust, ensure that the tostadas are not overlapped in the air fryer.
Nutrition Information
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