I love the twist of this Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas recipe. Lean ground beef, refried beans, salsa and cheddar turn flour tortillas into a mix of bold flavors with diced tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions. This Easy Mexican Dinner Ideas meal stays under 400 calories for a guilt-free treat.

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I always get excited when I find a recipe that gives a new spin on a classic favorite, and my Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas is no exception. I was looking for something that fits into my busy weeknights and this dish really delivered.

I start off with 4 small flour tortillas that act as the perfect base and then layer on a can of refried beans mixed with a packet of taco seasoning. I let lean ground beef join in the fun and pour on half a cup of mild salsa to bring a tangy kick.

I top everything off with a cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese and add in some diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a couple tablespoons of chopped green onions that really make a difference. This recipe is a hit whether youre cooking for the family, looking for easy Mexican dinner ideas or even a quick meal for one.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love how easy it is to throw together since I usually have the ingredients already in my kitchen, which means I can make a quick dinner even on busy nights. Second, I like that its a healthier option with less than 400 calories so I can enjoy something tasty without feeling too guilty. Third, I enjoy mixing up the flavors—the seasoned beef, the melted cheddar, and the fresh toppings like tomatoes and lettuce all work together in a way that makes every bite exciting. Lastly, this dish reminds me of a fun twist on Taco Bell’s Mexican pizzas but lets me customize it however I want, so its totally my own creation even if its a copycat version.

Ingredients

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Flour Tortillas: they offer carbs for energy and a soft base thats perfect for any topping.
Refried Beans: they’re packed with protein and fiber, add a creamy and earthy taste.
Lean Ground Beef: provides a hearty protein punch thats essential for a filling flavor.
Mild Salsa: brings a tangy and fresh kick, balancing all the spiciness and richness.
Shredded Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese: melts smoothly and gives a mild, creamy, cheesy vibe.
Shredded Lettuce: gives a crisp crunch and vitamins, making the dish feel lighter.

Ingredient Quantities

4 small flour tortillas

1 can (about 16 oz) refried beans

1/2 lb lean ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

1/2 cup mild salsa

1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/2 cup shredded lettuce

2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional but adds extra flavor)

1-2 tablespoons sour cream

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef; cook until its brown and crumbly, drain off any extra grease.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning and mild salsa into the beef, letting it simmer for a couple minutes so all the flavors mix well.

4. Lay out the 4 small flour tortillas on the baking sheet and evenly spread the refried beans on each one using a spatula.

5. Spoon the seasoned beef over the refried beans on every tortilla making sure each gets a good amount.

6. Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese over the beef, then slide the tortillas into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

7. After taking them out, top each pizza with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and if you like, a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra flavor.

8. Finally, drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of sour cream over each pizza or serve it on the side. Enjoy your Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Nonstick skillet
5. Spatula
6. Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian instead of using beef?

A: Yeah, you sure can. Just ditch the beef and load up on more refried beans or add some extra veggies like diced bell peppers, and it still tastes awesome.

Q: Do I have to use small flour tortillas?

A: It's best to use small tortillas cause they give you that perfect crisp crust. But if you dont have them, you can carefully cut regular ones to size.

Q: What if I dont have taco seasoning on hand?

A: No worries. You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. It may not be the same, but it works well.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a quick meal later?

A: Yup, you can. Make the pizzas ahead, wrap them tightly, and pop them in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready.

Q: What are some extra toppings that go well with these Mexican pizzas?

A: Besides the standard diced tomatoes and lettuce, you can add a few slices of jalapeño or even some black olives if you're feelin adventurous.

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the small flour tortillas, you can use corn tortillas instead if you want a gluten-free option or just a different flavor.
If refried beans are not available, try mashing pinto beans or black beans – this works great and adds more texture.
Instead of lean ground beef, you could use ground turkey or chicken, and even make a bean alternative for a veggie twist.
If you’re out of mild salsa, pico de gallo or a homemade roasted tomato salsa can be a pretty tasty swap.
For the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, you might go with mozzarella or even pepper jack if you’d like a bit more spice and flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Toasting the tortillas in the oven for a minute or two before spreading the beans can help them stay crisper and not get soggy when you add all the toppings.
2. Make sure you drain the ground beef really well after cooking; any extra grease can mess up the flavors of the salsa and beans.
3. Warming up the refried beans a bit before spreading them makes it easier to spread evenly and prevents the tortillas from ripping.
4. For an extra flavor boost, try drizzling a little fresh lime juice or sprinkle some chopped cilantro after you assemble the pizzas, it really brings out the taste.

Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

305

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Nonstick skillet
5. Spatula
6. Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

4 small flour tortillas
1 can (about 16 oz) refried beans
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup mild salsa
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional but adds extra flavor)
1-2 tablespoons sour cream

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef; cook until its brown and crumbly, drain off any extra grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning and mild salsa into the beef, letting it simmer for a couple minutes so all the flavors mix well.
Lay out the 4 small flour tortillas on the baking sheet and evenly spread the refried beans on each one using a spatula.
Spoon the seasoned beef over the refried beans on every tortilla making sure each gets a good amount.
Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese over the beef, then slide the tortillas into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
After taking them out, top each pizza with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and if you like, a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Finally, drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of sour cream over each pizza or serve it on the side. Enjoy your Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.