Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Casserole

Everything you love about a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza comes together in this comforting casserole that is layered, cheesy, and so easy to make for dinner. I have whipped this up after long days when my family craves takeout but we need a cozy homemade meal instead.

The night I first tried this version my kids were so excited they danced around the kitchen This has become our top request on busy weeknights

Ingredients

• Burrito sized tortillas or soft taco tortillas: these create that essential crunchy chewy texture go for fresh tortillas if you can
• Ground beef: classic taco filling choose lean beef for less grease and a cleaner casserole
• Taco seasoning: gives a signature zesty flavor homemade or store bought both work
• Enchilada sauce: adds sauciness and the right tang red or mild green can both fit
• Refried beans: provide creaminess and hearty protein choose no fat or vegetarian beans for lighter option
• Water: thins out the beans so they spread over the layers
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend: melts beautifully and creates a gooey top use freshly shredded cheese for best melt
• Diced tomatoes: a burst of freshness at the end try to use ripe tomatoes for juiciness
• Sliced green onions: for color and punchy flavor select firm bright green stalks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the tortillas:

Bake the tortillas flat on a large baking sheet at 350 degrees for about three minutes on each side until lightly colored and crisp Let cool and break into pieces This step intensifies flavor and builds taco crunch

Brown the meat:

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until crumbled and no longer pink Drain off extra fat This creates a flavorful meaty base and stops the casserole from being greasy

Build the sauce:

Add taco seasoning and enchilada sauce to the beef and let it simmer briefly until bubbling This infuses every bite with deep taco flavor

Thin the beans:

Warm refried beans on the stove with water to loosen their texture This makes spreading easy and keeps the casserole moist

Layer the casserole:

Spread half the taco shell pieces in a 9x13 inch baking dish Top with half the meat mixture then half the refried beans and a sprinkle of cheese Repeat the layers Finish with more cheese for bubbly goodness on top This layering ensures every bite has balanced flavor and texture

Bake and finish:

Cover with foil and bake for fifteen minutes or until hot and the cheese is melted Once out of the oven sprinkle with fresh diced tomatoes and green onions This adds color and a pop of freshness

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Refried beans are my personal favorite ingredient here their silky texture brings it all together I remember my son licking the spoon before we even finished assembling dinner

Storage Tips

Let the casserole cool completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator Slice and wrap portions in airtight containers for easy reheating It keeps well for up to three days To reheat place a piece in the microwave until bubbly or in a low oven with a bit of foil to restore the melty cheese

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or meatless crumbles if you wish Chicken works too for a lighter flavor Try black beans instead of refried for extra texture If you are sensitive to spice mild enchilada sauce and low sodium taco seasoning are best

Serving Suggestions

Pair slices of the casserole with shredded lettuce sour cream salsa or guacamole on the side It also makes a great centerpiece for a taco night alongside chips and corn salad For a complete meal add Mexican rice or grilled vegetables

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Cultural Context

This recipe is inspired by Taco Bells beloved Mexican Pizza which fuses classic American taco flavors with a playful pizza concept It grew popular for its layers and crunch I love recreating that fast food nostalgia at home with real ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute cooked shredded chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter option with similar seasonings.

→ How do I make the tortillas crispy?

Bake large tortillas briefly on a baking sheet at 350°F, flipping until golden and crunchy before assembling.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the layers in advance. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What toppings work well?

Try diced tomatoes, green onions, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor and freshness.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until hot.