Recreate the Magic: Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

### **Instructions:**

#### **Step 1: Fry the Tortillas for the Crispy Crust**
1. **Heat the oil**: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), you’re ready to start frying your tortillas.

2. **Fry the tortillas**: Place one tortilla in the hot oil at a time, frying for about **1-2 minutes** per side or until golden and crispy. Use tongs to flip them. Repeat this process with all four tortillas. After frying, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

3. **Drain and cool**: Allow the tortillas to cool slightly. They’ll be the perfect base for your Mexican pizza!

#### **Step 2: Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef**
1. **Cook the beef**: In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook the **ground beef** (or chicken) until browned. Make sure to break it up as it cooks for even browning.

2. **Add taco seasoning**: Once the meat is fully cooked, add the **taco seasoning** and **water** according to the package instructions (usually about 1/2 cup of water). Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

#### **Step 3: Assemble the Mexican Pizza**
1. **Start with the base**: Take one crispy tortilla and spread a thin layer of **refried beans** on top. You can use a spoon to spread it out evenly across the tortilla.

2. **Add the seasoned beef**: Spoon a generous amount of your seasoned ground beef (or chicken) over the refried beans.

3. **Layer with cheese**: Sprinkle a mixture of **shredded Mexican blend cheese** and **mozzarella cheese** over the beef. Make sure to coat the surface generously for that delicious melty goodness.

4. **Top with another tortilla**: Place the second crispy tortilla on top, pressing gently to ensure the layers stick together.

#### **Step 4: Cook the Mexican Pizza**
1. **Pan-fry the pizza**: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled Mexican pizza into the skillet and cook for about **2-3 minutes** on each side, or until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.

2. **Check the crust**: You can press down gently with a spatula to ensure even browning. If the cheese isn’t fully melted, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt faster.

#### **Step 5: Add Final Toppings**
1. **Add finishing touches**: Once your Mexican pizza is golden and crispy, remove it from the skillet. Top with **diced tomatoes**, **green onions**, a dollop of **sour cream**, and a drizzle of **salsa** for extra flavor.

2. **Serve with hot sauce**: If you like a bit of spice, add some **hot sauce** on top or serve it on the side for dipping.

#### **Step 6: Slice and Serve**
1. **Slice the pizza** into quarters or eighths, depending on your preference, and serve immediately while it’s warm and cheesy.

### **Tips for Perfecting Your Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza:**

– **Adjust the heat**: If you like your Mexican Pizza extra spicy, feel free to add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili powder to the meat mixture.
– **Make it vegetarian**: For a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef with **black beans**, **grilled veggies**, or **tofu**. The refried beans and cheese already add richness and flavor, so you won’t miss the meat.
– **Double the recipe**: Want to feed a crowd? This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled. You can assemble several pizzas at once and fry them in batches for an easy party snack.
– **Crispier crust**: For an even crispier base, bake the assembled pizza in a preheated oven at **375°F** for about **5-7 minutes** after assembling it. This gives the tortillas an extra crunch and helps the cheese melt perfectly.

### **Why You’ll Love This Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza:**

– **Deliciously Crunchy**: The combination of crispy tortillas and melty cheese creates that signature Taco Bell crunch that everyone loves.
– **Customizable**: Whether you’re craving extra cheese, more salsa, or a spicier kick, you can easily adjust the ingredients to make this pizza your own.
– **No Need to Leave Home**: Skip the drive-thru and enjoy this Taco Bell favorite in the comfort of your kitchen. It’s just as satisfying—and you can control the ingredients!
– **Great for Any Occasion**: This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun family meal.

### **Conclusion:**

The **Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza** is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. With this easy recipe, you can recreate this fast food classic right at home in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a party, or craving Taco Bell but don’t want to leave the house, this homemade version is sure to hit the spot.

So, grab your tortillas, refried beans, and your favorite toppings, and get ready to indulge in the magic of a homemade **Mexican Pizza**. It’s a treat that’s every bit as delicious as the original, if not more!