Print

Crispy Better Than Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Double Layer

crispy better than taco bell mexican pizza - featured image

A homemade version of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza with a crispy double-layered tortilla, refried beans, seasoned beef, cheese, and tangy sauce, delivering extra crunch and bold flavor in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium flour tortillas (8-inch)
  • 1 cup (260 g) refried beans (canned or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Mexican pizza sauce (jarred enchilada sauce or homemade with tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, cumin, salt)
  • 8 oz (225 g) ground beef (optional, seasoned with 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp garlic powder, salt to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, jalapeños, chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef filling (if using): In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook 8 oz ground beef until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt to taste. Set aside.
  2. Heat the refried beans: Warm 1 cup refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove until soft and spreadable. Stir occasionally to avoid drying out.
  3. Prepare the sauce: If using jarred, stir well. For homemade, mix ½ cup tomato sauce with ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Fry the first tortilla: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry one tortilla for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Assemble the bottom layer: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on the fried tortilla, add a spoonful of seasoned beef (if using), then a few tablespoons of cheese. Drizzle a tablespoon of sauce over the cheese.
  6. Prepare the second tortilla: Fry a second tortilla in the skillet until just golden but still pliable, about 1 minute per side. Place it on top of the assembled first layer like a sandwich.
  7. Fry the double layer: Carefully place the assembled double-layer pizza back into the hot skillet. Press gently with a spatula and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until the second tortilla is crisp and the cheese is melted inside. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. Finish and garnish: Remove from skillet and let cool for a minute. Cut into quarters. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños as desired.

Notes

Use medium heat to avoid burning tortillas before cheese melts. Fry one double-layer pizza at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cover skillet briefly if cheese isn’t melting fully. Let pizza rest a minute after frying for cleaner cuts. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas but note they may break when fried double-layered. For dairy-free, substitute cheese and refried beans with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican pizza, crispy tortilla, refried beans, ground beef, homemade Mexican pizza, double layer pizza, easy Mexican recipe, Taco Bell copycat