This copycat Mexican Pizza is homemade and the perfect way to enjoy layers of cheesy goodness from a fast-food favorite. Trust me, this recipe will be one that everyone will love!

Make sure you check out the recipes for my Chunky Tableside Guacamole, this creamy and delicious Chorizo Queso Dip, as well as my Strawberry Walnut Tostadas!

Celebrating Nine Years

Issa Celebration!!! Happy 9th Blogiversary to me! I still can’t believe I’m still at it and loving it! This has become a special space and through it all, I still LOVE sharing with you all — and I sure hope to inspire others along the way. This blog has evolved over the years. It’s clear that I love food! I thought a great way to celebrate is with one of my all-time favorites!

A fast food favorite!

I love authentic Mexican food and I most definitely prefer it over Tex-Mex (no, they are not the same) — however, one fast-food restaurant I have always enjoyed is Taco Bell. Not sure if it’s because it was my first job in high school, or because they really do have great, healthy options while on the go.

I remember a time when everyone had jokes about Taco Bell, especially regarding the ingredients they used. *laughing emoji* But trust me, Taco Bell wouldn’t have made it this far OR on the list for the Top Healthiest Fast Food Chains if they weren’t doing something right.

Offerings such as the Fresco Menu or even the Bean Burrito — were my go-to menu options while I was on Weight Watchers. I can also find what I need to make me feel satisfied.

Over the years, Taco Bell has made improvements to the quality of their food such as removing artificial flavors and colors, and replacing them with natural alternatives. Also, reduced sodium across their menu by 15 percent since 2008. You can read more on Taco Bell nutrition here.

The Mexican Pizza

One of my favorites on the menu is the Mexican Pizza. My word! Back then, I would always order it on my lunch break — and even well into college when I wanted something quick. Something about those cheesy, layers with seasoned ground beef just made my taste buds happy-HAPPY!

For years I wanted to recreate it, but honestly, not until ummm…right now did I think it was possible. Thank you quarantine for sparking all kinds of joy for me to tap into my creative side! You know I had to make it easy enough to follow so I could share it with you all! So whether you want something new for your Taco Tuesday menu — or if you want to celebrate NINE years of blogging with me, this Homemade Mexican Pizza (aka copycat recipe) inspired by Taco Bell will be the perfect addition to the menu.

This one is not as pretty as the next one you are about to see, but it was GOOD!!!

Other recipes to compliment this Mexican Pizza!

Cucumber Sunset Margarita

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Chunky Tableside Guacamole

Chorizo Queso Dip

You may have heard by now that Taco Bell was removing Mexican Pizza from their menu in early November. *soul cry* With all of the talk, I decided to make another pizza, but this time using plant-based “beef” (by Impossible Foods) over the weekend. It’s the same steps, you just sub out ground beef for plant-based crumbles and add your taco seasoning. I used an Oaxaca and Mexican Blend cheese for this pizza. Join Impossible Foods Taste Place here!

Mexican Pizza made with plant-based “ground burger”

You can also use vegan cheese like Violife shreds to make it vegan-friendly! If Chao ever makes a block cheese, that will be delicious as well. You will just have to shred it using a cheese grater. So be on the lookout!

Revisions and Substitutions

I used flour tortillas, but you can use corn and I fry them one at a time. If you have a deep fryer, it will probably make the process quicker.
Poking a hole in flour tortillas will keep them from puffing up while you are frying them in a pan/skillet.
You can add two pizzas at a time (depending on the size of your oven) when melting your cheese before you serve.
For my vegans/vegetarians: You can find plant-based “beef” at your local grocery store. I have a favorite brand, as you will read about below.
When preparing my refried beans, I always add a splash of milk/oat milk. If going the plant-based route, I would use oat milk or cashew.
For frying your tortillas, you can use any good, vegetable frying oil you have on hand. Corn oil is even better if you have it.

I hope you love this recipe as much as we did! If you make this Copycat Mexican Pizza, tag me (@myprettybrown) on social media. You may also find me by following the #myprettybrowneats hashtag on FB and IG! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, PINTEREST, and TikTok.