Here’s a more detailed breakdown of this Mexican Pizza Casserole inspired by Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza! This method is perfect for feeding a crowd, and you’ll get all those familiar flavors in a cozy, shareable dish.
Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet Taco Bell seasoning mix (or your favorite taco seasoning)
- 1 large can refried beans (approx. 16 oz)
- 1 large can red enchilada sauce (about 10 oz)
- 10 corn tortillas (for an authentic texture, use corn and fry them; flour tortillas can work too)
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 medium onion, diced
- 3+ cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack work well)
- Chopped green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning packet along with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water (following the instructions on the seasoning packet). Let it simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Heat the Refried Beans
- In a separate pot or microwave-safe bowl, heat the refried beans until they’re smooth and spreadable. This will make layering easier.
- Fry the Tortillas
- In a skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Fry each tortilla individually, about 1 minute per side or until golden and slightly crispy. Drain on paper towels. This step is optional if you prefer a lighter casserole, but it adds a delicious crispiness.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Layer 1: Arrange 5 fried tortillas in the bottom of the casserole dish, overlapping slightly if needed to cover the base.
- Layer 2: Spread the warm refried beans evenly across the tortillas.
- Layer 3: Add the seasoned ground beef, spreading it in an even layer.
- Layer 4: Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the beef, spreading it evenly.
- Layer 5: Place the remaining 5 fried tortillas on top, covering the previous layers.
- Layer 6: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, spreading it out to coat evenly.
- Layer 7: Sprinkle the diced tomatoes and diced onion across the top.
- Layer 8: Cover with the shredded cheese, making sure it’s evenly spread to create a delicious, melty top.
- Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to set slightly.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, colorful garnish.
- Slice into squares and serve with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Tips:
- Make it Spicy: Add a few chopped jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
- Layer Variation: For added crunch, you can sprinkle a handful of crushed tortilla chips between layers.
- Cheese Tip: Mixing in some pepper jack cheese with the cheddar will give an extra kick.
This Mexican Pizza Casserole is sure to become a family favorite! It’s a fun and tasty twist on Taco Bell’s classic, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.