Mexican Pizza Casserole

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

  1. Preheat Oven
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

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