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My vegetarian Mexican Pizza inspired by Taco Bell is such a treat and you'd never guess it's healthy! It's low in calories, made with wholesome ingredients, and ready in less than 30 minutes. My version of this classic dish lets me enjoy all the delicious flavors I love without any of the guilt.
Growing up, Taco Bell was a weekly tradition in my family, and the Mexican Pizza was always my go-to order. As a vegetarian, I loved the crispy shells and flavorful filling, and we'd always ask for beans instead of meat.
That childhood memory inspired me to recreate the Mexican Pizza at home but with a healthier, whole-food twist. I wanted to capture all the flavors and textures I loved while making it nutritious and guilt-free., much like my healthy taco dip recipe.
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🥘 Ingredients
When I make my Taco Bell-inspired Mexican pizza, I keep it simple with just a few key ingredients. The best part is, you probably already have them in your pantry or can easily find them at your local store.
Refried Black Beans: I heat the beans with taco seasoning and sometimes add chili powder, onion powder, or garlic powder for extra flavor. If I have time, I love making homemade refried beans too.
Mexican Cheese Blend: I use a shredded Mexican cheese blend to top the beans.
Whole Wheat Tortillas: I prefer using whole wheat or sprouted tortillas for extra fiber and nutrients.
Salsa: Store-bought salsa works great as a pizza sauce, but homemade salsa, red enchilada sauce, or taco sauce are great alternatives. If I have Taco Bell sauce packets, I use those for a nostalgic touch!
Guacamole: I often use mashed avocado for a simple guacamole layer, but store-bought guac works just as well.
🔪 How to Make
The fun part is finally here! You'll be amazed at how quickly my vegetarian Mexican pizza comes together, and trust me, it's just as fun to make as it is to eat.
Step 1: I start by crisping up the whole wheat tortillas in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crunchy like a chip. If I'm making more than one, I place them all on the baking tray with enough space in between so they crisp up evenly.
Step 2: Next, I heat up the beans in a large skillet over low to medium heat and stir in the taco seasoning. It only takes a few minutes, and I love waiting until the aroma of the seasoning fills the kitchen to make sure my Mexican Pizza is packed with flavor.
Step 3: I spread a generous layer of the seasoned beans over the crispy tortilla, then sprinkle on the fresh veggies. If I want a heartier, more filling version, I add a little extra beans, it makes this Taco Bell-inspired pizza even more satisfying!
Step 4: I sprinkle the pizza with a layer of cheese and then heat it in a toaster oven on medium-low or under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted. For a golden, bubbly top, I leave it under the broiler for an extra 30 seconds to a minute, it's totally worth it!
Step 5: I finish by topping the pizza with my favorite salsa and a dollop of guac, then it's time to dig in! This Mexican Pizza Taco Bell copycat is so simple and such a hit that I often make it for birthday parties or gatherings when I need a filling, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special without a ton of prep time.
📖 Variations
I love how this recipe is so versatile, you can really make it your own while keeping those bright and zesty traditional Mexican flavors alive.
Toppings: I like to keep it fresh and colorful. For my Mexican pizza, I used red onion, tomato, and bell pepper, but you can easily swap in whatever veggies you have on hand. Sweet corn, diced mushrooms, chopped baby spinach, or even diced zucchini are all delicious options.
Spicy: If you're craving a little heat, I highly recommend adding minced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Extra pop of flavor: I sometimes squeeze a little lime juice or sprinkle fresh cilantro on top just before serving. Other toppings I enjoy are green onions, a dollop of low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, chunky salsa, black olives, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This Mexican pizza is perfect on its own, but pairing it with a few extras can make it even more fun and satisfying.
Pair with Dips: I love serving this Mexican pizza with my healthy guacamole, chunky salsa, or fresh pineapple pico de gallo. It adds even more flavor and makes each bite extra special.
Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad or tangy slaw is the perfect light side. Sometimes I go for a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the meal.
Perfect for Parties: This pizza is a hit with party favorites like queso dip, air-fried taquitos, or crispy tortilla chips.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I store any leftover Mexican pizza in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. It's perfect for enjoying the next day!
Freezing: While I prefer this pizza fresh, you can freeze it by wrapping each portion tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 1 month, though the texture of the tortilla may soften slightly.
❓Recipe FAQs
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Of course! You can add seasoned ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken if you'd like a non-vegetarian version. I love doing this when I have non-vegetarian friends over for a game day, it's always a hit!
Is Mexican Pizza Healthy?
As a nutritionist, I can confidently say that while the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is undeniably delicious, it is not the healthiest choice due to its high calories, fat, and processed ingredients. However, my version transforms this fast-food favorite into a well-balanced meal that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. By making thoughtful swaps, I've created a Mexican pizza that's packed with whole grains, fiber, plant protein, and fresh vegetables, all while being just as satisfying as the original.
Can this recipe be made gluten free or vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Mexican pizza gluten-free, I simply use a gluten-free tortilla for the base. For a vegan version, I skip the cheese or swap it out for a vegan cheese alternative.
If you're using vegan cheese, keep in mind that it melts a bit differently from regular cheese. I like to experiment with the baking time to get it just right for the brand I'm using, it's worth the effort to achieve that perfect cheesy layer!
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