Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza has been a beloved fast-food classic for years. The unique combination of crunchy tortillas, flavorful meat, zesty beans, and gooey cheese has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts. However, to the dismay of countless fans, Taco Bell discontinued this iconic dish. But fear not! In this article, we’ll reveal the secret recipe and guide you on how to recreate this delectable Mexican Pizza from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen.
The Story of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief journey through the history of the Mexican Pizza. Introduced in the 1980s, this innovative creation quickly became a fan-favorite due to its distinctive taste and satisfying texture. Sadly, in 2020, Taco Bell made the difficult decision to remove it from their menu. Nonetheless, the recipe lives on, and with our guidance, you can still enjoy this culinary delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Taco Shells
The foundation of the Mexican Pizza lies in its crispy taco shells. To make them at home, gather cornmeal, all-purpose flour, water, and a pinch of salt. The combination of these ingredients will give you the perfect shells that are sturdy enough to hold the flavorful layers.
The Meaty Filling
For the savory and seasoned meaty filling, you’ll need ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic blend will add depth to the dish and elevate its taste.
The Refried Beans Layer
The refried beans contribute to the creaminess of the Mexican Pizza. You can either use canned refried beans or prepare them from scratch using pinto beans, onion, garlic, cumin, and a touch of vegetable oil.
The Enchilada Sauce
The tangy and spicy enchilada sauce is the soul of this dish. To make it, you’ll need tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, vegetable broth, and a hint of vinegar. The sauce will tie all the flavors together.
The Cheese Topping
A Mexican Pizza wouldn’t be complete without a generous amount of cheese. Cheddar or a blend of Mexican cheeses will give your pizza the perfect gooey and melty topping.
The Garnishes
Finally, gather some diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness to your Mexican Pizza.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Taco Shells
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, water, and salt.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin, round discs.
- Cook the discs on a hot griddle until they turn golden and crispy.
Making the Meaty Filling
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and garlic.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the beef.
- Cook the mixture until the beef is fully cooked and infused with spices.
Layering with Refried Beans
- Spread a layer of refried beans on a taco shell.
- Place another taco shell on top to form the base of your Mexican Pizza.
Adding the Enchilada Sauce
- Spoon a generous amount of enchilada sauce over the top taco shell.
- Ensure the sauce is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
Topping it with Cheese
- Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the enchilada sauce layer.
- The cheese will melt and bind all the ingredients together.
Garnishing Your Mexican Pizza
- Top your Mexican Pizza with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
- These vibrant garnishes will add a burst of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
Vegan and Vegetarian Variations
For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, worry not! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or tofu crumbles. Use vegan cheese and omit any animal-based ingredients. The result will still be a scrumptious Mexican Pizza that caters to your dietary needs.
Why Taco Bell Discontinued the Mexican Pizza
Taco Bell’s decision to discontinue the Mexican Pizza was primarily driven by their commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. The pizza’s packaging accounted for a significant amount of single-use plastic waste, and discontinuing the item allowed Taco Bell to take a step towards becoming more eco-friendly.
Making It Healthier: Tips and Alternatives
While the classic Mexican Pizza is undeniably delicious, you can make a few tweaks to enhance its nutritional value. Opt for whole-grain or multigrain tortillas for a healthier base. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef to reduce the fat content. Load up on veggies like bell peppers and spinach to add extra nutrients.
