I love making this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Casserole when I want all the bold, comforting flavors of a fast-food favorite in an easy, family-style dish. It layers seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, soft tortillas, rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese into a bubbly, satisfying casserole that I can slice and serve straight from the pan.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning
¾ cup water
1 (15 oz) can refried beans
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce or taco sauce
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 (10-count) package small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, sour cream, jalapeños
Directions
First, I cook the beef. I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain the excess fat. I stir in the taco seasoning and water, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes. After that, I mix in the refried beans and cook until everything is well combined and heated through.
Next, I assemble the casserole. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I place two tortillas on the bottom, slightly overlapping them. I spread half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, drizzle some enchilada or taco sauce on top, and sprinkle a layer of cheese. I repeat the layers with tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, more sauce, and more cheese. I finish with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining sauce, and a generous amount of cheese on top.
Then, I bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Finally, I let it cool slightly before adding my favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños. I slice it into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 6 to 8 servings from this casserole, depending on portion size.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes
Variations
I like to add a layer of sautéed onions or bell peppers when I want extra flavor and texture.
When I want a vegetarian version, I replace the meat with black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.
If I am craving more heat, I use a spicy enchilada sauce or swap in pepper jack cheese for part of the Mexican blend.
Sometimes I mix ground beef and ground turkey together for a lighter but still flavorful option.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When I reheat individual portions, I use the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. If I am reheating a larger portion, I cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes.
I can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. I wrap it tightly and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When I am ready to bake, I add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
I can use corn tortillas if I prefer a more traditional flavor. I sometimes warm them slightly first so they layer more easily without cracking.
How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
I make sure not to add too much sauce between layers. Using just enough to coat the layers helps keep the texture balanced.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes, I often use my own blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper when I want to control the flavor and sodium.
What other toppings work well?
I like adding shredded lettuce, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness and color.
Conclusion
I enjoy how this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Casserole brings together bold flavors, creamy layers, and melty cheese in one easy dish. It is comforting, customizable, and perfect for sharing. Whenever I want a simple meal that feels fun and satisfying, this casserole is one of my favorite choices to make.
📖 Recipe:
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Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
A layered, family-style casserole inspired by Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, featuring seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, soft tortillas, rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning
¾ cup water
1 (15 oz) can refried beans
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce or taco sauce
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 (10-count) package small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, sour cream, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add refried beans to the skillet and cook until well combined and heated through.
- Place two tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping.
- Spread half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas. Drizzle with some enchilada or taco sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat layers with tortillas, remaining beef mixture, more sauce, and more cheese.
- Top with a final layer of tortillas, remaining sauce, and a generous layer of cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, add desired toppings, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
Add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.
Use spicy enchilada sauce or pepper jack cheese for more heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or larger portions covered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
