A TACO BELL LOVER'S TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC MEXICAN PIZZA

2020 has been a strange year. It has been full of confusion, surprises, and loss. Loss of jobs, loss of activities, and November 5, 2020 will mark the loss of the iconic Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. When I heard the news I am not going to lie I was devastated! Fun fact the Mexican Pizza debuted in 1988 and I have been ordering the Mexican Pizza since I was 3 years old as shown in the photo below with my brother. It is crazy to think that the Mexican Pizza has been in existence my entire 30 years of life! One year I opted out of a cake for my birthday and requested to blow out birthday candles on top of a Mexican Pizza!

To honor the Mexican Pizza I wanted to share my homemade recipe since re-creating the pizza is the only way we can keep this incredible goodness alive! We must keep this legacy alive and pray that Taco Bell has a bigger, better plan for it’s future menu!

THE ALMOST TACO BELL MEXICAN PIZZA RECIPE

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Tortilla Shells (any size you prefer)
1 can of enchilada sauce
1 can of refried beans. My preference is Better Beans! (Found at Whole Foods)
1 pound of ground beef
1 package of taco seasoning
1 bag of shredded cheese of your choice
Toppings of choice: diced tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped green onion, black olives
Olive oil spray or cooking spray of choice
Aluminum foil
Baking Sheet
Large Skillet

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray aluminum foil with cooking spray.
In large skillet cook the beef over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Drain the grease. Add taco seasoning and stir until mixed.
Place one shell on the baking sheet. Top with choice of refried beans. Add cooked ground beef on top of the beans. Add one shell on top of the beans and meat.
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove baking sheet from the oven
Spread red enchilada sauce on top of the tortilla shell. Top the shell with shredded cheese and additional toppings of choice. My toppings included chopped green onion and avocado.
Return to the oven and bake for 5 to 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool. Grab your dipping sauce of choice (sour cream or my go-tos Mild and Hot Taco Bell sauce packets). ENJOY!