In regards to delicious and inventive food combinations, Mexican Pizza is certainly comes on top as it is the fusion of two different cuisines, Italian and Mexican. Taco Bell popularized this creative dish by combining spicy and bold flavors of Mexican food with the familiar structure of Pizza. Whether you are a fan of homemade taco pizza or Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, choosing Mexican Pizza will be wise on your part.
Mexican Pizza: The Origin
Mexican Pizza is an Americanized fusion from both Italian and Mexican cuisines. The famous fast food chain Taco Bell created this dish to satiate the taste buds of both taco enthusiasts and pizza lovers with a single food. Ever since this fusion dish was created, it immediately became a fan favorite. Its melty layer of cheese, refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and crispy tortillas create an explosion of flavour and taste into your mouth.
The pizza crusts create layers in this dish while refried beans act as base. For toppings, there are various options for you to consider such as jalapenos, onions, tomatoes and seasoned beef. Adding the famous red sauce from Taco Bell leaves a finishing touch to Mexican Pizza.
Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza
This Mexican Pizza created by Taco Bell was the most popular version of this dish. This features two tortillas sandwiched with seasoned ground beef and refried beans, topped with red sauce, tomatoes and melted cheese. Ever since its invention in 1985, this Pizza became a huge popular dish around the world.
Why People Loved It?
The versatility is the main aspect for which people have loved the Mexican Pizza ever since its creation. It is a balanced middle ground between tacos and pizza, providing a savory and crispy base with flavorful Mexican toppings. The perfect combination of different foods- melted cheese, ground beef, creamy refried beans, crispy tortillas, and red offers you a satisfying flavor and textures.
On the other hand, customization option is another reason for people liking this food. For example, you have the option of either removing or adding the toppings in this dish as per your individual taste and preference. You can add jalapenos for additional heat or make it cheesy, there are endless possibilities for you to explore.
How to Make Mexican Pizza at Home?
If you wish to prepare Taco’s Pizza at home, then you can easily do it by following the below-described steps. This recipe is simple and customizable which is ideal for a quick snack or dinner.
Required Ingredients
- Ground beef (chicken or turkey for a leaner option)
- Taco seasoning
- Refried beans
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Flour tortillas (or gluten-free corn tortillas)
- Diced onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sliced black olives
- The red sauce of Taco Bell
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
Cooking Instructions
Cook the Meat
Cook the beef in a skillet over medium heat until it gets brown colored, Get rid of additional fats from the meat if any. Use the taco seasoning as per the package instructions.
Prepare the Tortillas
Toast the tortillas on a skillet over medium heat until it gets a golden brown color. Baking them in oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes is another option for you to consider. This ensures a pizza-like crispness in the tortillas.
Make the Layer of the Tortillas
Using a baking sheet, layer refried beans and seasoned beef on a tortilla. Then, use another tortilla on top of it to make a ‘pizza sandwich.’
Add the Toppings
For toppings, you can spread some red sauce of Taco Bell on top of the second tortilla. Then sprinkle some jalapenos, black olives, onions, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese.
Bake the Pizza
Bake the Pizza in an oven at 400°F until the choice melts and gets bubbly, or you can simply cook it for 6-7 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Take out the pizza from the Oven and keep it aside for a couple of minutes to let it cool. Once it is cooled, use cilantro and sour cream for garnishing and server it to your guests.
Variations of Taco Pizza
The versatility of Mexican Pizza is the ultimate USP of this dish. It allows you to use different ingredients and topping options to suit your unique preferences and tastes. Some of the variations that you can decide to try:
Vegetarian Mexican Pizza
If you want a vegetarian Mexican Pizza, then you have several options to consider such as black beans, refried beans or plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu. Adding roasted vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers will enhance the texture and flavors of this dish.
Spicy Mexican Pizza
To make spicy Pizza, there are cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapenos that you can decide to use in the taco seasoning. Including some spicy ground chorizo will be another good option to consider.
Taco Bell Soft Taco Twist
For a traditional and softer taco experience, you should opt for Taco Bell soft taco tortillas for the best results. This is how you can ensure a chewy and pliable texture of your pizza, which will be closer to a quesadilla or burrito.
Gluten-Free Mexican Pizza
You should use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas if you wish to go gluten-free. In this regard, it is important for you ensure that you use gluten-free toppings too.
The Ultimate Appeal of Mexican Pizza
When you wish to get a classic Mexican Pizza or the Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza, you will end up tasting the ultimate Mexican flavor. This unique and satisfying meal is popular for its versatility, customization option and ease of preparation. Due to these reasons, this is the perfect go-to dish for casual dinners, parties or busy weeknights.
This is such a dish which appeals to both Mexican food lovers and pizza enthusiasts as it combines the best of the both worlds. Trying this dish will be an unforgettable and delicious meal for you. Once you manage to prepare the Pizza, this will become the instant favorite dish in your household.
The Cultural Influence
The creation of Mexican Pizza perfectly illustrates how food cultures evolve by effectively combining different elements from various traditions. Italian cuisine is known for its appeal through breads, sauces and cheese, while Mexican cuisine features vibrant and bold flavors through lime, cilantro, chili and cumin. But the Mexican Pizza takes the best of both these worlds and create a fusion which is liked by a wider audience for the obvious reasons.
Social Media Popularity of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza
The virtual popularity of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza is one of the best reasons behind its massive success in the last few years. In 2020, when Taco Bell announced the eliminate of this dish from their menu, the reaction was widespread and immediate. Fans and enthusiasts showed their displeasure on different social media platforms. There were various petitions with hashtags like #BringBackMexicanPizza on trending. This widespread reaction is what ensured that the Pizza was more than just a dish; it got a cult status in food.
Due to this widespread reaction, Taco Bell had to reintroduce the dish in 2022. This decision was welcomed and celebrated by the fans all around the world. It clearly showed how some specific food items can create a lasting emotional connection with people.
What are Some Healthier Versions of Homemade Mexican Pizza?
Pizza is a delicious dish, but it can be quite rich. Hence, if you wish to prepare a healthier version of this dish, then you can do it with some customization. Follow the below-given tips:
Healthier Ingredients
Whole Wheat Tortillas
You should use whole wheat tortillas instead of the traditional tortillas. It comes with higher nutritional value and fiber.
Lean Proteins
For lean protein, you have the option to use shredded chicken or ground turkey. Opt for lentils or black beans for plant-based protein.
Reduced-Sodium Option
If you want to opt for low-sodium, then you must use reduced-sodium ingredients like garlic, chili powder, paprika, or cumin.
Cheese Substitutes
Using plant-based cheese alternatives or reduced-fat cheese would be the best option for you if you aim to cut down on your fat or calories.
Low-Carb Recipe
To have a low-carb Mexican Pizza, you should go for cauliflower crust or cheese-based crusts. The feeling of vegetables, cheese, and seasoned meat is already keto-friendly.
Conclusion
Mexican Pizza has become a cult food around the world for its versatility, ease of preparation and explosions of flavors. If you are a fan of both Pizza and spicy Mexican food, then you must try this Pizza to get the best of both worlds. Its customization option lets you experiment with different ingredients to create a distinct Mexican Pizza according to your needs, preferences, and dietary requirements.
FAQs
What is Taco Bell Pizza?
Ans: Taco Bell invented this fusion food by combining Italian pizza and Mexican ingredients and seasoning options.
What are the Key Ingredients in a Taco Pizza Recipe?
Ans: Mexican Pizza Taco Bell requires you to use several ingredients like refried beans, tortillas, cheese, seasoned ground beef, taco sauce and tomatoes.
How Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Is Different from Regular Pizza?
Ans: Mexican pizza recipe uses crispy tortillas instead of traditional pizza crust and it also uses taco sauce, seasoned beef and refried beans.
What is Taco Bell Soft Taco Made of?
Ans: It is made of soft flour tortilla filled with shredded cheese, lettuce and seasoned beef along with tomatoes and sour cream as toppings.
Is Mexican Pizza Popular around the World?
Ans: Yes, this is an extremely popular dish around the world.
Also Read :
Breakfast Pizza and Its Unbeatable Charm You Should Know
5050 Lottery Result: Statelottery.kerala.gov.in Result Today
