Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (Mediterranean-Style Lightened Version)

🌮🍕 Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (Mediterranean-Style Lightened Version)

A homemade favorite inspired by Taco Bell — lighter, high-protein & totally satisfying

This homemade version of Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (inspired by Taco Bell) keeps all the bold Tex-Mex flavors you love — seasoned beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings — but with a lighter Mediterranean balance.

Crispy tortillas replace heavy crust, lean protein keeps it filling, and a yogurt-based topping keeps it creamy without excess fat. And yes — it can fit beautifully into a balanced eating plan!

---

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, cheesy & flavorful

• High-protein and satisfying

• Lighter than fast-food version

• Portion-controlled 8-inch pizza

• Quick 25-minute dinner

---

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 1 large 8-inch pizza – serves 1–2)

Base:

• 2 small whole-wheat tortillas (8-inch)

• Olive oil spray

Filling:

• 120g lean ground beef (93–95% lean)

• ¼ cup refried beans (low-fat or fat-free)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons water

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• Salt & pepper

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon salsa

Toppings:

• ¼ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar or Mexican blend

• 2 tablespoons diced tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon sliced black olives

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Optional Light Creamy Drizzle:

• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt

• Squeeze lime

• Pinch salt

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Crisp the Tortillas

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Lightly spray tortillas with olive oil.

3. Bake directly on rack 4–5 minutes per side until lightly crisp.

---

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Brown lean ground beef in skillet.

2. Add cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper.

3. Stir in tomato paste and water.

4. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread refried beans over one tortilla.

2. Add seasoned beef evenly.

3. Place second tortilla on top.

4. Spread tomato sauce + salsa mixture over top.

5. Sprinkle cheese evenly.

---

Step 4: Bake

Bake 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

---

Step 5: Garnish

Top with tomatoes, olives, green onions, and optional Greek yogurt drizzle.

Slice and enjoy!

---

🥗 Mediterranean Balance Benefits

• Lean beef → high-quality protein

• Greek yogurt drizzle → creamy but lighter

• Whole wheat tortillas → added fiber

• Olive oil spray → heart-healthy fats

• Fresh toppings → vitamins & antioxidants

This version satisfies cravings while keeping ingredients balanced and wholesome.

---

🔄 Variations

• Swap beef for ground turkey

• Make vegetarian with seasoned lentils

• Add jalapeños for spice

• Use feta instead of cheddar for Mediterranean twist

• Air-fry tortillas for extra crispiness

---

❓ Q & A

Q1: How do I keep it crispy?

Bake tortillas first before assembling — this prevents sogginess.

Q2: Can I make it ahead?

You can prep components ahead, but assemble just before baking.

Q3: Can I freeze it?

Not ideal once assembled, but cooked beef filling freezes well.

Q4: How do I make it lower-carb?

Use low-carb tortillas and reduce beans.

Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?

Skip cheese and use dairy-free yogurt alternative.

---

✨ Pro Tip

Let the pizza rest 3–4 minutes before slicing — it helps the layers set and keeps everything neat and crispy.