We recently experimented with a Taco Bell classic, transforming the iconic Mexican Pizza into a casserole dish, and the results were spectacular. It’s a perfect dish for anyone craving that familiar fast-food flavor with a homemade touch.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet of Taco Bell seasoning
- 1 large can of refried beans
- 1 large can of red enchilada sauce
- 10 corn flour mix tortillas (to be fried)
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 medium onion, diced
- 3+ cups of shredded cheese (your choice)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef in a pan until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat and then add the Taco Bell seasoning along with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water. Let it simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, then set it aside.
- Prepare the Beans: Heat the refried beans in a pot or microwave them until they’re warm and easy to spread.
- Fry the Tortillas: Lightly fry each corn flour tortilla in a bit of vegetable oil until they’re just crisp. This adds a great texture to the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Start by layering the fried tortillas at the bottom of a casserole dish. Spread a layer of the warm beans over the tortillas, followed by the seasoned meat. Drizzle half the can of enchilada sauce evenly over the meat.
- Add More Layers: Place another layer of fried tortillas on top. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over these tortillas. Sprinkle the diced tomatoes and onion across the top, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheese. You can choose to put the tomatoes and onions under or over the cheese layer, depending on your preference.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese melts and the edges start to bubble, which should take about 20 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped green onions. Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
This Mexican Pizza Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Taco Bell right at home. It’s a hit for family meals, game nights, or whenever you’re in the mood for a cheesy, meaty, and satisfying dish. Serve it up and watch as it becomes an instant favorite!