Homemade Mexican Casserole Inspired by Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizzas

I experimented with replicating the iconic Taco Bell Mexican pizzas but opted for a casserole twist, creating a crowd-pleaser that genuinely captures the Taco Bell flavor. Here’s the delicious recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 1 Taco Bell seasoning packet
• 1 large can of refried beans
• 1 large can of red enchilada sauce
• 10 corn flour mix tortillas (individually fried)
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/4 medium onion, diced
• 3+ cups shredded cheese
• Chopped green onion

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef, drain, and reintroduce it to the pan with the Taco Bell seasoning packet following the package instructions (add 1/2 to 3/4 cup water, simmer until most liquid is absorbed). Set aside.
2. Heat the refried beans in a pot or microwave. Use a light coating of vegetable oil to fry each tortilla individually.
3. Layer the bottom of a casserole dish with the fried tortillas. Add a layer of refried beans, followed by the seasoned ground beef.
4. Pour half of the can of enchilada sauce evenly over the layers. Add another layer of fried tortillas, then pour the remaining half of the enchilada sauce evenly.
5. Sprinkle diced tomatoes and yellow onions across the top. Spread a generous amount of shredded cheese over the entire dish (tomatoes and onions can be on top or bottom of that layer of cheese).
6. Bake until the cheese is melted, and the sides start bubbling, approximately 20 minutes at 350°F.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions after cooking. Allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For an extra crunch, consider adding some tortilla chips as a layer between the beans and meat.

This homemade Mexican casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures reminiscent of Taco Bell’s Mexican pizzas. Enjoy the familiar taste with a unique presentation!