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:
- 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.
- Heat the refried beans in a pot or microwave. Use a light coating of vegetable oil to fry each tortilla individually.
- Layer the bottom of a casserole dish with the fried tortillas. Add a layer of refried beans, followed by the seasoned ground beef.
- 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.
- 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).
- Bake until the cheese is melted, and the sides start bubbling, approximately 20 minutes at 350°F.
- 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!