Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (Print version)

Crispy flour tortillas layered with seasoned beef, refried beans, red sauce, melted cheese, and diced tomatoes.

# Ingredients:

For the seasoned beef

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85/15 or 90/10
02 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon masa harina or fine corn flour
10 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) water

For the pizzas

11 - 8 flour tortillas, 8-inch size
12 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral oil for shallow frying, more as needed
13 - 1 can (16 oz or 454 g) refried beans
14 - 2/3 cup (160 ml) mild red enchilada sauce
15 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) mild taco sauce
16 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
17 - 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes, seeded if very juicy

# Instructions:

01 - Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat, then stir in the spices, masa harina, and water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until saucy and fully cooked.
02 - Warm the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until easy to spread. Stir the enchilada sauce and taco sauce together in a bowl.
03 - Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet to 350 degrees F. Fry each tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side until crisp and lightly golden. Drain on a wire rack.
04 - Place 4 crisp tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread each with warm refried beans, then add a layer of seasoned beef. Top each with another crisp tortilla.
05 - Spoon the red sauce mixture over the top tortillas and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
06 - Broil for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Top with diced tomatoes and serve immediately.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after broiling while the tortillas are crisp.
02 - The beef and beans can be prepared one day ahead.
03 - Seed watery tomatoes before topping so the cheese layer stays glossy.