Copycat Mondays: Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza

So I am obsessed with Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza. I used to eat it about three times a week in grad school. With age though, came my lack of handling processed food.... and I just couldn't take all the other "ingredients" in the Taco Bell version. I decided to create my own. It's a little healthier.... but I did have to swipe some Taco Bell Fire Sauce today because you just can't eat this without it. Gotta keep it somewhat authentic!

Recipe (for 2)

1 pack of ground beef
1/2 red pepper, finely diced
1 small onion, finely diced
2 jalapeños, finely diced
1 garlic clove, smashed
1/4 packet of Taco Seasoning Mix
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tbs tomato paste

Add all the ingredients except the seasoning to a ceramic frying pan. After 2 minutes add all the seasonings and cook. Should take 20 minutes. If it becomes soggy, amp up the heat and let the water soak up. Add more seasoning if you would like. As I usually preface on my blog, you can always add more but you cant take any away.

6 whole wheat tortillas (3 for each pizza layer)
1 pack mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 can of Trader Joe's refried black beans
1/4 a lime, juiced (optional)
1 tbs of taco seasoning (optional)
Taco Bell Hot Sauce
1 small tomato, diced
2 green onions, diced

Put the canned bean in a sauce pan with the lime and taco seasoning. Toss till warm (about 2-3 minutes) and set aside. All optional ingredients but it adds another dimension of flavor.

Meanwhile, cook the tortilla on another frying pan until both sides are crispy.

Preheat the oven to 350. Add one layer of beans with beef and continue on. On the final layer, add the cheese. Cook for 10-15 minutes and top off with tomatoes, green onions and guacamole.



Guacamole

Recipe can be found here