Tasty Mystery: Mexican Pizza Cheese At Taco Bell

Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza is a hybrid of two staple dishes: tacos and pizza. The pizza is made with a blend of three types of cheese, namely Mexican, cheddar, and mozzarella. The recipe also includes ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning. The pizza is assembled by spreading refried beans and ground beef on a tortilla, sprinkling cheese, and placing another tortilla on top. The top tortilla is then spread with enchilada sauce and more cheese. The pizza is then baked until the cheese melts.

What cheese does Taco Bell use on its Mexican Pizza?

Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza is a unique dish that combines the best of both worlds—tacos and pizza. The star of this specialty item is, of course, the cheese, which plays a pivotal role in binding the layers of this hybrid creation together.

The cheese used in Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza is a blend of three different cheeses. This three-cheese blend is a signature ingredient, adding a burst of flavour to the dish. While the exact cheeses used in the blend are not publicly known, it is believed that one of the cheeses is cheddar, as some recipes for copycat versions of the Mexican Pizza include this. The other two cheeses in the blend likely include varieties such as mozzarella, marble, Mexican blend, or spicy havarti, as these are commonly used in similar dishes.

The cheese is strategically placed in the Mexican Pizza to maximise its impact. It is used in two layers, adding a generous amount of cheese to the dish. The first layer of cheese is placed on top of the refried beans and seasoned ground beef, acting as a binder. The second layer of cheese is then added on top of the enchilada or taco sauce, creating a decadent, gooey topping.

The combination of cheeses in the blend contributes to the overall taste and texture of the Mexican Pizza. The choice of cheeses ensures that the dish has a rich, savoury flavour and a creamy, melted consistency. The cheese blend is carefully crafted to complement the other ingredients, such as the tangy sauce, crunchy tortilla, and seasoned beef.

In addition to the standard cheese blend, customers can also choose to add extra cheese to their Mexican Pizza for an additional cost. This option caters to those who want an even cheesier experience, allowing them to further customise their order according to their preferences.

The cheese in Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza is a key component that helps elevate the dish. The blend of cheeses adds a layer of complexity to the flavours and textures, making it a beloved and unique offering on their menu.

What are the ingredients of the Mexican Pizza?

Mexican Pizza is a Taco Bell specialty item that combines two classic dishes: tacos and pizza. It is a cross between a quesadilla and a pizza. The ingredients in the Mexican Pizza vary depending on whether you are making it at home or ordering it from Taco Bell. Here is a list of ingredients that can be used to make Mexican Pizza:

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Ingredients:

• Seasoned beef
• Refried beans
• Mexican Pizza sauce (similar to enchilada sauce with diced tomatoes)
• Three-cheese blend
• Tomatoes
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Reduced-fat sour cream
• Guacamole
• Creamy jalapeño sauce
• Seasoned rice
• Lettuce
• Jalapeño peppers
• Black beans
• Onions
• Pico de gallo
• Chicken
• Slow-roasted chicken
• Steak
• Seasoned fries
• Purple cabbage
• Fiesta strips
• Avocado ranch sauce
• Chipotle sauce
• Red sauce

Homemade Mexican Pizza Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Coriander
• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Tomato sauce
• Cilantro
• Enchilada sauce
• Shredded Mexican cheese
• Flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil
• Refried beans
• Enchilada sauce
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Green onion
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Olives
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Corn tortillas
• Roma tomatoes
• Black olives
• Green onions
• Water
• Shredded cheddar cheese

How do you make the Mexican Pizza?

How to Make Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Water
• Refried beans
• Enchilada sauce
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Flour tortillas (taco-sized)
• Vegetable oil
• Salt
• Tomato sauce
• Cilantro
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Jalapeño juice
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onion, sliced olives, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, etc.

Instructions:

• In a pan over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic and cook until golden.
• Add ground beef to the pan along with taco spices (chili powder, coriander, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and onion powder). Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat completely.
• Once the meat is browned and finely minced, add tomato sauce and cilantro. Mix and remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly.
• Combine enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, and jalapeño juice in a separate bowl and set aside.
• Spread refried beans on one tortilla, then add the taco meat and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
• On another tortilla, spread enchilada sauce and add shredded cheese and diced tomatoes.
• Heat a pan over medium-low heat and spray with oil. Add both tortillas and toast until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
• Stack the tortillas on top of each other, with the one with beans and beef on the bottom.
• Repeat steps 5-8 to make more pizzas.
• Add sour cream, cilantro, and green onions on top. Cut into four pieces and serve.

Alternative Method:

• Toast the tortillas until crispy before adding any filling or toppings.
• Once the tortillas are crispy, add the fillings and toppings and layer them.
• Place in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

What toppings can you add to the Mexican Pizza?

Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza is a unique offering that combines the best of both worlds—pizza and tacos. While the standard ingredients provide a flavourful experience, the fun truly begins when you explore the wide range of toppings available to customise your pizza.

The official Taco Bell website offers an extensive list of toppings, ensuring that there is something for everyone. For those who enjoy a creamy texture and a tangy flavour, there is the option of adding sour cream, which can be the reduced-fat variety for a healthier twist. If you're a fan of spice, the Jalapeño Peppers topping is an excellent choice, and you can even opt for the Creamy Jalapeño Sauce to double down on the heat. For an extra kick, the Spicy Ranch sauce is also available.

For those who enjoy their Mexican Pizza with a side of vegetables, Taco Bell offers a variety of options. You can choose from Lettuce, Onions, and Tomatoes, which are a classic trio for any pizza. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Purple Cabbage for a unique colour and texture, or the Pico De Gallo for a burst of freshness. If you're a fan of beans, the Black Beans topping will add a hearty and nutritious element to your meal.

Meat lovers can also rejoice, as Taco Bell offers a range of protein-rich toppings. You can choose from Chicken, Slow-Roasted Chicken, or Steak, each adding a delicious and satisfying element to your pizza. If you're feeling extra indulgent, the Seasoned Fries topping will provide a crispy and savoury contrast to the other ingredients.

For those who crave a cheesy delight, the simple yet satisfying Cheese topping is a great option. And if you're a fan of the classic Mexican combination of corn and cheese, the Fiesta Strips are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

With such a diverse range of toppings, Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza can be customised to suit any taste preference or dietary requirement. Whether you're a meat lover, a vegetarian, or simply someone who enjoys experimenting with different flavours, the variety of toppings ensures that each bite is an explosion of flavours and textures. So, go ahead and create your own unique version of this Taco Bell speciality!

What are some variations of the Mexican Pizza?

Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza has gone through several variations since its introduction in 1985. Originally called the "Pizzazz Pizza", it was removed from the menu in 2020, but its popularity led to its reintroduction in 2022. Since then, Taco Bell has experimented with different variations, including the Cheesy Jalapeno Mexican Pizza and the Triple Crunch Mexican Pizza.

The Cheesy Jalapeno Mexican Pizza, tested in Oklahoma City, includes nacho cheese sauce and jalapeno slices, priced between $4.99 and $5.49. The Triple Crunch Mexican Pizza, tested in Omaha, Nebraska, features three layers instead of the usual two, with more beans and beef. It costs $5.99.

In addition to these official variations, there are numerous recipes online for recreating and adapting the Mexican Pizza at home. Some suggestions for variations include:

• Using a traditional pizza crust instead of tortillas.
• Experimenting with different proteins such as chicken, tofu, or soy chorizo.
• Adding different vegetables like bell peppers, avocado, or black olives.
• Using different sauces like salsa verde or a mix of enchilada sauce and marinara.
• Creating vegetarian or vegan versions by substituting meat with beans, lentils, or black beans, and using dairy-free cheese.
• Adding extra spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne to the beans.
• Using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend.

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