Vegan Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza (Print View)

Seasoned vegan layers, beans, salsa, cheese, and crisp tortillas meld for irresistible plant-based Mexican flavors.

# Components:

→ Vegan Beef Layer

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 9 ounces plant-based ground beef alternative (soy or pea protein-based)
05 - 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
06 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
07 - 2 tablespoons water
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

09 - 8 small (6-inch) flour or corn tortillas
10 - 14 ounces vegan refried beans
11 - 1 cup salsa, mild or medium
12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded vegan cheese
13 - Olive oil for brushing

→ Toppings

14 - 1 medium tomato, diced
15 - 2 green onions, sliced
16 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
17 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, optional
18 - Hot sauce, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Add plant-based ground beef, taco seasoning, and tomato paste to skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until mixture is browned. Add water to loosen the texture, season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
04 - Brush both sides of tortillas lightly with olive oil. Arrange on baking sheets and bake for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
05 - Spread a generous layer of vegan refried beans on four tortillas. Distribute prepared vegan beef mixture evenly over the beans.
06 - Top each layered tortilla with a second crisp tortilla. Spread salsa on top and sprinkle with shredded vegan cheese.
07 - Place assembled pizzas back in the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
08 - Remove from oven. Scatter diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, black olives, fresh cilantro, and drizzle with hot sauce as desired.
09 - Slice into quarters and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fast weeknight option that feels like takeout
  • Made entirely from easy-to-find vegan staples
  • Customizable for gluten-free or extra-spicy needs
  • Fun for hands-on eating and family dinners
  • Way healthier than the drive-thru version
02 -
  • Good source of plant-based protein
  • Naturally dairy free and can be gluten free
  • Kid approved and party ready
03 -
  • For best crunch brush the tortillas lightly with oil and avoid overloading the base
  • To get a fast melt on the cheese use the broiler for the last minute of baking
  • Use a pizza cutter or sharp chef's knife to get the cleanest slices without crushing the layers

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