MEXICAN PIZZA CASSEROLE Taco Bell Copycat Recipe

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: colby jack cheese

Colby jack is often less expensive and melts well

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground chicken is a cost-effective alternative with lower fat content

Start by browning 2 pounds of ground chuck in a large skillet using a meat chopper to break it up.

Dice 1 yellow onion and add it to the ground beef to sauté together for flavor.

Once the beef is browned and the onions are soft, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Add 6 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning (or 2 packets) to the beef and onion mixture.

Pour in 1/2 cup of water, 4 ounces of diced green chilies, 14 ounces of diced fire roasted tomatoes, and 5 ounces of enchilada sauce into the skillet.

Season with about 1/4 teaspoon of Celtic salt and black pepper, then stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

In a 9 by 13 baking dish, coat the bottom with about 2.5 ounces of enchilada sauce to prevent sticking.

Cut 10 flour tortillas in half and layer them on the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly.

Spread a layer of refried beans over the tortillas, leaving a section without beans if desired.

Add one third of the meat mixture on top of the beans, including the juices.

Sprinkle one third of the 16 ounces of Mexican style cheese blend over the meat mixture.

Add another layer of tortillas on top without any beans, then add the remaining meat mixture.

Sprinkle diced green onion and chopped cilantro over this layer.

Add half of the remaining cheese on top of this layer.

Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and top with the rest of the enchilada sauce and cheese.

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting into it to see the layers.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens