Vegetarian Mexican Pizza
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.My vegetarian Mexican Pizza inspired by Taco Bell is such a treat and you’d never guess it’s healthy! It’s low in calories, made with wholesome ingredients, and ready in less than 30 minutes. My version of this classic dish lets me enjoy all the delicious flavors I love without any of the guilt.
Growing up, Taco Bell was a weekly tradition in my family, and the Mexican Pizza was always my go-to order. As a vegetarian, I loved the crispy shells and flavorful filling, and we’d always ask for beans instead of meat.
That childhood memory inspired me to recreate the Mexican Pizza at home but with a healthier, whole-food twist. I wanted to capture all the flavors and textures I loved while making it nutritious and guilt-free., much like my healthy taco dip recipe.
👩🏽🍳 Why This Recipe is so Special
What makes this recipe so special to me is how it perfectly balances indulgence with nutrition. It has everything I loved about the original Taco Bell Mexican Pizza but made healthier for my family. Back in the day, it was all about those crispy fried tortillas and the cheesy, salty layers that made every bite addictive. Now, as a mom, I have taken those same flavors and textures and recreated them in a way that feels good to share with my kids. By baking the tortillas, I get that satisfying crunch without all the extra oil, and the layers of refried beans, fresh veggies, and melted cheese still deliver that nostalgic taste I grew up loving.
What I really love about my vegetarian Mexican pizza recipe is how it allows me to share a part of my childhood with my own kids in a way that is more mindful of the ingredients I am giving them. Instead of relying on fast food, I know exactly what is going into this meal with whole, fresh ingredients that are packed with fiber and nutrients.
This recipe has truly become one of our weeknight staples. It is simple to make, fun to assemble as a family, and always a hit at the dinner table. And let me remind you, healthy eating does not mean giving up the foods you love. It is about finding ways to enjoy them in a way that feels great for everyone! 😊
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🥘 Ingredients
When I make my Taco Bell-inspired Mexican pizza, I keep it simple with just a few key ingredients. The best part is, you probably already have them in your pantry or can easily find them at your local store.
Refried Black Beans: I heat the beans with taco seasoning and sometimes add chili powder, onion powder, or garlic powder for extra flavor. If I have time, I love making homemade refried beans too.
Mexican Cheese Blend: I use a shredded Mexican cheese blend to top the beans.
Whole Wheat Tortillas: I prefer using whole wheat or sprouted tortillas for extra fiber and nutrients.
Salsa: Store-bought salsa works great as a pizza sauce, but homemade salsa, red enchilada sauce, or taco sauce are great alternatives. If I have Taco Bell sauce packets, I use those for a nostalgic touch!
Guacamole: I often use mashed avocado for a simple guacamole layer, but store-bought guac works just as well.
🔪 How to Make
The fun part is finally here! You’ll be amazed at how quickly my vegetarian Mexican pizza comes together, and trust me, it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
Step 1: I start by crisping up the whole wheat tortillas in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crunchy like a chip. If I’m making more than one, I place them all on the baking tray with enough space in between so they crisp up evenly.
Step 2: Next, I heat up the beans in a large skillet over low to medium heat and stir in the taco seasoning. It only takes a few minutes, and I love waiting until the aroma of the seasoning fills the kitchen to make sure my Mexican Pizza is packed with flavor.
Step 3: I spread a generous layer of the seasoned beans over the crispy tortilla, then sprinkle on the fresh veggies. If I want a heartier, more filling version, I add a little extra beans, it makes this Taco Bell-inspired pizza even more satisfying!
Step 4: I sprinkle the pizza with a layer of cheese and then heat it in a toaster oven on medium-low or under the broiler on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted. For a golden, bubbly top, I leave it under the broiler for an extra 30 seconds to a minute, it’s totally worth it!
Step 5: I finish by topping the pizza with my favorite salsa and a dollop of guac, then it’s time to dig in! This Mexican Pizza Taco Bell copycat is so simple and such a hit that I often make it for birthday parties or gatherings when I need a filling, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special without a ton of prep time.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making my vegetarian Mexican pizza Taco Bell inspired is to get the tortilla super crispy before adding any toppings. I learned this the hard way after my first attempt left me with a soggy base that just couldn’t hold up to all the delicious layers. Now, I make sure to crisp the tortillas until they’re golden and almost chip-like. Whether I use the toaster oven on a level 3 setting or bake them in the oven at 350°F, this little trick makes all the difference. It gives the pizza that satisfying crunch and keeps it tasting just as amazing as the original!
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Serve Hot: I love eating these pizzas fresh out of the oven. If they cool down, I just pop them back in at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to reheat.
- Adjust the Servings: This recipe makes one serving, but it’s super easy to double or triple. I just increase the ingredients to match the number of pizzas I want to make!
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Making my own taco seasoning is a game-changer. It’s cheaper and way more flavorful than anything store-bought.
- Bake One at a Time: I always bake these pizzas one at a time to keep the tortillas crispy and the veggies evenly heated. Baking too many at once can make the bottoms soggy.
- Store Leftover Tortillas: To keep leftover tortillas soft and pliable, I wrap them in a damp paper towel before storing. It works perfectly every time!
📖 Variations
I love how this recipe is so versatile, you can really make it your own while keeping those bright and zesty traditional Mexican flavors alive.
Toppings: I like to keep it fresh and colorful. For my Mexican pizza, I used red onion, tomato, and bell pepper, but you can easily swap in whatever veggies you have on hand. Sweet corn, diced mushrooms, chopped baby spinach, or even diced zucchini are all delicious options.
Spicy: If you’re craving a little heat, I highly recommend adding minced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Extra pop of flavor: I sometimes squeeze a little lime juice or sprinkle fresh cilantro on top just before serving. Other toppings I enjoy are green onions, a dollop of low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, chunky salsa, black olives, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This Mexican pizza is perfect on its own, but pairing it with a few extras can make it even more fun and satisfying.
Pair with Dips: I love serving this Mexican pizza with my healthy guacamole, chunky salsa, or fresh pineapple pico de gallo. It adds even more flavor and makes each bite extra special.
Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad or tangy slaw is the perfect light side. Sometimes I go for a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the meal.
Perfect for Parties: This pizza is a hit with party favorites like queso dip, air-fried taquitos, or crispy tortilla chips.
🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: I store any leftover Mexican pizza in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for enjoying the next day!
Freezing: While I prefer this pizza fresh, you can freeze it by wrapping each portion tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 1 month, though the texture of the tortilla may soften slightly.
❓Recipe FAQs
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Of course! You can add seasoned ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken if you’d like a non-vegetarian version. I love doing this when I have non-vegetarian friends over for a game day, it’s always a hit!
Is Mexican Pizza Healthy?
As a nutritionist, I can confidently say that while the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is undeniably delicious, it is not the healthiest choice due to its high calories, fat, and processed ingredients. However, my version transforms this fast-food favorite into a well-balanced meal that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. By making thoughtful swaps, I’ve created a Mexican pizza that’s packed with whole grains, fiber, plant protein, and fresh vegetables, all while being just as satisfying as the original.
Can this recipe be made gluten free or vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Mexican pizza gluten-free, I simply use a gluten-free tortilla for the base. For a vegan version, I skip the cheese or swap it out for a vegan cheese alternative.
If you’re using vegan cheese, keep in mind that it melts a bit differently from regular cheese. I like to experiment with the baking time to get it just right for the brand I’m using, it’s worth the effort to achieve that perfect cheesy layer!
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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Vegetarian Mexican Pizza
My vegetarian Mexican Pizza inspired by Taco Bell is such a treat and you’d never guess it’s healthy! It’s low in calories, made with wholesome ingredients, and ready in less than 30 minutes. My version of this classic dish lets me enjoy all the delicious flavors I love without any of the guilt.
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 370kcal
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup refried black beans
- 1 tsp taco seasoning more to taste
- ¼ cup mexican 4 cheese blend
- 1 whole wheat or sprouted wheat tortilla 100-120 calories, with at least 5g fiber
- ⅛ cup red onion diced
- 1 roma tomato seeded and diced
- ½ red (or orange/yellow) bell pepper diced
- 2 tbsp Salsa
- 2 tbsp Guacamole
Instructions
- Crisp up the whole wheat tortilla in either a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes (or until it's crispy like a chip).
- Heat up your beans in a small pot on low heat, and stir in the taco seasoning.
- Spread the beans on the tortilla, and then top with veggies.
- Top the pizza with cheese. Heat in a toaster oven (on medium low) or under a broiler (on high for 2-3 minutes) until the cheese has melted.
- Top with salsa and guac, and enjoy!
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making my vegetarian Mexican pizza Taco Bell inspired is to get the tortilla super crispy before adding any toppings. I learned this the hard way after my first attempt left me with a soggy base that just couldn’t hold up to all the delicious layers. Now, I make sure to crisp the tortillas until they’re golden and almost chip-like. Whether I use the toaster oven on a level 3 setting or bake them in the oven at 350°F, this little trick makes all the difference. It gives the pizza that satisfying crunch and keeps it tasting just as amazing as the original!
- I love eating these pizzas fresh out of the oven. If they cool down, I just pop them back in at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to reheat.
- This recipe makes one serving, but it’s super easy to double or triple. I just increase the ingredients to match the number of pizzas I want to make!
- Making my own taco seasoning is a game-changer. It’s cheaper and way more flavorful than anything store-bought.
- I always bake these pizzas one at a time to keep the tortillas crispy and the veggies evenly heated. Baking too many at once can make the bottoms soggy.
- To keep leftover tortillas soft and pliable, I wrap them in a damp paper towel before storing. It works perfectly every time!
Nutrition
Serving: 1pizza | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 42.2g | Protein: 16.3g | Fat: 14.6g | Sodium: 900mg | Fiber: 10.4g | Sugar: 7.5g
We love making our own tacos and guac. I’m following your recipe here for our next Mexican fiesta night.
Mexican fiesta night sounds YUM!! Enjoy!!
This recipe looks so easy and tasty! I love how easily it can be customized for each kid!
Totally! Sometimes we make an “assembly line” for the kids and they have a lot of fun with it!
Mexican pizza is my Top favorite and the next is hawaiian Pizza. I sometimes make Pizza at home especially for my family.
My husband likes hawaiian pizza (without the ham) too!
I want to start of my post by saying I’m OBSESSED with your blog! I love all of the recipes because I’m a picky, vegetarian eater as well 🙂
I had this Mexican pizza probably 5 times last week. Thank you for inspiring me to make these quick, simple meals!
Awwwww thank you SO much Shrina!!! I’m soo happy to hear that. And I LOVE that you love this Mexican pizza recipe! I’m actually going to be making it for dinner tomorrow – because it’s such an easy weeknight meal 🙂 Let me know if you end up trying any other recipes and how they turn out, I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Tryed this last night, as my boyfriend love love loves taco bells mexican pizza’s – it was wonderful! and so easy to make i topped mine off with some fat free sour cream and it was delicious!!
Yay! I’m so glad you and your boyfriend loved it! Thanks for telling me – I’m happy to know it’s “boyfriend approved” 🙂
I love this recipe, it sounds amazing!! I will be making it tonight – i also love love love this blog!!!!
Yay!!! Thank you SO much Taryn! I know you’re going to love this recipe – let me know how it turns out!
Just made this 🙂
I went a little topping crazy though. it ended up less like the picture and more like a pizza or nachos haha. added kale cause i needed veggies too. I cant remember what the real thing tastes like but this was definitely delicious!
Haha! That is awesome – sometimes I get topping crazy too so I totally understand! Btw – LOVE the idea of adding Kale to this, I’ll have to do that next time!
My Taco Bell vice was the fully loaded nachos (with a side of cinnamon twists, of course) before I decided to clean up my diet. Your Mexican Pizza looks great…I have to admit, I’m a huge meat eater, so I’d likely throw some ground turkey on my version. Looks quick and simple, which is perfect because there aren’t enough hours in the day!
Ooooh yeah – the cinnamon twists were my weakness as well! I think ground turkey would still be pretty healthy with this recipe – let me know how you like it when you try it!
This looks amazing… love it.
Thanks!! I’m sure you’ll love it if you try it!
I love it when I have everything I need to make a meal. This is dinner tomorrow night!
Yay!! Let me know how it turns out! 🙂
What a lovely little meal! We must be channeling the same Mexican/Italian vibe. Just last night I made what I call a Mexican lasagna. Corn tortillas instead of noodles, enchilada sauce, cumin. I think the ground turkey and oregano stayed the same though. 🙂
Thank you so much! Haha – that’s funny – we are TOTALLY on the same wavelength – I just made an “enchilada lasagna” a few nights ago as well! It was a bit different than yours but very similar in terms of using corn tortillas instead of noodles. I’ll be posting that recipe soon, can’t wait to hear what you think! 🙂
First time here – read your about page and some of your recipes !! Love your blog and am sure am going tobe a regular here:)
Welcome!! And thank you so much! I’m so glad you like my blog and my recipes 🙂 It’s so nice to meet you – looking forward to connecting with you more through my blog!
Nice! I love Mexican pizza, and on a tortilla makes it manageable for a quick dinner.
Definitely! This is one of my weeknight meals that I generally make after a long day at work. It’s so quick and easy, it’s perfect!
Such a great idea! 🙂 I’m definitely trying this at home.
Thanks Minal!! Let me know how you like it!
Yummy! Looks awesome
Thanks!! Let me know if you end up trying it! 🙂
Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas were a staple for me growing up as well! In college, the cashier knew us so well that we didn’t have to even say the “no meat” thing. Maybe that was because of the Indian thing. Who knows! Anyway, this looks delicious. I make mine pretty much the same way, and I think homemade pizzas trumph TB any day!
Haha!! I think my husband ended up with the same deal at a Taco Bell near where he went to college 🙂 I love how we totally had the same idea with the homemade pizzas!