How taco bell lied to you and how to make a REAL Mexican pizza at home

In this video I go over how taco bell lied to you about the Mexican pizza and the right way to make it at home.
Time code
0:00 - Intro
2:19 - How they lied
7:19 - What you need
8:44 - How to make

[@DJ0m3ga]

I worked at Taco Bell in the early 90's. This was when we still made a lot of the things in-store that now come in pre-made. We had 2 fryers and used them to make the taco shells (corn and flour) for the tacos, grande tacos and the "light tacos" (remember those?). Back then, we still put the chives and olive slices on the Mexican Pizza. The shell was two fried flour tortillas (the same on used for the light tacos) they were just fried flat and not curved. The sauce was a combination of the salsa that was given out for the Taco Salad and then mixed with some of the taco seasoning that was used for the ground beef. That mixture was then kept in a metal container in the heated table so it stayed hot. It was then spooned out with a metal ladle over the top shell when making a Mexican Pizza. For those looking for the right "flavor profile" for the sauce (although I have not yet tried this) you might try mixing some Pace Mild Picante Sauce with some taco seasoning mix and then heating it before adding it to your creation. Unfortunately I don't have the ratio of taco seasoning to salsa for this. So, you'll just need to experiment.

[@wallsmartsme]

I worked for Taco Bell many years and you are absolutely correct about the shells for the Mexican pizza and taco salad.

[@tatacousin]

I've watched a lot of "Copy Cat" recipes & I've always clicked off because the shells were wrong. I haven't tried yours yet but it makes TOTAL SENSE! The texture of the shell is what I love most & these Azteca shells do have that light crunchy texture! Thank you!

[@alexandraceja8932]

Same!!!

[@amit_patel654]

Out of all the recipes I’ve seen, this one looks the most legit

[@2hotcrawford]

Back in 1986, i worked for Taco Bell, and i cooked the meat, i can tell you how to do it.. it will taste just like theirs now.. but you are correct about the green onions and black olives, im surprised you didnt add those to your version.. I have been hunting for the pizza sauce recipe.. so Thank you.. ill give it a try but i do know it was slightly chunky.. In order to make the meat, you will need.. (Get this) the Taco Bell brand Fajita seasoning.. 2 envelopes per 1 pound of ground beef!!! to use it tho, you blend it in 1/4 - to 1/2 cup water.. (2 envelopes.. and pour onto raw beef.. then as you start to cook it.. continuously stir till done.. it will be a fine ground beef.. then you drain the grease.. trust me here... i had to cook 10 pounds at a time.. and pour the sauce on before i started cooking it.. the regular Taco seasoning mild or hot is not the flavor you get from Taco bell YOU HAVE TO USE THE FAJITA SEASONING BLEND for that flavor!!! if you want, after draining the grease for added flavor use another package on the cooked meat using the package directions but do let it sit to thicken up..

[@Baja2424]

Going to try that

[@2hotcrawford]

@@Baja2424 Let me know what you think after you cook it.. plz..

[@etonly2277]

I am eternally grateful to you if this works!

[@2hotcrawford]

@@etonly2277 make sure at the beginning of stirring it looks like mush.. and when done drain and get back to me.. and You're welcome

[@winnieford4063]

Thank you I will try it I have been using the taco mix now I know why it doesn't taste the same

[@eunha521]

You sir, are a man after my own heart! I also tried all the other recipes and none of them were even kind of close. It was obvious that the shell was the main thing that was really lacking. After a crap ton of digging I was able to figure out about the Azteca shells so I tried it and was mind-blown how similar it was. But I couldn't figure out the enchilada sauce! I'm going to be heading to the grocery store to pick up the sauce ingredients and some Taco Bell meat and try again! Youre the best, dad!!

[@mothernature12]

Amazing intro, reminds me of growing up in the 80s.

[@mooreoftom]

We grew up on Taco Bell as teenagers. I miss the Mexican Pizza as well. Can you do a video of an Authentic Taco Bell Encherito ?

[@tamikamorris2972]

YES 🙏🏽

[@cobra5359]

Enchirito was so good

[@emmef7970]

My favorite too!

[@ms.laterholmes2890]

Love the encherito with the little olive split on top

[@tashana775]

That 90's intro was everything!!!

[@GerasimosMakaras]

Hey, you forgot the green onions and olives! 🤪😉 Anyway, in all seriousness, the original Taco Bell pizza sauce actually had more of a transparent look, rather than solid red, and had chunks of tomatoes in it. But, then again, sometimes close enough just has to be close enough. 👍 Thanks for the video and all of your hard work and research!

[@DaveAaron]

If you live in the South and don't have a Krogers close by you can also find the Azteca Taco Salad Shells at Lowes Foods.

[@eunha521]

For those who aren't able to get a side of beef at their local Taco Bell.. Check out mythical kitchens version of the Mexican pizza(search on YT). He shows the different seasoning blends that you can do at home to make it a copycat. But the real secret is putting the meat inside of a food processor or blender. I followed his seasonings mix and even used ground turkey and it turned out really similar to Taco Bell's but I think mostly to do with the fact that I blended it up!

[@simsationalvirgo6461]

Appreciate you dedication to this recipe. I too loved the Mexican pizza in my youth and whenni make it at home I always add black olive and green onions. Gonna try your rendition with the extras since I can not repeat the meat at home.

[@__1201]

That's actually more inline with what it was originally. TB cutback though, and while it's still tasty, the original recipe was way better.

[@ericmcdonough6771]

This guy was not satisfied and found a way. Love it

[@tbuddy3005]

Family working together and eating together, that's a novel idea!!! I loved those pizza's, will have to try it.

[@schneidermanschneider8969]

When I worked there, the pizza sauce was made from a seasoning packet mixed with a big can of their salsa. The only other thing we used the salsa for was to serve with either chips or the taco salad, which makes sense why the salad is also not available anymore. Maybe the salsa was another reason why they are both gone.

[@jumpinwired1]

I concur. This looks like a perfect recipe though to satisfy those mexican pizza cravings.

[@blup1sx991]

Agreed, I was an asst manager there this guy has one of the closest methods to recreating the Mexican pizza I've seen yet right down to steaming the cheese on top.

[@kidwajagstang]

THANK YOU! I needed this. They are only bringing it back for a limited time.

[@IntellectuallyAstute]

I salute you for putting in so much time and giving us this info. 💯

[@ArcaneWeasel]

Thank you for being so thorough. Great video, I want one

[@stac1126]

Awesome! Thank you so much! The shell is the key to the pizza!!

[@williamking3301]

Thanks for the how-to vid. There was another KZbin video discussing why Taco Bell discontinued the Mexican Pizza, which mentioned the restaurant's official line of being eco-friendly with the cardboard boxes. A lot of the commenters bemoaned the absence and wanted TB to bring the menu item back, which prompted me to comment why not make your own. After I found your video of how to make a TB Mexican Pizza, I went back to edit my comment and added your vid as a link.

[@kelil1750]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I'm on the hunt and I can't wait to start the journey!!

[@antronetbaker7158]

Thank you for this recipe omg going to make this can’t wait

[@19jjace]

How is this not the MOST WATCHED video on the internet?!?! EPIC!!!!!!!!!

[@crissybgn]

Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@brosia26]

This is the best remake that I’ve seen for the Mexican pizza! I can’t wait to try this.

[@nicklong7661]

Dude you have no idea how much I appreciate this! And your right. Your video is best. On how to make the pizza and your recipe is spot on perfect

[@adadslife8894]

I appreciate that!

[@brianglenary]

Thanks for breaking everything down ! Love the video

[@christinekelson6276]

Thank you for sharing this I will definitely try this❗

[@thepurpleroseoftexas6679]

I love this at home version of the Taco Bell Mexican pizza. However, I worked at Taco Bell in my high school days and did the cooking so, I have to give you some “news” on a couple of things. Taco Bell didn’t steam the pizzas. They were put into those special paper containers and put the “toaster ovens” above the wrap table at the end of the steam table. Then boxed. Zero water was added to our beans while cooking. They were from a can and heated on the stove, mashed by hand and put into hotel pans on the steam table. This is where they dried out after a while and then taco meat “gravy” (drippings) were added into them on the line and mixed in, that is what gave them their creamy-ness if you will. The Taco Bell seasoning for the beef was the exact same thing you get from the Taco Bell seasoning packets in the store. It came as a paste in a bowl. Let me explain. The powder you get in the packet is the exact same dry version. The way it was used in the stores: it was premixed with water and or stock at the factory and came in a bowl that had a tomato paste consistency that you dumped into the ground meat while you cooked it in these huge hotel pans. We used a long handled potato masher looking utensil to break it up and rake it back and forth across the pan whilst mixing in the paste. So to get the same type of paste you take the packet and add a small amount of beef stock and mix it together. There could have possibly been some sort of ground oat flour in that mix but I have cooked with the packets and trust me it is the exact same thing - and I have a picky palette. But you have to cook it the “right way”. Start cooking (browning) the meat. Make the paste. Add it in while the meat cooks. Add water and simmer the meat until water is gone and a “gravy” is formed. Set aside until assembling pizza. Stir before spooning into shells. All the shells were fried in house in the morning. Every morning. Including the “pizza shells”, cinnamon twists and all the chips and taco shells. All fried in the same oil - only in a particular order. They used to make my fav taco with the same shell. (I want to say it was the taco light way back then but I would have to get back to you on that.) I do believe you managed to find the correct “shell”. The grease used to fry it in is where another layer of flavor came in. It was a blend but I’m sorry I can’t recall of what exactly. Corn and sunflower oil I believe but on that particular item don’t quote me. The pizza sauce was not smooth it was a chunky sauce also from a container that we added water to and mixed then put in a sauce container and put it in the steam table. It had chunks of tomatoes and Possibly peppers but I can’t recall what all else. - I disliked it terribly and always got my pizza sans that “sauce” (I will try your version and give it a taste test and get back to you) And yes in the beginning it had black olives and green onions on top. Later they added tomatoes when they stopped selling the encharito. Because the stores no longer carried black olives after that. And they quit using green onions after they were recalled for some reason back then. (Something to do with the supplier and a bacteria I think.) It was at that time they went to just adding tomatoes on top. So overall you did a great job on your version! Can’t wait to make that sauce and see if it is the same taste. Thanks for sharing! Looks amazing and I loved your homemade “steamer”! Im gonna have try your version and see how it goes! Hugs from down Texas way! 🦋💜🐞😘

[@adadslife8894]

Out of respect, 1: Maybe your taco bell didn't steam the pizzas, however they should have been 100% steamed. I even looked at buying one at auction but the price was at $700. Before this video i had stacks of information and even watched a training video from taco bell. They steamed the pizza's. You could buy one for me, a-zrestaurantequipment.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=7488 2: Beans, yes water or "gravy" was added to the beans. Thats why I did it. 3: Yes I total understand on the pizza sauce, that why I say its as close as you can get. You can not buy it anywhere. 4: Before making this video I spoke to a Taco bell regional manager, corporate HR rep. and my local Taco Bell store and was took on a full tour. The shell is 100%, the contract with the whole food co. ended in 2020.

[@lynnayamoon]

i worked for Taco Bell in 1994 in Florida. Our beans were dried, water was added, mixed it, and put it in the steam table. The mexican pizzas went into the same speed steamer as the mexi-melt and the enchirito i think. perhaps it depended on when it was built and equipment installed then.

[@hadmatter9240]

You worked at TB a long ass time ago, because in my time in the trenches the frijoles refritos came dehydrated, in plastic bags. We emptied those into a third pan, then, from a "Bunn machine" (a commercial coffee maker that was neutered [didn't make coffee; only heated water]), you added boiling water, then they were placed in a steam cabinets until fully rehydrated and had reached temp. Another thing is we didn't cook the meat in hotel pans, either, as it came precooked in thick plastic bags which boiled in pots till the meat reached temp, then were emptied into half pans and put in the cabinets. Prost, y'all (from Texas, too).

[@hadmatter9240]

@@lynnayamoon Yes, by that time it was a steamer. I miss the time they used a salamander instead of the steam oven.

[@lynnayamoon]

@@hadmatter9240 i was there through the best limited "extremes" menu: Extreme nachos in this little tray with chips on either side, and in the middle was beans and toppings, it was so good...lava sauce was the best! There was also a burrito that was topped with red sauce and cheese and put in the steamer that was incredible. anything they did that was really good, they took off the menu, like tostadas, and the breakfast menu was my favourite!!! taco bell ruined taco bell.

[@titomartinez8255]

Man, I don’t even know you and this is my first time watching you but bro that intro is AMAZINGLY wholesome!!! I LOVE IT!!🔥🔥🔥

[@BADAZZ93STANG]

This is by far the best Mexican Pizza video that I have ever seen!!! I'm making it tonight!!! Thanks brotha for sharing!!!

[@shanelleharris552]

Great job! I Love your intro reminds me of Family Ties and all those family comedy shows from the 80's

[@jimvalim1567]

I too, love the Mexican pizza! I was bummed out, when they said they were discontinued! Now that they brought it back, I decided to go back to taco bell and try it out. The shell's they're using is not the same. It used to be light and crispy and now they're not! They are also skimping on the meat, beans and toppings! The pizzas I got had a lot of bare shell around the perimeter! And not only that, it costs twice as much as before too. So, I'm kinda disappointed with their pizza. I wonder why they don't sell the pizza sauce in the stores, they sell everything else!

[@Baja2424]

Your righ that’s what I was saying the shell is not the same it’s you to be cheaper and the shell use to be smaller

[@kr0ntr0n]

This is incredible. I've been searching for the tortilla flats and the sauce recipe for a while. I as also pretty upset when taco bell said they were cancelling the mexican pizza as its also been an item of my childhood as well. Luckily after heavy pressure was applied, they brought it back. I'm going to be using black olives on mine. Thank you sir. Not all heroes wear capes.

[@lashay4746]

That looks delicious 😋 great job 👍

[@debbiesears1282]

Thanks 🙏 for sharing. This has always been my brother and my favorite. Really miss them. Your recipe looks spot on and a lot less complicated than all the copy cat recipes I’ve been seeing. Thanks again 😍

[@bigneecee3126]

Awesome job and research!

[@L.J.H.-sg6eb]

No way! I remember when they had the olives and green onions on it! Loved those! This is an amazing video! Aztech!!! I so need it! Miss those like crazy. Thank you! This is like a public service announcement. Haha, The Mexican Pizza was my favorite! Oh and the Maxi Melts! Been trying to make those just like they did. 😊

[@ralphwiggum3134]

I went vegetarian 2 decades ago, so I went a reallllllly long time without a Mexican Pizza. Now they have a vegetarian version and when I got it, I thought they used to have black olives. I just figured that I mis-remembered. I didn't specifically remember the green onions, but the current version does seem simpler than what I remember. Even so, it's still my favorite item on the menu. Glad you did the research on the shells. I'm going to have to seek them out and give this a try. Thanks!

[@discoonelove]

Lol 😆 loving the intro reminds me old school show vibes

[@Cyko..]

This is the only Taco Bell Mexican Pizza on KZbin that did most of their research thoroughly. A large majority of the copycat recipes out there say to fry up a flour tortilla. LOL! That's not even close! You did a great job with this. I don't know if I'll steam mine. I think putting the beans and meat between the 2 shells and then tossing it in my air fryer might make it crispier, then take it out, add the cheese, then put it back in the air fryer while it's still hot will melt the cheese. That way, when I take it out, all my cold toppings will stay nice and cold like the diced tomatoes, green onions, and black olives.

[@miguelalvarez4342]

Hi first time on your channel and I think I'm staying love your video thanks for being a wonderful person you and your beautiful family

[@marshakirby9978]

If you have a Lowes foods in your area, they sell that brand of taco salad shells. Thanks for sharing this info.

[@jumpinwired1]

Thank you so much for this video. I will be making this soon. Not trying to be too critical, but I agree with schneiderman schneider comment about the pizza sauce. I remember there being some chucks of tomato like canned tomatoes or salsa so I will add a small can of that to the pizza sauce. Again thanks for this. I believe this is my all time favorite menu item from Taco Bell so it will be nice to have this recipe and make it whenever I want.

[@donnag7526]

Taco bell was my favorite as a kid and teenager and an adult I lived on Mexican pizza...... then they stopped the green onions and black olives. Now it stopped the pizza altogether terrible day...... Why? I love your dog. Beautiful fur baby

[@ericahendricks5867]

Lifesaver! This is the smartest man walking😂🙌🏾

[@witchycrafter1037]

Keep making these types of videos! This is your Niche! Stick with this!

[@Moodiecapitalonthadooberry]

I just like the video at the intro lol. Too cute!

[@cheryldrojo3591]

Fantastic!!

[@martysmith8093]

Thank you. The crust is the most important item to know to me.

[@dorisvazquez4956]

Thanks for the video! Excited about trying it out. Question: Prior to steaming the assembled pizza, did you do a quick fry of the shell? It looked crispy.

[@adadslife8894]

You make the shell as per directions on the box. You do a quick back, "TIP" flip it 3-4 times to not burn.

[@sheabutter173]

I love it .. your intro it's like a 1980s sitcom intro😊

[@dianewatson1356]

Amazing. I like your steamer rig!

[@jodikeehn4581]

Great research

[@Yozi6414]

This man went all out lol 😂.He even searched for the company who makes everything. I do that too lol . Especially if it’s an item that I can’t find locally. Well cheers to him lol. I hope everything turned out yummy 🤤 🥰

[@lawandagrays4720]

Yes Yes I have watch many many channels to see who will even get close to making my favorite pizza an sir u hit the nail on the head rite on THANK U we havin Mexican Pizza tonite.

[@ryanlarocca3648]

This one looks really good. 1 thing I like to add is sour cream. A small scoop of sour cream and spread it on top... sooo good.

[@shirleykase507]

OMG that's definitely dedication.

[@sheabutter173]

Thanks for the tip on the tortillas .

[@RaineyStewart]

Give this man a medal!

[@wadessirenvideos6750]

I like your steaming method. Taco Bell Mexican Pizza shells and Taco Salad shells were made by frying extra thin flour tortillas in corn oil back in 1988. I worked there that year as my first job. They also used these fried shells for the Taco Lite, and for the Cinnamon Crispas, which are triangle shaped big chips dusted with cinnamon sugar. These were the pre cursor to Cinnamon Twists.

[@Baja2424]

Nice job going to try that

[@jglass4788]

Love this… most copy cat recipes are not even close. I have a feeling this one is on-par.

[@TimMeeks-nk1nr]

Awesome!

[@sweetiepie7125]

I made this tonight, came out excellent, just like Taco Bell

[@kymberBee]

Finally!! Everyone and their momma just fries regular tortillas. Thanks for doing the digging!! Imma try!

[@denisedesrosiers8817]

This has always been my favorite but I can honestly say that I’ve NEVER had one with black olives on it! Sounds amazing though!

[@UNDERWOODTRUTH]

Thank you, What time does your drive thru open😊👍

[@nekoveli1]

your the greatest for showing us this

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

Thanks for doing this. Can you do video on how to make a enchirito and how to make the taco bellgrande( later renamed big bell taco) taco shells?

[@HeSavesMankind]

No chopped green onions and sliced olives?! :o THANK YOU. Now remake the taco salad. :) How long did you toast the shells for? Follow box directions? 3 cheese blend? Which cheeses? Where did you buy the Gebhardt sauce? I can't wait to make this!

[@nanasings1090]

Awesome thank you

[@teddythodo3302]

I cannot thank you enough. I’ve seen 10 or 20 copy cat recipes and videos and their end result is laughable to say the least. This specific item at TB consists of 90% of that specific shell and its texture / consistency. If you can get that shell- you’ve got the Mexican pizza. Thank you so much.

[@sharonjames1255]

I love the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza and always have. I hate that they have discontinued it. I didn't know what I was gonna do! Then I saw this! Thank you so much!!! You said you had only found the shells at Krogers. We don't have one in our closest town. But I think there's one in the next town over. I know there's one in my sister's town, so I can always go there or have her send me some. You have a nice looking family! God bless you and your family.

[@Baja2424]

The Mexican pizza was just out last month they took it off again any way it didn’t taste the same

[@ms.p.1022]

I will be trying this with the black olives and green onions!👍🏽

[@joegallien9631]

That intro is top notch

[@_cme_]

Great video u earned a sub

[@koreyb]

I wondered how to make that!

[@aflypoet]

Intro made me subscribe lol

[@msdevontrenae6274]

I just read in the Taco Bell app that the Mexican Pizza is coming back in May, 2022! I wonder if it will be the same! This is awesome info because I live to make mine at home…but the right way!! 😉 Thanks!!

[@Baja2424]

It’s back but it don’t taste the same

[@deevirgo82]

Thank you

[@ourfunhousekids]

When you start heating it with the water you have foil on the rack. But then when it is done the foil has disappeared. What gives?

[@PattyMcqG]

Awesome!!! Miss those pizzas, but now I know! Thanks! Now Popeyes Dirty Rice!

[@HurricaneTroy]

Finally someone who does it correctly ...they do not use flour tortillas

[@bigglefty75]

yeah... I'll go do all that - i like your level of thought... at the end of the day your kids were serious to make it happen good stuff

[@dulcedorada1351]

I can't wait to try this recipe. The mexican pizza's were my favorite. Thank you for sharing!

[@carmendoyle9786]

They came back with it 🇨🇦

[@skgoode75]

I really like your amazing videos like this one how to making a real Mexican pizza 🍕 it's sound pretty good 👍 thsnk you for the recipe how to making a real Mexican pizza 🍕 I trying the taco bell s Mexican pizza at my local restaurant it was good and Samething with taco bell s taco salad 🥗 it was very great you doing a great job showing us how to making a real taco bell s Mexican pizza at home on your KZbin channel sending me more of your amazing videos on my KZbin channel ❤ I really enjoying your amazing videos 💖 keeping up with the great work 😋 on your KZbin channel have a great and safe weekend 😀

[@juliemiller5740]

Thanks

[@scottbrown5235]

Don't take this as a big criticism, but if I moved to another country? Where do I get "Ragu" sauce or enchilada sauce (pre-made), or that specific brand of taco shells (Azteca)? You can't, but you can use all local ingredients and actually do it as good as the supermarket store stuff. No cans, (refried beans, enchilada sauce), no pre-packaging (spices), no store-bought ground beef (make it yourself in your kitchen combine), etc. There are always "tortillas" wherever you go. You make them all yourself. I did enjoy the video and your approach. Just not outside the US where we can't purchase the requisite products.

[@pamosborn1956]

Wow! You checked out Mythical Kitchen?! Love them :) Kudos for that!

[@adadslife8894]

I did!

[@jbuchananator]

Respect! How did you learn about the shell manufacturer? That was the reason I never tried to replicate the MP

[@chriseckstein3662]

I did enjoy your video a lot

[@mikenelson3338]

Yes! The shells is where it’s at!

[@chardeemacdennis3852]

Nice job... im gonna add those green onions too

[@somin3d1080p]

Where did u get or how’d you make the pizza shell? Also what is the mix for the sauce, 1:1 of spaghetti and enchilada sauce?

[@TheDoors777]

Best recipe

[@winnieford4063]

That is the only thing I ordered from Taco Bell and the burrito supreme which was the #4 I tried other things but this was always my go-to since I was in college back in the 80's I can't believe they took it off the menu 😢 I have been trying to make it at home but I didn't know how they made the sauce so it wasn't the same thing I remember when they took the onions off I was so upset about that they were talking about salmonella poison and they never put it back it wasn't the same after that but I still ordered it it was ok but lacking a main ingredient so today I thought I would find out how to make it thank you you came the closest then any anyone ever did I am going to try it with the green onions tho thank you again

[@cerrittarockwell2561]

Thanks for the recipe do you fry the taco shells are baked them.