Creating a Lightened Up Taco Bell Copycat Mexican Pizza at home offers a healthier twist on the fast-food favorite, capturing the essence of the beloved dish while making it more nutritious and customizable. This version uses whole wheat tortillas, lean ground turkey, and fresh ingredients to assemble a delicious, satisfying meal that’s lower in calories and fat but full of flavor. It’s a perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy their fast-food favorites with a health-conscious approach.

This Lightened Up Taco Bell Copycat Mexican Pizza transforms a guilty pleasure into a nourishing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. By substituting traditional ingredients with healthier alternatives, this recipe maintains the spirit of the original dish while offering a more wholesome profile. The whole wheat tortillas become delightfully crisp in the oven, providing the perfect base for the richly seasoned lean ground turkey and the creamy refried beans.

Each layer is thoughtfully assembled to maximize taste and texture, ensuring that every bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the warm, spicy flavors of the taco-seasoned turkey, complemented by the smooth, hearty beans. The salsa, a simple yet impactful addition, introduces a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, brightening the overall dish.

Topped with a melty blend of low-fat cheeses, fresh diced tomatoes, and crisp green onions, the pizza is a vibrant mosaic of colors and nutrients. Optional slices of black olives add a briny depth, while a final garnish of lettuce, extra tomatoes, and a dollop of low-fat sour cream (for those who indulge) brings freshness and a creamy contrast to the warm components underneath.

Creating this Lightened Up Mexican Pizza at home not only allows for a healthier rendition of a fast-food favorite but also offers the flexibility to adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences. It’s a testament to the idea that with a few smart swaps, you can enjoy the flavors you love without compromise, making it a fitting choice for a family dinner, a fun DIY pizza night, or whenever the craving for a savory, Mexican-inspired dish strikes.

Ingredients:

For the Mexican Pizza:

  • 4 whole wheat tortillas (8-inch)
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup refried beans (fat-free or low-fat)
  • 1 cup salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or hot)
  • 1 cup shredded low-fat Mexican cheese blend
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • Cooking spray

For the Toppings:

  • Low-fat sour cream (optional)
  • Chopped lettuce (optional)
  • Extra diced tomatoes (optional)
  • Additional green onions (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Ground Turkey: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water, then simmer according to the seasoning packet’s instructions, or until the liquid has reduced and the meat is well-coated with seasoning.
  3. Crisp the Tortillas: Place the whole wheat tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray, then bake in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until crispy. Remove from oven but keep the oven on.
  4. Assemble the Mexican Pizzas: Spread a quarter cup of refried beans on two of the tortillas. Top each with half of the seasoned ground turkey and then a quarter cup of salsa. Place the remaining tortillas on top, creating a “sandwich”. Spread another quarter cup of salsa over the top tortillas, then sprinkle with the shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and olives if using.
  5. Bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. If desired, add a dollop of low-fat sour cream, and sprinkle with extra tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per pizza):

  • Calories: Approximately 450
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 42g