Do Mexican Pizzas Have Meat? Unpacking the Ingredients

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 170,000 people once signed a petition to bring back the Mexican Pizza to Taco Bell's menu, a testament to its popularity. For fans of this beloved fast-food item, a common question arises: do Mexican pizzas have meat? The answer depends on the specific recipe, but the classic version does include a seasoned meat filling.

Quick Summary

This article explores the standard and alternative ingredients found in Mexican pizzas, with a focus on the meat content. It details the classic fast-food recipe, discusses plant-based options, and provides guidance for creating customizable, meat-free versions at home. The overview offers a comprehensive look at what to expect and how to adapt this popular dish.

Key Points

Classic Mexican pizzas contain meat: The traditional recipe, popularized by fast-food chains, includes a layer of seasoned ground beef between two tortillas.
Vegetarian versions are widely available: You can easily order a vegetarian Mexican pizza by requesting it be made without meat, with extra beans typically added.
Vegan options require customization: For a vegan version, you must request no meat and no dairy cheese, often opting for a plant-based alternative or simply omitting the cheese.
Homemade versions offer total control: Making a Mexican pizza at home allows you to use plant-based meat substitutes and vegan cheeses to create a completely customizable and meat-free meal.
The Mexican pizza has a rich history: Originally called the 'Pizzazz Pizza,' it was reintroduced to the menu due to popular demand, including a significant push from the vegetarian community.
Ingredients can be compared side-by-side: Comparing the classic fast-food recipe to a homemade plant-based version highlights the key differences in filling, cheese, and overall dietary suitability.

The Classic Mexican Pizza: A Look at the Standard Recipe

At its core, the traditional Mexican pizza, popularized by fast-food chains like Taco Bell, is a layered dish built on crispy tortillas. The classic version, as confirmed by numerous copycat recipes and historical descriptions, prominently features meat as a key ingredient.

The standard preparation involves:

Two fried flour tortillas acting as the 'crusts'.
A layer of seasoned ground beef and refried beans spread between the tortillas.
A topping of red pizza sauce or enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes.

The ground beef is typically cooked with a blend of taco seasonings to give it that signature flavor. This meat filling is what makes the classic Mexican pizza a non-vegetarian option. The use of ground beef has been a consistent feature of the fast-food version since its introduction.

The Rise of the Vegetarian and Vegan Mexican Pizza

For those who prefer a meat-free diet, the Mexican pizza is highly adaptable. Fast-food restaurants, including Taco Bell, have long offered or accommodated a vegetarian version. The simplest customization is to remove the meat entirely.

Customizing a Meat-Free Fast-Food Order

When ordering a vegetarian Mexican pizza at a fast-food establishment, the primary modification is to substitute the seasoned beef. The common replacement is to use extra refried beans, which are already part of the base recipe. Customers can also specify 'no beef' to receive a delicious, meat-free version. However, it is important for strict vegans to note that the standard preparation still includes dairy cheese. For a fully vegan option, requesting no cheese is necessary.

Crafting a Plant-Based Mexican Pizza at Home

Making a homemade Mexican pizza provides complete control over the ingredients. For a delicious plant-based version, consider these common substitutes:

Meat alternatives: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, spiced black beans, or lentils.
Vegan cheese: Utilize a high-quality vegan cheese blend that melts well, avoiding any dairy products.
Other ingredients: Ensure that refried beans are vegan (some use lard) and choose a vegan-friendly sauce.

Creating a homemade version offers the benefit of higher-quality ingredients and the ability to add more vegetables for a healthier, more vibrant meal.

Comparison: Standard vs. Plant-Based Mexican Pizza


Feature	Standard Mexican Pizza (e.g., Taco Bell)	Plant-Based Homemade Mexican Pizza
Core Filling	Seasoned ground beef and refried beans.	Seasoned plant-based crumbles, black beans, or lentils.
Cheese	A three-cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack).	Vegan cheese blend.
Crust	Crispy fried flour tortillas.	Crispy fried or baked flour/corn tortillas.
Sauce	Red enchilada or pizza sauce.	Homemade or store-bought vegan-friendly enchilada or taco sauce.
Flavor Profile	Classic, savory, fast-food taste.	Can be customized with bolder, fresher flavors and a wider range of spices.
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.	Suitable for vegans and vegetarians with the right substitutions.

A Brief History and the Vegetarian Impact

The Mexican pizza, originally known as the "Pizzazz Pizza," first appeared on the Taco Bell menu in the 1980s. Its popularity soared over the years, partly due to its unique fusion of flavors. However, its widespread appeal among a key demographic of vegetarian customers is notable. The fact that the seasoned beef could be easily replaced with beans made it a favorite among South Asian Americans who are often vegetarian. The passionate online petition to reinstate the dish after its temporary removal in 2020 further highlights its cultural significance. The success of the vegetarian customization option showcases the power of consumer demand and menu flexibility. For further exploration of its history and cultural context, a detailed breakdown is available on its Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Pizza.

Conclusion

So, do Mexican pizzas have meat? The simple answer is yes, the classic version does, containing seasoned ground beef as a primary filling. However, the dish's customizable nature means that meat is not a mandatory component. For both fast-food diners and home cooks, a delicious vegetarian or vegan Mexican pizza is easily achievable by opting for a plant-based substitute. This flexibility has cemented its status as a beloved menu item for a diverse range of dietary preferences, proving that a great dish can be enjoyed by everyone, with or without meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the classic Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell features a layer of seasoned ground beef between the two crispy tortillas.

Yes, you can order a vegetarian version of the Mexican pizza by requesting 'no beef.' This typically results in a pizza with extra refried beans instead of meat.

At Taco Bell, you can make the Mexican Pizza vegan by customizing your order. You must request no seasoned beef and no cheese, adding extra beans and opting for vegan-friendly toppings.

The meat used in the classic fast-food style Mexican pizza is typically a finely crumbled, seasoned ground beef.

Common vegetarian substitutes include extra refried beans, spiced black beans, or a plant-based ground beef alternative for homemade recipes.

While similar in concept, a Mexican pizza is layered with fillings between two fried tortillas, resembling a sandwich, while a tostada is a single flat, fried tortilla served with toppings on top.

Yes, it is very easy to make a meat-free Mexican pizza at home using plant-based ground meat, spiced lentils, or black beans as a substitute for the beef.