Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Living (in Europe) away from fast food has turned the appeal on Taco Bell way down, but I will never tire of Mexican food! We must make ours from scratch.

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons water
8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup Crisco vegetable shortening
1 (16 oz) can refried beans
2/3 cup mild salsa
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup sliced black olives

Brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain the excess fat from the pan. Add salt, onions, paprika, black pepper, chili powder and water, then let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently. Heat the Crisco shortening in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. If the oil is smoking, it is too hot. Fry each tortilla for about 45 seconds per side, or until golden brown and let drain on paper towels. Heat up the refried beans in a small saucepan. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
To assemble the pizza, spread about 1/3 cup refried beans on face of one tortilla. Next spread 1/4 of meat, then another tortilla. Coat the tortillas with two tablespoons of salsa, then split up the tomatoes and stack them on top. Next divide up the cheese, onions and olives, stacking in that order. Place pizzas in the oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese on top is melted.