Taco Pizza Recipe

Taco Pizza is the ultimate combination of two favorite comfort foods. It starts with a crispy pizza crust, which is topped with seasoned taco meat, cheese, and a variety of fresh taco-inspired toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and taco sauce. The result is a delicious, hearty pizza that brings together the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a fun twist on your regular pizza night.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Pizza

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of taco-seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and fresh toppings makes every bite packed with flavor.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. Add guacamole, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra zing.
• Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find, and it doesn’t take long to make.
• Family-Friendly: Taco pizza is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• Perfect for Parties: It’s a great dish to serve for casual gatherings or game nights.

Cooking the Taco Meat

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add Taco Seasoning: Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the meat is evenly coated in seasoning.
3. Set Aside: Remove the taco meat from the heat and set it aside.

Assembling the Taco Pizza

1. Spread the Sauce: Once the pizza crust has pre-baked, remove it from the oven and spread a thin layer of taco sauce over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
2. Add the Taco Meat: Evenly spread the cooked taco meat over the sauce.
3. Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the taco meat. The cheddar adds a sharp flavor, while the mozzarella gives the pizza a stretchy, gooey texture.

Baking the Pizza

1. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
2. Check for Doneness: The pizza is done when the cheese has fully melted and the crust is crisp and golden.

Adding Final Toppings

1. Add the Fresh Toppings: Once the pizza comes out of the oven, let it cool for 2-3 minutes, then add the fresh toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, and black olives.
2. Drizzle with Sour Cream and Taco Sauce: For added flavor, drizzle some sour cream and more taco sauce over the top. You can put the sour cream in a small zip-top bag, snip the corner, and drizzle it like a pro.
3. Garnish with Cilantro: For a final touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the pizza, if desired.

Serving the Pizza

1. Slice and Serve: Slice the Taco Pizza into squares or triangles and serve immediately.
2. Serve with Sides: Taco pizza pairs well with a side of guacamole, salsa, or tortilla chips for an extra festive touch.

Tips for the Best Taco Pizza

• Pre-Bake the Crust: Pre-baking the crust ensures it won’t get soggy once you add the taco toppings.
• Drain Excess Grease: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy pizza.
• Fresh Toppings After Baking: Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions after baking to keep them crisp and flavorful.
• Customize the Heat: If you like your pizza spicier, add some diced jalapeños or extra taco sauce for a kick of heat.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best texture, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Taco Pizza: Swap out the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground chicken seasoned with taco spices.
• Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, use seasoned black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Supreme Taco Pizza: Add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
• Cheesy Stuffed Crust: Roll cheese into the edge of the pizza dough for a stuffed crust that adds extra gooey goodness.
• Spicy Version: Add extra chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce to the taco meat for a spicier pizza.

How to Serve Taco Pizza

Taco Pizza is a meal in itself, but here are a few ideas for accompaniments:

• Taco-Inspired Side Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and taco dressing can complement the pizza perfectly.
• Chips and Salsa: A side of crispy tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, or queso dip is a great option to serve alongside Taco Pizza.
• Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of flavorful Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.

Storing and Reheating

Storing

If you have leftover Taco Pizza, let it cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the pizza on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes, until warmed through and the crust is crispy again.
• In the Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat a slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may lose some crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza dough and taco seasoning mix to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I use other meats for the topping?

Certainly! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork as a substitute for beef. Just season the meat with taco seasoning to ensure you get that classic taco flavor.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked taco meat?

Yes, if you have leftover taco meat, you can use that for this recipe. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and reheated before adding it to the pizza.

Can I freeze taco pizza?

Taco pizza can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it without the fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. Wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat, then add the fresh toppings.

Conclusion

Taco Pizza is a fun and delicious mashup of two beloved dishes. With a crispy crust, flavorful taco meat, and fresh toppings, this pizza is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a party, or a game-day snack, Taco Pizza is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate fusion of flavors!

Yield: 8 Slices

Taco Pizza Recipe

Print

Taco Pizza is the ultimate combination of two favorite comfort foods. It starts with a crispy pizza crust, which is topped with seasoned taco meat, cheese, and a variety of fresh taco-inspired toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and taco sauce. The result is a delicious, hearty pizza that brings together the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a fun twist on your regular pizza night.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
• 1/2 cup water (for taco seasoning)
• 1 cup refried beans (warmed)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping)
• 1/4 cup tortilla chips, crushed (optional for extra crunch)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
• Add the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water to the cooked beef. Stir and simmer until the seasoning thickens and coats the beef (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

• Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to your pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Spread the warmed refried beans evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
• Spoon salsa over the beans and spread it lightly.
• Evenly distribute the cooked taco-seasoned ground beef over the top.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the entire pizza.

4. Bake:

• Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Add Toppings:

• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and sliced green onions.
• If you like, add dollops of sour cream and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for extra texture.

6. Slice and Serve:

• Slice the taco pizza into 8 pieces and serve immediately. Feel free to drizzle with more salsa or serve with guacamole on the side.

Notes

• Customize Your Toppings: Add jalapeños, avocado, or cilantro for extra flavor. You can also swap ground beef with shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Make It Spicy: For a spicier taco pizza, use a hot taco seasoning mix or add a drizzle of hot sauce over the finished pizza.
• Alternative Crusts: Try using a pre-baked tortilla or naan bread for a quicker version of taco pizza.