Taco Pizza Recipe
If you love the flavors of taco night and the satisfaction of a big, cheesy pizza, this is the dream mash-up you didn’t know you needed. Taco Pizza has all the bold, zesty toppings of your favorite tacos—seasoned ground beef, refried beans, salsa, veggies, and a shower of gooey Mexican cheese—layered onto golden-baked pizza dough. This recipe brings two classic comfort foods together in perfect harmony for a dinner that’s as fun as it is delicious. It’s ideal for feeding friends, family, or just treating yourself on a night when you want something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Taco Pizza is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one brings color, texture, or big flavor. With a mix of fresh and pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to bake up a showstopper.
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough: This is your canvas—a quick, easy base that gets wonderfully crisp and golden as it bakes.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: The hearty, savory star. Try ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if you want to mix it up!
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: The essential Tex-Mex spice blend that gives the meat those iconic taco vibes.
- 1/3 cup water: Helps the taco seasoning coat the beef and creates a saucy, flavorful topping.
- 1/2 cup refried beans: Adds creaminess and earthiness; spread this on your crust for that true taco taste.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Brings tang, a little heat, and keeps the base extra juicy.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts into a bubbly, gooey blanket—no compromises here.
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce: Fresh crunch and a pop of lively green on top.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these brighten up each slice.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives: A briny punch that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, savory toppings.
- 2 green onions, sliced: For a burst of freshness and color.
- Sour cream and hot sauce (optional): For serving, because what’s Taco Pizza without a little something extra on the side?
How to Make Taco Pizza
Step 1: Prepare and Pre-Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lightly greasing a baking sheet or pizza pan. Roll your pizza dough out into a big 12-inch circle (or go for a rectangle if you feel rebellious—Taco Pizza doesn’t judge!). Once it’s shaped, transfer it to the pan and give it an initial bake for 6 to 8 minutes. This quick pre-bake helps the crust get a head start, so it stays crisp and sturdy even as it soaks up all those glorious toppings.
Step 2: Cook the Taco-Seasoned Beef
While your crust is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and crumble in your ground beef. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain away any extra grease—which keeps things from getting soggy—then sprinkle over your taco seasoning and water. Let it all simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, so the meat soaks up every bit of bold, spicy flavor.
Step 3: Make the Beans and Salsa Base
Grab a small bowl and stir together the refried beans and salsa. This is your magic “sauce”—creamy, a little tangy, and packed with flavor. Once combined, spread this mixture over your prebaked crust, going right up to the edge for maximum coverage.
Step 4: Add the Meat and Cheese
Scatter your seasoned beef all over that saucy base. Don’t forget the corners! Next, shower the whole pizza with your shredded Mexican cheese blend. The cheese will bubble up and melt over everything, creating that signature stretch with every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Return your pizza to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a golden crust and cheese that’s melted and beautifully bubbly. When everything looks irresistible, pull it out and let it cool just slightly before slicing.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Time for toppings! Sprinkle on shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Add dollops of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold. Slice it up and watch everyone’s eyes light up—it’s Taco Pizza time!
How to Serve Taco Pizza
Garnishes
Pile your Taco Pizza slices high with cool shredded lettuce, ripe tomatoes, briny black olives, and snappy green onions. For even more flavor, add dollops of sour cream, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you really want to go wild, scatter on some crushed tortilla chips for irresistible crunch. Every topping adds its own spark and makes each bite a mini flavor adventure.
Side Dishes
Pair your Taco Pizza with a zesty corn salad, crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole, or even some Mexican rice for a full Tex-Mex vibe. A bright, citrusy slaw or simple black bean salad also balances the rich, cheesy pizza beautifully. Don’t forget a pitcher of icy-cold lemonade or margaritas to complete the fiesta!
Creative Ways to Present
Let Taco Pizza shine at your gatherings by slicing it into party wedges for a snack board, or cut small squares for appetizer platters. You can also set up a “pizza bar” with toppings and let everyone dress their own slice—kids especially love this. For a weeknight twist, serve smaller personal-sized Taco Pizzas or roll the dough into mini rounds for mouthwatering taco pizza bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save leftovers, simply let the pizza cool completely, then pop slices into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—just keep in mind that fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes may wilt, so you might want to add those right before serving.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Taco Pizza (minus fresh toppings)! Let baked slices cool, wrap each tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and garnishes after reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Taco Pizza is in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F until heated through and the crust regains its crispness (about 8 to 10 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in the microwave works, too, though the crust won’t be as crunchy. Hold off on fresh toppings until after it’s hot and ready to serve!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or use plant-based protein crumbles for a vegetarian Taco Pizza. The seasoning and toppings will make it taste just as satisfying.
Is it possible to make this Taco Pizza gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or flatbread as the base. All the toppings are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your taco seasoning packet to be sure.
What’s the best way to keep the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust before adding toppings is key! Also, be sure to drain the beef well and don’t overload the pizza with wet salsa. Spreading the beans and salsa mixture in a thin, even layer also helps maintain that sturdy, crisp bite.
Can I meal-prep Taco Pizza in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and bean-salsa sauce ahead of time, and even prebake the crust. Assemble and finish baking just before serving, then add fresh toppings.
Are there toppings I can add for extra flavor and crunch?
Feel free to get creative! Add sliced jalapeños, pickled red onions, crushed tortilla chips, or extra hot sauce. A drizzle of ranch or taco sauce makes it even more irresistible—Taco Pizza is the perfect canvas for your favorite add-ons.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s equal parts fun, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, Taco Pizza is about to become your new go-to recipe. There’s so much to love with every slice, from gooey cheese to crisp veggies and bold Tex-Mex flavors. Don’t be surprised when everyone starts asking for seconds—this unforgettable fusion will steal the spotlight at any meal!
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Taco Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delicious fusion of tacos and pizza with this easy-to-make Taco Pizza. A crispy crust topped with seasoned beef, refried beans, salsa, and gooey cheese, finished with fresh veggies and a dollop of sour cream.
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sour cream and hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and grease a baking sheet.
- Prepare the crust: Roll out the pizza dough onto the prepared pan and bake until slightly puffed.
- Cook the beef: Brown the ground beef, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread refried beans and salsa on the crust, top with seasoned beef and cheese. Bake until golden.
- Finish and serve: Top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and green onions. Serve with sour cream and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles as a substitute for ground beef.
- Add jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with taco sauce or ranch dressing for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 of pizza)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
