Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Taco Pizza Recipe
If you love tacos and pizza, why choose between them when you can enjoy both in one irresistible dish? This Taco Pizza Recipe brings together the best of both worlds: a crispy pizza crust topped with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and classic taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a casual gathering, this taco pizza is sure to be a hit.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect taco pizza, from the ingredients and step-by-step preparation to variations and expert tips.
Ingredients for the Best Taco Pizza
Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious Taco Pizza Recipe at home:
For the Crust:
- 1 store-bought pizza dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
- 1/3 cup water
For the Pizza Base Layer:
- 1/2 cup refried beans (or black bean spread)
- 1/2 cup taco sauce or salsa
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped red onions
- 1/4 cup jalapeño slices (optional for spice)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for drizzling or dipping)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips (for extra crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Taco Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and salt over the surface for extra flavor.
- Pre-bake for 5-7 minutes until it starts to firm up but isn’t fully cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned.
- Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Base
- Spread an even layer of refried beans over the pre-baked pizza crust.
- Spoon taco sauce or salsa over the beans and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese to create a gooey, melty base.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Evenly distribute the seasoned taco meat over the cheese layer.
- Add another light sprinkle of cheese to help everything hold together.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Step 5: Add Fresh Taco Toppings
- Let the pizza cool slightly before adding fresh toppings.
- Scatter shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, red onions, and jalapeños over the top.
- Crush tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the pizza for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with sour cream or serve it on the side.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Taco Pizza Variations & Customizations
1. Make It a Vegetarian Taco Pizza
- Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
- Load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.
2. Spicy Taco Pizza Twist
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce or chipotle mayo.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
3. Chicken Taco Pizza
- Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in taco seasoning.
- Add avocado slices or a drizzle of ranch for a creamy contrast.
4. Low-Carb Keto Taco Pizza
- Use a low-carb pizza crust or cauliflower crust.
- Skip the beans and tortilla chips, and increase the cheese layer.
5. Supreme Taco Pizza
- Load up with extra toppings like green chilies, pico de gallo, or a blend of cheeses.
Serving Suggestions: What to Eat with Taco Pizza
While this Taco Pizza Recipe is a complete meal on its own, here are some great side dishes to serve alongside:
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): A tangy and cheesy side that complements the taco flavors.
- Guacamole & Chips: A creamy, refreshing dip to balance the richness.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A light, citrusy side dish.
- Margaritas or Agua Fresca: Pair your taco pizza with a refreshing drink.
Expert Tips for the Best Taco Pizza
- Pre-bake the crust to prevent a soggy base.
- Use fresh toppings for the best flavor and crunch.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to keep the toppings from sliding off.
- Don’t overload the pizza with wet toppings (like salsa) to avoid a mushy crust.
- Experiment with different cheeses like queso fresco or cotija for an authentic Mexican twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make taco pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the taco meat, pizza dough, and toppings in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
How do I store and reheat leftover taco pizza?
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer to retain crispiness.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! Try a thin crust, a deep-dish style, or even a pre-made flatbread for a quicker option.
Final Thoughts: Try This Taco Pizza Recipe Today!
This Taco Pizza Recipe is a game-changer for pizza and taco lovers alike. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a party, or just satisfying a craving, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Taco Pizza Recipe
Description
A mouthwatering fusion of two beloved cuisines, Taco Pizza combines the bold flavors of Mexican spices with the cheesy, crispy goodness of pizza. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or parties, this recipe is quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this fun, family-friendly dish!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough (or use pre-made dough)
For the Taco Sauce
For the Toppings
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Preheat Oven and Prepare the Base
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Roll out the dough into a large circle or rectangle (depending on your pan). Place on a greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the taco sauce evenly over the dough.
Add Cheese and Protein
Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add the seasoned ground beef and black beans evenly across the surface.
Bake the Pizza
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Add Fresh Toppings
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Add shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, black olives, shredded lettuce, and cilantro. Drizzle with sour cream if desired.
Mixing bowl, Rolling pin, Pizza stone or baking sheet, Oven, Knife and cutting board
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1261.22kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 64.89g100%
- Saturated Fat 32.78g164%
- Trans Fat 0.77g
- Cholesterol 191.85mg64%
- Sodium 1851.03mg78%
- Potassium 1410.97mg41%
- Total Carbohydrate 103.96g35%
- Dietary Fiber 12.4g50%
- Sugars 7.7g
- Protein 65.11g131%
- Vitamin A 454.89 IU
- Vitamin C 8.8 mg
- Calcium 1075.02 mg
- Iron 9.23 mg
- Vitamin D 0.87 IU
- Vitamin E 3.11 IU
- Vitamin K 24.89 mcg
- Thiamin 1.49 mg
- Riboflavin 1.19 mg
- Niacin 9.66 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.58 mg
- Folate 316.47 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2.48 mcg
- Phosphorus 1054.48 mg
- Magnesium 161.23 mg
- Zinc 9.28 mg
* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.
Note
You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
Substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or vegetarian crumbles for variety.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.