Taco Pizza Recipe

If you love both tacos and pizza, get ready to be absolutely delighted by this Taco Pizza. It’s a wonderful fusion dish that brings together the cheesy, crispy goodness of pizza with the bold, spiced flavors of a taco night all in one slice. Whether you’re craving something fun for dinner or hosting a casual get-together, this Taco Pizza is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser with its vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Taco Pizza lies in its simplicity yet vibrant combination of ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute layers of flavor and texture. From the hearty seasoned beef to the melty cheeses and fresh toppings, these essentials build the perfect foundation for a mouthwatering experience.

• 1 lb Ground beef: This forms the savory, protein-packed base with great texture; feel free to substitute turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian option.
• 1 Taco seasoning packet: The magic blend of spices that gives this dish its signature taco flavor, mixed with water as directed.
• 2/3 cup Water: Used to simmer the seasoning with the beef, so the flavors meld perfectly.
• 1 lb Pizza dough: The canvas for your creation; homemade or store-bought, rolled out for a golden crust.
• 1 cup Refried beans: Acts as a rich, creamy base layer; mixing with cream cheese and salsa makes it even more delicious.
• 1/2 cup Salsa or taco sauce: Adds a bit of zest and moisture; pick your preferred heat level to customize.
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, it brings richness and a beautiful golden melt.
• 1 cup Shredded Mexican blend cheese: A mix of cheeses that add gooey texture and authentic Mexican flair.
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for that dreamy stretch and mild creaminess.
• 1 cup Shredded lettuce: For a fresh, crisp topping that balances out the warm, hearty layers below.
• 1/2 cup Diced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add bright color and natural freshness.
• 1/3 cup Sour cream: Or substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy finish.
• 1/4 cup Black olives: Sliced olives lend a slightly salty, briny touch that complements the other toppings.
• Optional toppings: Jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce for a personal twist to bring out even bolder flavors.

How to Make Taco Pizza

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Begin by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s fully cooked, drain off any excess grease to avoid soggy pizza. Then stir in the taco seasoning and water, following the packet’s instructions to simmer until the mixture thickens into that perfectly spiced taco filling. This is where the heart of your Taco Pizza flavors take shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 425°F. While it’s warming up, roll out your pizza dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your pan. Brush the surface lightly with oil or garlic butter to create a golden, flavorful crust. Pop it into the oven to pre-bake for about 5-7 minutes — this step ensures your crust stays crisp and holds up against all those toppings without getting soggy.

Step 3: Assemble the Taco Pizza

Once the crust is ready, spread a generous layer of refried beans mixed with salsa over it, creating a creamy, zesty base. Next, scatter the cooked taco meat evenly on top, followed by a hearty helping of the shredded cheddar, Mexican blend, and mozzarella cheeses. This combination will melt into a glorious cheesy blanket over your Taco Pizza.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Place your assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly and inviting. After removing it, allow the pizza to cool for about 5 minutes; this resting time helps everything set and makes it easier to slice.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Now the fun part: topping your Taco Pizza! Scatter shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, and sliced black olives across the surface. Feel free to dress it up with jalapeños, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce for that extra flavor kick. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy every bite of this festive, flavor-packed delight.

How to Serve Taco Pizza

Garnishes

The fresh garnishes truly make the Taco Pizza shine. Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes add crunch and brightness, balancing the rich melting cheeses and seasoned meat. Sour cream adds a cooling creaminess that cuts through the spices, while olives and jalapeños give pops of salty and spicy notes. Don’t be shy to customize these toppings based on what you love most.

Side Dishes

Serve your Taco Pizza with simple sides that complement the Tex-Mex vibe. Think along the lines of a fresh corn salad, guacamole with tortilla chips, or even Mexican street corn (elote) for a fun pairing. A light side salad with lime dressing can also refresh your palate between bites of this hearty dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to switch things up? Consider slicing your Taco Pizza into small, appetizer-sized pieces for a party platter. Alternatively, make individual mini Taco Pizzas using smaller dough rounds—perfect for personalized toppings and sharing. You can also serve it with a side of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole to encourage everyone to add their favorite extras at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before storing to preserve texture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating slowly will keep the crust crisp and the toppings fresh.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers. Frozen Taco Pizza slices keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Taco Pizza is in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which helps restore crispiness and melts the cheese beautifully. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. For a quick warm-up, a hot skillet can also do the trick by crisping the bottom while warming the toppings.

FAQs

Can I use different meats for Taco Pizza?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute works wonderfully. Just cook them with the taco seasoning in the same way to keep those bold flavors intact.

Is it necessary to pre-bake the pizza crust?

Pre-baking prevents the crust from becoming soggy once you add the bean and salsa base. If you skip this step, you might end up with a doughy bottom instead of a crisp, sturdy crust.

Can I make this Taco Pizza gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free pizza crust or even a cauliflower crust to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing deliciousness.

How spicy is the Taco Pizza?

The spice level depends mostly on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. You can adjust the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and salsa varieties to suit your taste.

What are some good alternatives to refried beans?

If refried beans aren’t your favorite, try mashed black beans, hummus, or a layer of seasoned cream cheese mixed with salsa for a creamy, flavorful base.

Final Thoughts

Making this Taco Pizza is like bringing together the best of two favorites into one glorious bite. It’s fun, flavorful, and so satisfying to share with friends or family. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try — once you do, Taco Pizza might just become your new go-to comfort food for weeknights or weekend gatherings!

Print