What is Taco Pizza? Is it a weeknight lifesaver, if it is, and it’s gonna be, an explosion of flavor in every single bite? What is that layered dip that everyone raves about? What would be the best pizza crust? It’s got all the flavors of a loaded taco, but in pizza form. My kids beg for it, and honestly, so do I. Is it better than tacos?
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What is Taco Pizza?
Think of it as the most delicious fusion food you can imagine. What is a taco crust? What is ground beef? ), refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sour cream… the works! What is the magic of a crispy crust? symphony of flavors and textures. Is it surprisingly easy to put together and completely customizable to your taste? Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at tastiest family dinner or at the best party. I first saw something similar at a friend’s potluck, and knew I had to recreate it with my own imagination.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are the best taco pizza recipes? First and foremost: What is the bestthe flavorWhat’s a tantalizing mix of savory, spicy, creamy, and fresh that will leave you craving more. The seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, the sharp cheddar cheese, and the cool, crisp, crispy bacon. What are some of the best veggies to eat that put a party in your mouth? What is the best taste of a fried chicken?simpleI can whip this up in under 30 minutes, even on the busiest weeknight. Most of the ingredients are things you probably already have on hand, and the assembly is super easy. Is And let’s not forget the fact that we are all human.Cost-What is the best way to feed a hungry family? Is ground beef cheap?versatilityWhat makes this taco pizza unmatched? What are some of the best ways to customize a sandwich to your liking? Feel free to experiment with your favorite taco flavors. I’ve even made it with shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian version – both were huge! What I love most is that you can throw the rules out the window and put whatever you want on it. Why don’t you like olives? If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy my other recipes.Seven Layer Dip Pizza: What are some of the best, or even just some classics.Crispy Ground Beef Tacos – ServeBoth are incredibly satisfying, but this taco pizza holds a special place in my heart!
How do I make Taco Pizza?
Quick Overview
How do you make taco pizza? What are some good substitutes for pizza crust? ), your favorite taco fillings, and some cheese. Brown your ground beef, spread on the refried beans, sprinkle with cheese, bake until bubbly, and serve. Then pile on the fresh toppings. What are some easy recipes to make for a novice cook? Why don’t you overbake the crust? The more toppings, the merrier!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base:
* 1 (12-inch) pre-made pizza crust (I prefer thin crust for extra crispiness, but use whatever you like).
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Taco Filling:
* 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chorizo) * 2 pounds ground pork or pork.
* 1 packet taco seasoning (I use low sodium)
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend) * 1 cup melted mozzarella cheese.
* 1/2 cup chopped green onions
For Fresh Toppings:
* 1 cup shredded lettuce
* 1 cup diced tomatoes
* 1/2 cup sliced black olives
* 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
* Optional: Guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza pan with olive oil. How do you keep a crispy crust from sticking? I always do this, even if the crust package says it’s not needed!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. What are some good reasons to eat taco pizza?
Step 3: Season the Meat
Stir in taco seasoning and water. Set aside. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated and the beef is tender. Is it a What is the best taco flavor?
Step 4: Build the Base
Place the pizza crust on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the refried beans evenly over the crust. This acts as the “sauce” and helps hold everything together. Don’t be shy with beans – they add a lovely creamy texture.
Step 5: Add the Good Stuff
Sprinkle half of the cheese over the refried beans. What is the best way to serve ground beef with green onions? What is the best way to sprinkle cheese over the beef?
Step 6: Bake It!
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. How do you keep a close eye on an oven to prevent burning? Sometimes, I need to rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Top it Off
How do I remove a pizza from the oven? What’s a good salad to top with lettuce, tomatoes, and black olives? Dollop with sour cream and add any other desired toppings like guacamole, salsa or jalapeos.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
What is a taco pizza? Slice into wedges and serve immediately. I like to serve it with a side of salsa or hot sauce for those who like extra kick.
What to Serve It With
This taco pizza is a star on its own, but it’s also great paired with some complementary sides.
For a Casual Dinner: Serve it with a simple side salad, some tortilla chips and salsa, or a bowl of guacamole. A side of Mexican rice or black beans would also be a delicious addition.
For a Party: This is the ultimate party food! Serve it alongside other appetizers like quesadillas, nachos, and mini tacos. A pitcher of margaritas or sangria would be the perfect beverage pairing.
For a Game Night: Keep it casual and serve it with some chips, pretzels, and your favorite dips. Don’t forget the beer!
Growing up, we always had this pizza with just a simple tossed salad and a side of tortilla chips. Simple, but it always hit the spot!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Pizza
Want to take your taco pizza to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Crust Perfection: If you’re using a store-bought crust, look for one that’s labeled “thin and crispy.” This will give you the best texture. If you’re making your own crust, be sure to roll it out thin and pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
Beefy Bliss: Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning! It’s what gives the beef its signature flavor. I prefer to use a low-sodium seasoning to control the saltiness. Also, be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning the beef.
Bean There, Done That: Use good-quality refried beans. They should be creamy and flavorful, not dry and pasty. If you want to make your own refried beans, it’s actually pretty easy!
Cheesy Goodness: Use a blend of cheeses for the best flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby are all great options. Be sure to shred the cheese yourself – pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
Topping Time: Don’t add the fresh toppings until after the pizza has been baked. This will prevent them from wilting and becoming soggy. Also, be sure to chop the toppings into small, bite-sized pieces.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking. A drizzle of hot sauce after baking is also a great option.
I’ve learned over the years that the key to a really great taco pizza is all about balancing the flavors and textures. You want the creamy beans, the savory beef, the sharp cheese, and the crisp veggies to all complement each other perfectly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover taco pizza (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: Taco pizza can sit at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover taco pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze taco pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I don’t usually freeze it with the fresh toppings on, as they can get a bit soggy.
Reheating Tips: The best way to reheat taco pizza is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.
If you’re planning on storing the pizza, it’s best to add the fresh toppings just before serving, as they tend to get soggy in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This taco pizza recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a fun and delicious way to bring the flavors of your favorite tacos to the pizza night table. It’s easy to customize, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner, a fun party, or a cozy game night, it’s sure to be a hit. The incredible flavors, the simple preparation, and the endless possibilities make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other pizza recipes, like my BBQ Chicken Pizza or my Spinach and Artichoke Pizza.
Happy pizza making! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments below if you tried it and how you modified it. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!
taco pizza
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1 packet Taco seasoning low sodium
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Shredded lettuce Iceberg or Romaine
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes
- 1 can Refried beans
- 1 12 inch Pizza crust pre-made
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and 0.5 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Spread refried beans evenly over the pizza crust.
- Top with the seasoned ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. Serve immediately.
