What are some nights when you can’t decide between tacos and pizza? Why do I make Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos? Seriously, it’s the perfect solution, and the kids absolutely go wild for them. What is a taco shell? What are some of your favorite meat toppings? Pepperoni, sausage, bacon – combined with melty cheese. What is the best combination of cheese and tangy pizza sauce? Is it the best of both worlds? Is this book worth reading?

What is a Meat Lovers Pizza Taco?

Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are exactly what they sound like: a delicious fusion of pizza and tacos! What is the best topping for a pizza? Is it really a pizza pocket? What meats do you like, from pepperoni and sausage to even shredded cheese? Is ground beef better than chicken? What are some good ways to use up leftovers? I started making these because my son, bless his heart, could never make up his mind at dinner time. What is better, pizza or tacos?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? What is the best way to enjoy pizza out of tacos? What a delicious combination of textures and tastes, from the crispy taco shell to the gooey gumbo. Cheese and savory meat. What’s the best part about this recipe? It is ridiculously easy to make! What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights? What do you think everyone will actually eat? What I love about this is how budget friendly it is. How do I make a restaurant-quality meal at home? What are some great side dishes to serve as a main course, appetizer, or snack? What is a Meat Lovers Pizza Taco? My family now prefers!

How do you make a delicious pizza for meat lovers?

Quick Overview

How do you make a delicious pizza taco? How do you cook a taco filling with pizza flavors? What are some good toppings for tacos? Bake them until the cheese is melty and bubbly, and that’s it! Is it easier to order a delivery? What makes this recipe special is that it brings together two beloved foods into one epic dish. I promise, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Taco Shells:
10-12 Taco shells (I like to use the stand-up kind, but any will do!). Make sure they are fresh and not broken. I always warm them up a bit in the oven before filling them to make them extra pliable and less sticky. What makes a person crack?

For the Meat Lovers Filling:
1 pound ground Italian sausage (I usually use mild, but spicy is great too if you like the heat!). I always drain off any excess grease after browning it.

12 cup pepperoni slices, chopped (I like to use the mini Pepperonis, but the regular sized ones work)

12 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (Bacon bits from the store are a quick shortcut if you’re short on time). I usually cook up a whole package of bacon on Sunday so I can use them in different recipes. Throughout the week, we have

1 medium onion, chopped (I sometimes use pre-chopped onions to save time. No shame in that!).

2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is always best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch!).

1 (15 ounce) can pizza sauce (Use your favorite brand! I usually get whatever is on sale).

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (This really amps up the pizza flavor)

12 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for a little kick!).

Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Topping: What is the
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (Freshly grated is always better, but pre-shredded works just as well).

Grated Parmesan cheese (Optional, for extra cheesy goodness!).

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step is super important so the taco shells get nice and crispy and the cheese melts evenly. Is it worth it to skip the parchment paper?

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, brown the ground Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with the spoon. Remove from the heat and set aside. Is it safe to cook a Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. What makes a good pizza? How does it make your kitchen smell amazing?

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the chopped pepperoni, crumbled bacon, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens! The sauce thickens and the flavors combine into a perfect pizza filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

How do you warm taco shells according to package directions? Fill each taco shell with the meat lovers filling, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese and any other toppings. What are some of the best toppings for pizza? Don’t overfill tacos, or they’ll be hard to eat! I usually fill them about 34 of the way full.

Step 5: Bake

Assemble tacos on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown on top. How do you make taco shells crispy? What is the best way to keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn?

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove the Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Let them cool before serving. What are some good ways to add fresh parsley to a dish?

What should I serve it with?

These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are great on their own, but if you’re looking to make a complete meal, this is the recipe for you. What are some ideas for a meal?

What is a good light lunch?Serve with a simple side salad with light vinaigrettes. I like to use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.

What is a hearty dinner?What are some great side dishes to serve with fries?

For a party:What are some good toppings for a taco bar? How do you make your own pizza tacos?

What are some good movies to watch on movie night?What is the best comfort food to serve with popcorn and soda?

My family likes them with a little ranch dressing on the side. Is it traditional?

How do I make a perfect pizza taco?

What are some of the best tips for making a good pizza taco?

Use high-quality ingredients:What are some of the best taco recipes? I always splurge on good quality sausage and cheese.

Don’t overfill the tacos: It’s tempting to pack them full, but overfilled tacos are hard to eat and can get messy. Filling them about ¾ of the way full is perfect.

Warm the taco shells: Warming the taco shells makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. I usually warm them in the oven for a few minutes before filling them.

Get creative with the toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pizza toppings! Olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapenos – the possibilities are endless. I once tried adding pineapple, and while it wasn’t my favorite, my husband loved it!

Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly: This is key for getting that perfect pizza texture. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

Let them cool slightly before serving: This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot cheese. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together even more.

Drain the grease from the sausage. No one wants greasy tacos!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos:

Refrigerator Storage: Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the tacos. Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, you can bake the tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also microwave them, but the taco shells may get a little soggy.

For the best results, I recommend reheating the tacos in the oven or a toaster oven. This will help to crisp up the taco shells and melt the cheese evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or veggie sausage. Just be sure to season them well with Italian spices for that pizza flavor!

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to use any cheese you like on pizza, such as cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses. I sometimes use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for extra flavor.

Can I use soft taco shells instead of crispy ones?

Yes, you can! Soft taco shells will give the tacos a different texture, but they will still be delicious. I recommend warming them up before filling them to make them more pliable.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Of course! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives will add extra flavor and nutrients to the tacos. I recommend sautéing them before adding them to the filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tacos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos recipe! It’s quick, easy, customizable, and always a hit with the whole family. If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to switch up your dinner routine, this is it. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pizza-inspired dishes, like pizza quesadillas and pizza pasta bake! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what toppings you used. And if you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them, too!