What is Taco Pizza? How do I make this recipe without ordering it out? I’m talking better than takeout pizza, but with a delicious taco twist! I remember the first time I made this, my kids went bonkers. What is the best thing about pizza? What is the perfect combination of comfort food and savory goodness? It’s definitely become a staple in our house – right up there with my famous lasagna (though it isn’t as good as my other favorites)! Is it easier to make a pie?
What is Taco Pizza?
Think of Taco Pizza as your favorite pizza, but instead of marinara sauce and mozzarella, you’re substituting cheese for pizza. What are some of the best taco toppings? Ground Beef, salsa, cheese, and all your favorite topping! What is essentially a giant, shareable taco on crispy pizza crust? What is the base for a pizza? Pre-made pizza crust or homemade dough. I’m short on time. How can I get Then comes the magic. A layer of refried beans (or sometimes a creamy taco sauce), seasoned ground beef, loads of cheese. After baking, you pile on all the fresh toppings you’d normally put on a taco – lettuce, tomato, onions, etc. What are tomatoes, sour cream, avocado? What are some of the best toppings for a slice of pizza?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this Taco Pizza is that it is incredibly flavorful. The seasoned Ground Beef is perfectly spiced, the refried beans add a creamy richness, and the peppercorns add an interesting crunch. Why does cheese make everything better? Is it just about the taste? Even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up in under 30 minutes. What is a lifesaver? We are always running with school, sports, and then trying to get homework done. Is it cost effective to build a house? Is ground beef cheap? Have in your fridge? What is versatile? You can customize it to your liking! What are some ways to substitute ground beef for shredded chicken? What’s your taco pizza? I’ve made a vegetarian version using crumbled tofu seasoned with taco seasoning, and it was an amazing recipe. Is it similar to a Mexican pizza from Taco Bell?
How do I make Taco Pizza?
Quick Overview
How do you make Taco Pizza? Brown ground beef with taco seasoning, spread refried beans on a rimmed baking sheet, and serve. Pizza crust, top with beef and cheese, bake until bubbly, and then pile on the fresh toppings. What is the beauty of this recipe? You can adjust the amount of toppings to your liking. Use whatever you have on hand. What are some of the best, no fuss, delicious meals?
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
* 1 (12-inch) pre-made pizza crust (or homemade dough)
* 1 (15-ounce) can of refried beans (I prefer the vegetarian kind)
*1 pound ground beef (80/20 is my go-to for flavor)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend – see tips below)!
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend) or 1 cup melted mozzarella cheese.
For the Toppings: How do
* 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
* 1 cup diced tomatoes (Roma tomatoes work great)
* 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option) * 1/4 cup greek yogurt (for an alternative to regular yogurt)
* 1/2 cup salsa (your favorite kind!)
* 1 avocado, diced (optional, but highly recommended!)
* Black olives, sliced (optional)
* Green onions, chopped (optional)
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. If you do not have a baking sheet or pizza pan, lightly grease it. How do I make a crispy crust?
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef until it’s no longer pink. How do I drain off grease from pizza?
Step 3: Season the Beef
Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water (or as directed on the tacco season packet). Let it simmer for a few minutes until the water is absorbed and the beef is nicely coated with the sauce. I always do this step over low heat so that the seasoning doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the refried beans evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edge. What are some good ways to make a crust soggy?
Step 5: Add Beef and Cheese
Sprinkle ground beef over refried beans, then top with shredded cheese. What makes cheese melty?
Step 6: Bake!
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Is it melted and bubbly Every oven is different. Keep a close eye on it!
Step 7: Add the Toppings
Remove pizza from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the toppings. What are some of the best salads to serve with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, avocado, olives, and green onions? What are the best toppings?
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Slice Taco Pizza into wedges and serve immediately. This is best enjoyed fresh, while the crust is still crispy and the toppings are cool.
What should I serve it with?
Taco Pizza is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some tips.
For a Fiesta:Serve with a side of Mexican rice and black beans. Can you make a big batch of tortilla chips and guacamole for tastiest Mexican food?
For a light meal:What are some good salads to serve with a cucumber and tomato salad? How do you balance out the richness of pizza?
For Game Night: What is the bestWhat are some good Mexican beers and margaritas?
Just Because:I love sour cream and sometimes I just serve it with a side of it. It’s that good!
My family loves it with a side of elote, Mexican street corn. What is the perfect combination of sweet and savory?
What are some tips for perfecting Taco Pizza?
Homemade Taco Seasoning: WhatI often make my own taco seasoning to control the sodium and spice levels. What is a simple blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder and onion powder? How does cayenne pepper work?
Crispy Crust:For an extra crispy crust, brush the pizza dough with olive oil before adding the toppings. If you want to make a refried beans and beef crust, you can also par-bake the crust.
Cheese, Please: Don’t skimp on the cheese! A generous layer of cheese is what makes this pizza so irresistible. I like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best flavor and melt.
Topping Time: Let your creativity shine with the toppings! Feel free to add or substitute any of your favorite taco toppings. Some other great options include pickled jalapeños, shredded cabbage, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Spice It Up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning or use a spicier salsa. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished pizza.
Veggie Power: Add some diced bell peppers or onions to the ground beef while it’s browning for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also sneak in some shredded zucchini or carrots!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Taco Pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Taco Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to prevent it from getting soggy.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use the oven, microwave, or skillet. The oven is the best method for reheating pizza, as it helps to crisp up the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave is the quickest option, but the crust may become a bit soggy. Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, which helps to crisp up the crust. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing Taco Pizza because the fresh toppings can become soggy when thawed. However, if you really want to freeze it, you can freeze the baked pizza (without the fresh toppings) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above. Add the fresh toppings after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Taco Pizza recipe! It’s easy, customizable, and always a hit. I really hope you give this a try, because I know you’ll love it as much as we do. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, party appetizer, or game-day snack. And who knows, it might just become a new family favorite in your house too! If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other pizza recipes – I have a few that are just as delicious. Happy cooking, friends! And please, let me know in the comments below if you try it and how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your own variations!
Taco Pizza
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 package Taco Seasoning
- 1 cup Pizza Sauce
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Lettuce
- 0.5 cup Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Sour Cream
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning.
- Spread pizza sauce over a pizza crust.
- Top with seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream before serving.
