Taco Pizza Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between pizza night and taco night, let me introduce you to the glorious solution: Taco Pizza. This dish combines everything you love about zesty tacos—seasoned meat, melty cheese, fresh veggies, and that signature crunch—with the unbeatable comfort of a bubbling, golden pizza. It’s a playful, colorful dinner that satisfies every craving and brings the family running to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick weeknight win, Taco Pizza is about to become your new obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Taco Pizza shines thanks to its straightforward, flavorful ingredients—each one plays a starring role, from the chewy crust to the fresh toppings. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make every layer extra special.
- Pizza dough: Use a store-bought or homemade dough—both work perfectly for a chewy, sturdy base.
- Olive oil: Brushing the crust adds flavor and helps it bake up crisp and golden.
- Refried beans (or seasoned black beans): This creamy layer gives rich Tex-Mex flavor and keeps the crust moist.
- Salsa or taco sauce: Adds tang and a hint of spice, acting as your “pizza sauce” with a twist.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully for that gooey, irresistible finish.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: The heart of the pizza—choose your favorite or go lean with turkey.
- Taco seasoning: Instantly infuses the meat with classic taco flavor; use a store mix or homemade.
- Water: Helps the seasoning coat the meat and creates a saucy, flavorful filling.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds freshness and a crisp bite on top.
- Diced tomatoes: Brings color and juicy sweetness to every slice.
- Sliced black olives (optional): For a salty, briny pop—totally up to your tastebuds.
- Chopped red onion or green onions: Zesty, sharp, and essential for Tex-Mex flair.
- Sour cream, for drizzling (optional): Cool and creamy, it’s the finishing touch for true taco vibes.
- Crushed tortilla chips, for topping (optional): Don’t skip this if you love extra crunch!
How to Make Taco Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s roughly the size of your pizza pan or baking sheet. Transfer it to a greased or parchment-lined pan, then brush the surface with olive oil. Par-bake the crust for 6–7 minutes—this helps it hold up under all those delicious toppings and ensures a perfectly crisp bite.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat
While the crust gets its head start, cook your ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it browns, then drain off any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting everything simmer for a couple of minutes until the meat is coated in a rich, fragrant sauce. This step is where that classic taco flavor is born!
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Pizza
Pull your par-baked crust from the oven and get ready to layer the magic. Spread a generous layer of refried beans (or black beans) over the hot crust, followed by salsa or taco sauce. Sprinkle the seasoned meat evenly across, then shower it all with shredded cheese. Each layer adds flavor, moisture, and that signature taco pizza personality.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the assembled pizza back into the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown in spots. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before you go wild with toppings—this helps everything stay in place when you slice.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Now for the grand finale! Scatter shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, and onions over the hot pizza. If you like, drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips for that classic taco crunch. Slice it up and serve warm—the only thing left to do is watch it disappear.
How to Serve Taco Pizza
Garnishes
The best part about Taco Pizza is piling on the fresh, colorful garnishes. Think of shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy onions, briny olives, and a generous drizzle of creamy sour cream. For a little extra crunch, don’t be shy with those crushed tortilla chips! If you’re feeling bold, add sliced jalapeños or a spoonful of guacamole for even more flavor.
Side Dishes
Round out your Taco Pizza feast with classic Tex-Mex sides. A simple black bean and corn salad, a bowl of tortilla chips with salsa or queso, or even a scoop of Spanish rice makes dinner feel like a party. For something refreshing, try a citrusy slaw or a fresh fruit salad to balance all the savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Taco Pizza is a showstopper, so have fun with your presentation! Slice it into wedges for easy sharing, or cut into squares for a snackable party platter. For gatherings, set up a “taco pizza bar” with bowls of extra toppings so everyone can customize their slice. You can even make mini Taco Pizzas using personal-sized doughs for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store slices of Taco Pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beans and toppings hold up well, and the flavors only get better as they mingle overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, let your pizza cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the fresh toppings—add lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat Taco Pizza in a 350°F (175°C) oven on a baking sheet for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp on the bottom. You can also use a toaster oven for single slices. Microwave works in a pinch, but the crust will be softer. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Taco Pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground meat for extra beans or your favorite plant-based crumble. Add all the same toppings and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian Taco Pizza that everyone will love.
What’s the best cheese for Taco Pizza?
A Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and adds extra flavor, but sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all great options. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand.
Can I use store-bought pizza crust?
Definitely! Store-bought pizza dough or even a pre-baked crust saves time and works perfectly with this recipe. Just keep an eye on baking time, as pre-baked crusts may cook a bit faster.
How spicy is Taco Pizza?
The spice level is totally up to you. Use mild or spicy taco seasoning, choose your favorite salsa, and add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want extra heat. It’s easy to customize for everyone’s taste.
Can I prep Taco Pizza ahead of time?
You can cook the meat and prep the toppings a day ahead, and even assemble the pizza (minus the fresh toppings) a few hours before baking. Wait to add lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream until just before serving for the freshest results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up pizza night, you absolutely have to give Taco Pizza a try. It’s bold, fun, and seriously satisfying—plus, it’s endlessly customizable for every member of the family. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to the best of both worlds!
Print
Taco Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Taco Pizza combines the bold flavors of a classic taco with the comfort of pizza for an easy, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex dish. Featuring a crispy pizza crust topped with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheese, then finished with fresh veggies and optional toppings like sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Crust and Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup refried beans (or seasoned black beans)
- 1 cup salsa or taco sauce
Meat and Seasoning
- ¾ lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup water
Cheese and Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion or green onions
- Sour cream, for drizzling (optional)
- Crushed tortilla chips, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a greased or parchment-lined pizza pan or baking sheet. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil. Par-bake the crust for 6–7 minutes until it just begins to firm up.
- Cook the Meat: While the crust is par-baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until evenly browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Pizza: Remove the par-baked pizza crust from the oven. Spread the refried beans evenly over the crust, followed by a layer of salsa or taco sauce. Distribute the cooked taco-seasoned meat evenly on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend.
- Bake the Pizza: Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top the pizza with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped onions. Drizzle with sour cream if desired, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Customize your pizza with favorite toppings such as jalapeños, avocado slices, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with additional beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, use a hot salsa or add chili flakes.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
