Taco Pizza Recipe

The Perfect Taco Pizza Recipe: Two Favorites In One Tasty Bite

Crafting a delightful taco pizza blends two beloved culinary worlds into one mouthwatering creation.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across a crispy crust, promising an exciting meal.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty salsa bring unexpected excitement to traditional pizza.

Crisp lettuce and fresh tomatoes add vibrant color and crunch to each slice.

Unexpected combinations make dinner feel like a festive celebration of comfort food.

Spice lovers will appreciate the bold kick of jalapeños scattered across the surface.

You can transform an ordinary evening into a delicious adventure with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

What Makes Taco Pizza A Fun Favorite

  • Customize Your Taco Experience: Transform traditional taco flavors into an exciting pizza adventure that lets you mix and match toppings according to personal preferences.
  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that combines the best of two beloved dishes – tacos and pizza – with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.
  • Speed Through Cooking: Prepare a delicious, hearty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families or spontaneous gatherings with friends.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adapt the recipe to suit different dietary needs by swapping ingredients or adding extra toppings, making it a flexible option for various taste buds.

What You’ll Use For Taco Pizza

For the Crust:
  • Pizza Dough: A stretchy base that creates the foundation for the taco pizza and provides a crispy texture.
For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for the taco pizza.
For the Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a rich, gooey layer and add creamy depth to the pizza.
For the Taco Seasoning:
  • Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that adds bold, zesty Mexican-inspired flavors to the ground beef.
For the Toppings:
  • Tomatoes, Onions, Black Olives, Jalapeños: Fresh vegetables that provide color, texture, and additional layers of flavor to the pizza.
For the Garnish and Serving:
  • Cilantro, Sour Cream, Salsa: Fresh herbs and condiments that add brightness, creaminess, and extra zest to the finished pizza.
For the Preparation:
  • Cooking Spray or Oil: Used to prevent the pizza from sticking to the pan during baking.

How To Make Taco Pizza In Simple Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 425°F and give your pizza pan or baking sheet a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a hot skillet, breaking it down into tiny pieces. Cook until the meat is completely done with zero traces of pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Drain off any extra grease from the beef, then sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat. Mix thoroughly so every bit gets coated with zesty flavor.

Step 4: Stretch the Dough

Spread out your pizza dough on the prepared pan, working it to create a thin, even base that reaches all the way to the edges.

Step 5: Create Cheese Base

Generously cover the entire dough surface with a blend of:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

This creates a gooey, melty foundation for your pizza.

Step 6: Add Seasoned Beef

Distribute the taco-seasoned ground beef evenly across the cheese layer, making sure every slice will have a perfect beef-to-cheese ratio.

Step 7: Load Up Toppings

Sprinkle an exciting mix of toppings across the pizza:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped onions
  • Sliced black olives
  • Jalapeños (optional for extra heat)

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza into the hot oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and cheese that’s bubbly and slightly crispy.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Pull the pizza out and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps the cheese settle and makes slicing easier.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Add the final flourishes:
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro
  • Drop dollops of sour cream in the center
  • Serve with a side of salsa for that extra flavor punch

Tips To Make Taco Pizza Just Right

  • Prep Like a Pro: Lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking and ensure a perfect pizza release.
  • Beef Mastery: Cook ground beef thoroughly, breaking into small crumbles and draining excess fat for a lean, flavorful base.
  • Cheese Distribution Trick: Spread cheese evenly from edge to edge to create a melty, uniform foundation that covers every bite.
  • Topping Balance: Scatter toppings uniformly across the pizza to guarantee each slice has a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
  • Serving Sensation: Let pizza cool briefly after baking to help cheese set, then garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with zesty salsa for an extra flavor punch.

Creative Ways To Switch Up Taco Pizza

  • Vegetarian Taco Pizza: Replace ground beef with black beans or seasoned plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Chicken Taco Pizza: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Use cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same zesty taco toppings.
  • Low-Carb Taco Pizza Bowl: Transform the recipe into a deconstructed bowl by skipping the crust and serving taco-seasoned meat over cauliflower rice with similar toppings.

What To Serve With Taco Pizza

  • Cool Down with Mexican Lager: Crisp Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and refreshes the palate with light, clean notes.
  • Boost Flavor with Margarita Punch: Classic lime margarita complements the taco-seasoned beef and adds tangy brightness that enhances every bite.
  • Elevate with Spicy Sangria: Red wine sangria spiked with jalapeño creates a complex drink that mirrors the pizza's vibrant, layered taste profile.
  • Match with Craft Michelada: Tomato-based beer cocktail with chili and lime echoes the pizza's Mexican-inspired ingredients and provides a zesty, spirited companion.

How To Store Taco Pizza For Later

  • Store leftover taco pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and preserve freshness.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire pizza in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F, place pizza slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes. Restore crispy crust and melted cheese by covering loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  • Heat pizza slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds.

FAQs About Taco Pizza

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this taco pizza recipe and provides similar robust flavors.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is needed. A standard pizza pan, baking sheet, and skillet are all you’ll require to create this delicious meal.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your jalapeño and taco seasoning choices. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños or selecting a mild taco seasoning blend.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with black beans, refried beans, or plant-based meat alternatives to maintain the protein content and taco-inspired flavor profile.

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Taco Pizza Recipe

Taco Pizza Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy pizza crusts meet Mexican-inspired flavors in this mouthwatering Taco Pizza, blending classic Italian and Southwestern cuisine. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and zesty toppings create a delicious fusion that satisfies cravings and brings exciting new dimensions to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza dough
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup jalapeños (optional)

Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 1/4 cup salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet to ensure the pizza doesn’t stick.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and stirring occasionally until fully cooked and no pink remains.
  3. Drain excess fat from the beef and sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, stirring to coat evenly and infuse robust flavors.
  4. Roll out the pizza dough on the prepared pan, stretching it to create an even, thin base that reaches the edges.
  5. Spread a layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the entire surface of the dough, creating a melty foundation.
  6. Distribute the seasoned ground beef uniformly over the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
  7. Scatter diced tomatoes, onions, black olives, and jalapeños (if using) across the pizza, creating a vibrant and colorful topping.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crisp.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, dollop sour cream in the center, and serve with salsa on the side for an extra flavor kick.

Notes

  • Always drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy pizza crust and ensure a crispy base.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco for a unique flavor profile.
  • Customize toppings by adding black beans, corn, or swapping ground beef with shredded chicken for dietary variations.
  • Let the pizza rest briefly after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth when serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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