If you’re craving the irresistible flavors of taco night with the fun of pizza, this Taco Pizza Recipe is bound to become your new obsession. Imagine all the juicy, spiced beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings of a classic taco layered on top of a crisp, golden pizza crust—every bite bursts with color, crunch, and pure delight. Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or even weeknight dinners, this dish delivers everything you love about both tacos and pizza in one unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple, tasty ingredients to whip up this Taco Pizza Recipe. Each plays a starring role, adding layers of flavor and texture—you’ll love how easily these basic staples come together to create something so festive and satisfying.
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 beef for the best balance of juicy flavor and tenderness in every bite.
- Taco Seasoning Mix: This spice blend brings all the signature Tex-Mex flair straight to your pizza.
- Water: Helps the seasoning blend into the meat, creating a saucy, tasty topping.
- Pre-baked Pizza Crust: Using a 12-inch ready-made crust gives you the perfect base that’s both sturdy and speedy.
- Refried Beans: Acts as a creamy, savory “sauce” that adds richness and helps all the toppings stick to the crust.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings bold, tangy flavor and that classic cheesy stretch everyone loves.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Delivers super meltiness and a smooth, creamy profile that balances the cheddar.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy, and colorful—these brighten every slice.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds that cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, gooey pizza.
- Sliced Black Olives: For a pop of saltiness and lovely visual appeal.
- Chopped Green Onions: These offer mild, zesty bite and vibrant green color on top.
- Sour Cream (optional): Drizzle or dollop for a creamy finish that echoes classic taco toppings.
- Olive Oil: A quick brush on the crust ensures golden crispness and extra pizzazz.
How to Make Taco Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Skillet
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Meanwhile, grab your favorite skillet and set it over medium heat—this is where the taco magic begins!
Step 2: Cook and Season the Beef
Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. Drain off any excess fat, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and water. Give everything a good stir and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens. It’s like taco night taking shape right on your stovetop!
Step 3: Build Your Pizza Base
Place your pre-baked pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil for golden color and extra flavor. Next, gently spread a thin, even layer of refried beans over the whole surface—think of it as the glue that holds all those tasty toppings in place.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Cheese
Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the refried beans, making sure every slice will get a generous taste of taco filling. Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top, letting them mingle for that perfectly gooey melt.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with golden spots. The aroma in your kitchen at this stage is downright irresistible!
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Scatter on the chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, olives, and green onions—these add all the fresh crunch and color. Add dollops or a drizzle of sour cream if you like. Slice it up and serve immediately while everything is at its ooey-gooey best.
How to Serve Taco Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Taco Pizza Recipe with a sprinkle of extra green onions or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for an herby, vibrant twist. A few dashes of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños can add welcome heat for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with zesty sides like tortilla chips and salsa, Mexican street corn, or a tangy black bean salad. These bring more crunch and flavor to the table, making your meal feel like a true fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun gatherings, slice the pizza into thin strips or squares so it’s easy to handle as party food. You can even serve it “taco bar” style—set out bowls of extra toppings and let everyone customize their own slice!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Taco Pizza Recipe slices, simply wrap them tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and make a perfect quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze any leftover slices for longer-term storage. Place cooled pizza pieces between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture that crispy crust and gooey cheese, reheat leftover pizza in a 375°F oven for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through. A toaster oven also works wonders! Microwaving is quick, but for the crispiest results, stick to the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pizza dough instead of a pre-baked crust?
Definitely! If time allows, homemade dough brings an extra layer of freshness and lets you customize the thickness. Just par-bake it before adding your toppings so the crust holds up under all those delicious layers.
Is there a vegetarian version of Taco Pizza Recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative. You’ll still get all the zesty taco flavor and plenty of satisfying protein.
How can I make the Taco Pizza Recipe spicier?
For more heat, add sliced jalapeños or pickled serranos on top after baking, or mix some hot sauce or crushed red pepper into the taco meat. Spicy taco seasoning can also kick things up a notch!
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely—you can cook and season the ground beef and grate the cheese earlier in the day. When dinnertime comes, all you have to do is layer everything, bake, and add your fresh toppings.
What’s the best way to serve this for a party?
Slice the Taco Pizza Recipe into small fingers or bite-sized squares, and set up a topping bar so guests can pile on lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and more. It’s interactive, festive, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to shake up pizza night or need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this Taco Pizza Recipe truly delivers. Each slice combines so much bold flavor and fun, it’s hard to stop at just one. Give it a try, share it with friends, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a much-requested favorite at your table!
Print
Taco Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Pizza recipe combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience of pizza for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for a fun twist on pizza night!
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 pre-baked pizza crust (12-inch)
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare the crust: Brush the pizza crust lightly with olive oil and spread a thin layer of refried beans over the crust.
- Assemble the pizza: Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef over the beans. Sprinkle both cheeses on top.
- Bake: Bake the pizza for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings: Remove from the oven and top with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, olives, and green onions. Drizzle with sour cream if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Great way to use up leftover taco ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
