If you’re craving a fun twist on two classic favorites, this Taco Pizza Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine a crispy, golden pizza crust layered with flavorful refried beans, zesty salsa, seasoned ground beef, and a gooey blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Topped off with fresh shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, and briny black olives, every bite bursts with a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make this dish simply irresistible. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend treat, this Taco Pizza Recipe hits all the right notes and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a simple but crucial step to making this Taco Pizza Recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, from the hearty pizza dough providing the perfect base to the fresh veggies that add a pop of color and crunch. These easy-to-find staples come together to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is vibrant.
- Pizza dough, 1 pound: The foundation for your taco pizza, offering a crisp yet chewy crust.
- Ground beef, 1 pound: Gives your pizza a savory, meaty base full of rich flavor.
- Taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons: A bold mix of spices that infuses the beef with that signature taco taste.
- Water, 1/4 cup: Helps the seasoning blend into the meat perfectly during cooking.
- Refried beans, 1 cup: Adds a creamy, hearty layer that holds all the toppings together beautifully.
- Salsa, 1/2 cup: Brings a tangy and slightly spicy kick that livens up every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup: Offers a sharp flavor and melts smoothly over the toppings.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup: Delivers a mild, creamy contrast to the cheddar.
- Shredded lettuce, 1 cup: Freshens up the pizza with coolness and crunch after baking.
- Diced tomatoes, 1 cup: Adds juicy sweetness and a burst of color on top.
- Sliced black olives, 1/4 cup: Give a subtle salty, briny pop that complements all the flavors.
- Sour cream, optional: Perfect for serving as a creamy, cooling dollop on the side.
How to Make Taco Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Then, stir in the taco seasoning and water to create that familiar taco flavor, simmering gently until the mixture thickens just right. This step ensures your topping is bursting with authentic taste and perfectly moist.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
While the beef is simmering, roll out your pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza pan. Aim for an even thickness so the crust bakes uniformly, providing a golden base that’s sturdy enough to hold all those delicious toppings without getting soggy.
Step 3: Add the Refried Beans and Salsa
Spread the refried beans evenly over the rolled-out dough. This creamy layer acts like a flavorful glue for the rest of your ingredients. Next, spoon the salsa on top for tanginess and moisture—this will help keep the pizza lively and exciting with every mouthful.
Step 4: Layer the Beef and Cheese
Now, it’s time to pile on the seasoned beef evenly across the pizza, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket that ties all the flavors together and adds that irresistible ooey-gooey factor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled pizza in the preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for a crisp, lightly browned crust and melted, bubbling cheese. This high heat bake ensures a beautifully cooked crust and deliciously melty finish that is essential to this Taco Pizza Recipe.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, top your creation with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and black olives. These fresh additions provide a crisp contrast to the warm, savory pizza and elevate the dish with bursts of color and brightness that make it irresistible.
How to Serve Taco Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh garnishes—lettuce, tomatoes, and olives—are not just pretty, they add much-needed texture and freshness that balance the richness of the beef and cheese. Consider dolloping sour cream on the side for a creamy, tangy coolness that harmonizes beautifully with the spices.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips with guacamole and extra salsa. These sides complement the taco flavors and make the meal feel even more festive and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the taco pizza cut into smaller squares instead of traditional wedges, making it perfect for sharing at parties or casual get-togethers. You can also experiment by adding jalapeño slices before baking if you love a bit of heat, or drizzle a little hot sauce on top after baking for an extra kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover taco pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it from getting soggy, consider placing a paper towel between slices to absorb moisture.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Frozen taco pizza slices can be kept for up to two months, making this recipe a great option to meal prep and enjoy on a busy day.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen slices in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the crust becomes crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the pizza’s crunch and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a leaner alternative and will still soak up the taco seasoning beautifully, giving you all the same great flavor.
Is it okay to make this pizza without refried beans?
You can, but refried beans add a creamy, hearty layer that holds the toppings nicely and adds authentic texture and flavor to the Taco Pizza Recipe. If you skip them, consider spreading a thin layer of sour cream or guacamole instead.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The spice level depends mainly on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. Feel free to choose mild, medium, or hot varieties to suit your taste. For extra heat, adding jalapeños before baking is a fantastic option.
Can I prepare the pizza in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pizza (except the fresh toppings) ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, and olives just before serving to keep them crisp.
What kind of crust works best for this Taco Pizza Recipe?
A medium-thickness pizza dough is ideal—thin enough to get crispy but thick enough to hold all the toppings without sogginess. Store-bought dough works well, or you can make your own for an extra special touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about combining the flavors of your favorite tacos with the comforting form of pizza, and this Taco Pizza Recipe delivers just that. It’s easy to make, packed with vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Taco Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Taco Pizza combining the flavors of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and fresh toppings on a crispy baked pizza crust, perfect for a family dinner or casual meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough
Beef Topping
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Spread and Sauce
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup salsa
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Optional
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the pizza crispy and melty.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Once browned, stir in the taco seasoning and water, then let it simmer until the mixture thickens and flavors meld together.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza pan to your desired thickness, creating the base for your taco pizza.
- Layer Base Ingredients: Spread the refried beans evenly across the rolled-out dough to create a creamy layer, then spoon and spread the salsa evenly on top of the beans.
- Add Beef and Cheese: Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the salsa layer, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives for freshness and texture.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and serve warm. Offer sour cream on the side as an optional topping for added creaminess and tang.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños before baking or use a spicy salsa.
- Make sure not to overload the pizza with toppings to ensure the crust cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- Serve fresh to enjoy the contrast between the baked components and fresh toppings.
