Save If cheesy pizza and zesty tacos both make your dinner wish list, then this taco pizza is about to become your new favorite weeknight recipe. The hearty base is a classic pizza crust layered with seasoned beef, refried beans or salsa, and then finished with all the taco fixings—fresh lettuce, tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun way to switch up pizza night.
Every time I make this for friends, it disappears before I can blink. My kids love getting involved with the toppings, and I love that it sneaks in plenty of veggies without complaint.
Ingredients
- Pizza crust: Choose a fresh or store-bought crust for convenience Aim for good texture by feeling for a chewy yet sturdy dough
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps the crust crisp as it bakes Select extra virgin for best results
- Ground beef: Look for a mix that is about eighty percent lean for juicy taco filling Easily swap with plant-based ground for vegetarian pizza
- Onion: Sweetens and adds depth Pick one that feels firm and has skin without blemishes
- Garlic: Boosts aroma and classic taco savor Smell for fresh cloves without soft spots
- Taco seasoning: Gives bold flavor blends You can use homemade or your favorite premade brand
- Water: Necessary to bring the taco seasoning together with the meat Use filtered for clear taste
- Refried beans or salsa: Creates a creamy or tangy base Go for a brand with simple ingredients or make your own for extra flavor
- Cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and creaminess Freshly shredded melts best
- Mozzarella cheese: Stretches beautifully when melted Look for whole milk mozzarella for maximum gooeyness
- Tomato: Adds freshness Dice just before using for juiciest bites
- Lettuce: Brings crunch and cool contrast to melted cheese Shred yourself for best texture
- Black olives: Deepens flavor and gives a hint of saltiness Optional but recommended for color and taste
- Jalapeños: Packs a spicy punch Use fresh or jarred slices depending on your heat preference
- Tortilla chips: Give an unbeatable crunch on top Use thick chips so they stay crisp
- Sour cream: A cool and creamy finish Go for full fat for the richest flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to two hundred twenty degrees Celsius four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit Arrange your pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone and gently brush the surface with olive oil so it bakes up golden and fragrant
- Cook the Taco Meat:
- Place a skillet over medium heat Add onion and sauté for about two minutes just until softened Stir in the ground beef and garlic Cook and break up the meat until it is browned and there are no pink spots left Drain away any excess fat
- Season the Meat:
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat mixture and pour in the water Stir well and let the mixture simmer three to four minutes until thickened and the liquid has mostly absorbed
- Spread the Sauce:
- Using a spoon or spatula carefully spread a generous layer of refried beans or salsa over the prepared pizza crust Make sure to reach close to the edges for full flavor in every slice
- Layer the Taco Meat:
- Distribute the seasoned taco meat mixture evenly on top of the sauce breaking up any large pieces to get even bites
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the meat followed by mozzarella Make sure to layer them evenly for the ultimate melted top
- Bake the Pizza:
- Slide the pizza into the hot oven Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes Keep an eye so the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust turns golden at the edges
- Add Fresh Toppings:
- Remove your pizza from the oven Scatter diced tomato lettuce olives and jalapeños as generously or as lightly as you like Finish with a scattering of tortilla chip pieces for crunch
- Serve and Drizzle:
- Let your taco pizza cool just a minute before slicing Top each piece with a drizzle of sour cream or serve the sour cream on the side for dipping
Pin it This pizza is the dish my kids playfully argue over for the crunchiest slice. It is always a win on Friday nights when the whole family gathers around the table for homemade pizza and plenty of laughter.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers wait until the pizza is fully cooled before wrapping slices in foil or storing in a tight container The toppings will soften but it still reheats beautifully in a skillet or oven Avoid microwaving with the chips or they get soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Plant-based grounds work perfectly for vegetarians and you will not miss the flavor at all For dairy-free try using vegan cheese blends You can swap out refried beans for black bean spread or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for extra tang
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot out of the oven for dinner with a side salad or pile on extra salsa and guacamole for a relaxed weekend meal It is also perfect for kids birthday parties—just let everyone add their own toppings before baking
Cultural and Historical Context
Taco pizza is a true American-Mexican mashup that became popular with Midwest pizza chains in the late 1970s It is now a staple in home kitchens wherever pizza night meets taco Tuesday
Seasonal Adaptations
You can use fresh summer corn as an extra topping in July Shredded roasted squash or sweet peppers are wonderful for autumn For winter try using jarred pickled jalapeños for a bit of warmth
Pin it Enjoy your taco pizza fresh from the oven with a cool drizzle of sour cream. Slice, serve, and savor every crispy and melty bite with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or seasoned beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- → What type of pizza crust is best?
A traditional or gluten-free store-bought crust works well, but homemade offers extra freshness and customization.
- → How do I add more spice?
Increase the amount of jalapeños, use spicy taco seasoning, or drizzle hot sauce before serving.
- → Can the toppings be customized?
Absolutely. Add guacamole, avocado slices, or substitute vegetables based on personal preferences.
- → What sides pair well?
Try serving with a fresh salad, corn on the cob, or extra tortilla chips and salsa.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Slices can be refrigerated and reheated later. Add fresh toppings after warming for best texture.