There’s something magical about the moment two beloved comfort foods collide—like tacos and pizza. Picture this: a crispy golden crust layered with zesty taco-seasoned beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings, baked to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel like celebrations, and trust me, once you try this taco pizza, it’ll become a regular in your rotation. I first stumbled upon this idea during a chaotic evening when my family couldn’t decide between taco night or pizza night. Why not both? The result was an instant hit, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about flexibility, so feel free to tweak it to your taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option) – The hearty base of our taco layer.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend) – I love making my own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious) – Store-bought keeps it easy, but homemade adds that extra love.
- 1 cup refried beans – A secret weapon for keeping the toppings in place and adding creamy texture.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – Because more cheese is always better.
- Toppings galore: Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, black olives, sour cream, and avocado—whatever makes your taco-loving heart sing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s turn these simple ingredients into a fiesta on a crust!
- Preheat & Prep: Crank your oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it heat up while you roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. If you like a crispier crust, pre-bake it for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until fragrant—your kitchen should smell amazing right about now.
- Layer the Love: Spread the refried beans over the dough like a savory “glue,” then sprinkle half the cheese. Spoon the taco meat evenly over the top, followed by the remaining cheese. This double-cheese method ensures every bite is ooey-gooey perfection.
- Bake to Golden Bliss: Pop the pizza into the oven for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. While it bakes, chop your fresh toppings so they’re ready to crown your masterpiece.
Tip: If your crust tends to puff up, dock it with a fork before baking—or place a second baking sheet on the rack above to deflect excess heat. And don’t skip letting the pizza rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing; it keeps the toppings from sliding off!
Now that you’ve got the basics down for making this irresistible taco pizza, let’s dive into some pro tips and fun variations to make it your own!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat
- Vegetarian twist: Swap ground beef for black beans or seasoned lentils
- Crust options: Try using naan bread, tortillas, or even cauliflower crust for a lighter version
- Cheese lovers: Mix in some pepper jack or queso fresco with the cheddar
- Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust or tortillas
Perfect Pairings
This taco pizza is delicious on its own, but here are some sides that take it to the next level:
- Cooling avocado crema or cilantro lime ranch
- A simple Mexican street corn salad
- Refreshing watermelon agua fresca
- Crispy tortilla chips with chunky guacamole
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your taco pizza tasting fresh:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness
- For single slices, the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes works wonders
- Add fresh toppings after reheating for maximum flavor and texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the crust and meat mixture separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for best results.
What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-bake your crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings, and go light on saucy ingredients like salsa.
Can I freeze taco pizza?
While possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, wrap tightly and reheat in the oven (not microwave) to preserve texture.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Make your own with 1 tsp each chili powder, cumin, and paprika, plus ½ tsp garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
There’s something magical about the way taco flavors transform when baked on a crispy pizza crust. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a regular weeknight craving, this recipe brings smiles to the table and satisfies that perfect craving between Mexican and Italian comfort foods. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to for game nights, potlucks, or those “I don’t know what to make for dinner” moments. The best part? Every bite is packed with the flavors you love, made exactly how you like them. Now go forth and create your perfect taco pizza masterpiece!
PrintTaco Pizza
A delicious fusion of tacos and pizza, topped with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and stir in taco seasoning and water as directed on the packet.
- Spread refried beans evenly over the pizza crust, then top with the seasoned ground beef.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and top with diced tomatoes, black olives, lettuce, a drizzle of sour cream, and salsa.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.