Taco pizza combines the best of both worlds: the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza with the bold, flavorful toppings of a classic taco. This dish is a fun and easy way to enjoy two favorite comfort foods in one. With seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and all your favorite taco toppings, this pizza is sure to be a hit with everyone. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, family gatherings, or game days, Taco Pizza offers a delicious twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 pre-baked pizza crust
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
- Spread a layer of refried beans evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust.
- Top the beans with the seasoned ground beef and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and add the fresh toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced red onion, sour cream, and salsa.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add Jalapeños: For a bit of heat, sprinkle sliced jalapeños over the pizza before baking.
- Add Guacamole: For extra creaminess, top the pizza with a few dollops of guacamole in place of or in addition to sour cream.
- Change the Cheese: Swap cheddar cheese for a blend of Mexican cheeses or even a creamy cheese like mozzarella for a different texture.
- Add Avocado: Sliced avocado can be added as a garnish for extra freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover taco pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the leftover pizza in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, use the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a homemade pizza crust?
Yes, a homemade crust will work great with this recipe. Just make sure it’s pre-baked before assembling the pizza. - Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and add more beans, veggies like bell peppers, corn, and zucchini, or even a meat substitute. - Can I freeze taco pizza?
It’s best to freeze the assembled pizza before adding fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. Freeze the pizza without the toppings for up to 2 months, and add fresh toppings after reheating. - What can I use instead of refried beans?
You can use black beans, pinto beans, or even hummus as a spreadable base for the pizza if you prefer something different from refried beans. - Can I use a gluten-free pizza crust?
Yes, if you’re gluten-free, just use a gluten-free pizza crust and proceed with the recipe as usual. - Can I use a pizza stone for baking?
Yes, a pizza stone works wonderfully. Preheat it in the oven and bake your pizza directly on it for an extra crispy crust. - Can I make taco pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the ground beef mixture and refried beans ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble and bake the pizza when you’re ready to eat. - Can I make this with a cauliflower crust?
Yes, a cauliflower crust is a great low-carb option for this taco pizza. Just be sure to follow the instructions for baking the crust properly before adding the toppings. - Can I make it spicy?
Add some spicy ingredients like hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the ground beef mixture or as a topping. - Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses would all be delicious alternatives.
Conclusion
Taco pizza is a creative and fun dish that takes all the flavors of a taco and combines them into a warm, cheesy pizza. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that can be customized to fit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit!