Taco pizza has become my absolute go-to for a fun and flavorful weeknight meal, and I’m so excited to share this incredibly easy taco pizza with you! It’s a dish that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, especially mine when I smell that savory ground beef and melted cheese wafting from the oven. I remember the first time I made this homemade taco pizza; my kids were practically dancing in the kitchen, eager to try it. This recipe delivers a satisfying, quick taco pizza dinner that feels like a party on a plate. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Pizza
This taco pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:
- It’s bursting with incredible flavors – savory seasoned beef, creamy beans, gooey cheese, and fresh veggies all come together perfectly.
- You can have this easy taco pizza on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and affordable ground beef.
- This is a truly family friendly taco pizza that even picky eaters will devour.
- The customizable toppings mean everyone can build their perfect slice.
- It’s a fun twist on both pizza and tacos, offering a unique and exciting meal experience.
- The flaky crescent roll crust adds a delightful texture that’s lighter than traditional pizza dough.
Ingredients for Homemade Taco Pizza
Gather these essentials for a fantastic homemade taco pizza. You’ll need 1 lb ground beef, which forms the savory base of our taco pizza with ground beef. For the crust, grab 2 8 oz cans Pillsbury crescent rolls – they bake up so flaky and delicious! A key element is 1 16 oz can refried beans, which I like to warm slightly to make spreading easier; this creamy layer is crucial for that classic taco flavor. You’ll also need 2–3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend for that essential gooey, cheesy finish. For freshness, have on hand ½ cup chopped tomatoes, ¼ cup sliced black olives, and 4 chopped green onions. Don’t forget 1 envelope taco seasoning mix to give the beef its signature flavor, and a little water if the seasoning calls for it.
How to Make Taco Pizza
Making this delicious taco pizza recipe is surprisingly simple, and the results are incredibly rewarding. It’s the perfect way to create a fun, flavorful meal that feels special but is totally doable on a weeknight. You’ll be amazed at how easily this comes together, especially when you see that golden crust baking in your oven. This method for a sheet pan taco pizza ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your crust gets perfectly golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 7-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Return the beef to the skillet.
- Step 4: Add 1 envelope of taco seasoning mix and ½-2/3 cup of water to the beef. Simmer this mixture until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. The aroma of the seasoned beef is just amazing!
- Step 5: While the beef simmers, unroll your 2 8 oz cans Pillsbury crescent rolls. Press the dough together on an 11.5×16.5 inch jelly roll pan or a rimmed baking sheet to form one large rectangle crust. Make sure to press the dough about ½ inch up the edges to create a slight border.
- Step 6: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 7: While the crust bakes, microwave 1 can of refried beans for about 1 minute to soften them, making them easier to spread.
- Step 8: Once the crust is golden, carefully spread the warmed refried beans evenly over the baked crust.
- Step 9: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the refried bean layer.
- Step 10: Generously sprinkle 2-3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese over the beef.
- Step 11: Evenly distribute ½ cup chopped tomatoes, ¼ cup sliced black olives, and 4 chopped green onions over the cheese topping.
- Step 12: Return the assembled taco pizza to the oven for another 3-6 minutes, just until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Step 13: Let the finished taco pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Make Taco Pizza with Ground Beef
The key to a flavorful taco pizza with ground beef is in the seasoning. Brown your ground beef until it’s nicely cooked, then drain off any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and a little water, then simmer until the sauce thickens. This creates a rich, savory base that’s essential for the best taco pizza.
How to Assemble Your Taco Pizza
Assembly is all about layering! Start with your golden crescent roll crust, then spread the softened refried beans. Next, spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly. Top generously with shredded cheese, followed by fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and green onions. This layered approach ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Pizza
Want to elevate your taco pizza game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this homemade taco pizza truly shine. Following these simple tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a delicious outcome every time!
- For an extra crispy crust, blind-bake it for a few minutes longer before adding toppings.
- Don’t skip warming the refried beans; it makes spreading them much easier and prevents tearing the crust.
- Use a good quality shredded cheese blend; the mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
- Let the finished taco pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the toppings set so they don’t slide off.
What’s the secret to perfect Taco Pizza?
The secret to a truly perfect taco pizza lies in the balance of textures and flavors. Using a flaky crescent roll crust, a creamy layer of refried beans, well-seasoned ground beef, and fresh, crisp toppings creates that amazing contrast that makes it the best taco pizza.
Can I make Taco Pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the ground beef mixture and bake the crust a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Taco Pizza?
A common mistake is over-baking the crust, making it too hard. Also, ensure your refried beans are spread thinly and evenly to prevent a soggy center. Finally, don’t overload the pizza with too many wet toppings, as this can also lead to a less-than-ideal texture for your taco pizza.
Best Ways to Serve Taco Pizza
This taco pizza is fantastic on its own, but serving it with a few complementary sides really takes it to the next level. For a truly loaded taco pizza experience, consider offering a variety of fresh toppings on the side so everyone can customize their slice even further. Think shredded lettuce, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy your meal!
What to serve with Taco Pizza?
Serve with a fresh side salad, tortilla chips, or a simple bowl of salsa for dipping. A side of refried beans or Mexican rice also pairs wonderfully.
Nutrition Facts for Taco Pizza
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one slice of this delightful taco pizza. Keep in mind that these are approximate values, as individual ingredients and portion sizes can vary. This homemade taco pizza is a satisfying meal that offers a good balance of macronutrients.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Taco Pizza
Got leftover taco pizza? Lucky you! Properly storing and reheating this delicious dish ensures you can enjoy it for days. First, let any leftover taco pizza cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important to prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy. Once cooled, I like to cut it into individual portions and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you can easily grab a slice. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop a slice on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melty and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that nice texture!
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Pizza
What is Taco Pizza?
Taco pizza is a delightful fusion dish that combines the familiar flavors of tacos with the beloved format of pizza. It typically features a pizza crust topped with seasoned taco meat, beans, cheese, and fresh taco-style toppings, creating a unique and savory meal experience.
Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can easily make a delicious taco pizza with chicken. Simply cook and season shredded or ground chicken with the taco seasoning mix, following the same steps as you would for ground beef. It’s a fantastic alternative that works wonderfully.
Variations of Taco Pizza You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s fun to explore different ways to enjoy this versatile dish! You can easily adapt this taco pizza recipe to suit your cravings or dietary needs. For a bit of a kick, try a spicy taco pizza by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. Adding taco pizza with corn is also a fantastic way to bring in a little sweetness and texture. And for a fun, crunchy twist that kids especially love, consider a taco pizza with Doritos crushed over the top!
Spicy Taco Pizza
Want to turn up the heat? Add a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for a delightful kick.
Taco Pizza with Corn
For a touch of sweetness and extra texture, sprinkle a layer of canned or frozen corn over the refried beans before adding the beef.
Taco Pizza with Doritos
Crush a bag of nacho cheese or cool ranch Doritos and sprinkle them over the cheese layer before baking for an incredibly crunchy and zesty topping!
Print
Taco Pizza: 1 Easy Recipe for a Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This taco pizza recipe combines the flavors of tacos and pizza on a flaky crescent roll crust, topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and fresh vegetables. It’s a quick and family-friendly meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
- 2 8 oz cans Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 16 oz can refried beans
- 2–3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 4 chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Return beef to the skillet, add 1 envelope taco seasoning mix with ½-2/3 cup water; simmer until most liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.
- Unroll 2 cans of crescent rolls into rectangles; press into an 11.5×16.5 inch jelly roll pan to form the crust, pressing ½ inch up the edges.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes until golden brown.
- Microwave 1 can of refried beans for 1 minute to soften.
- Spread the warmed refried beans over the baked crust.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the refried beans.
- Sprinkle 2-3 cups of shredded cheese over the beef layer.
- Evenly distribute ½ cup chopped tomatoes, ¼ cup sliced black olives, and 4 chopped green onions over the cheese.
- Return the taco pizza to the oven for 3-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the taco pizza sit for a few minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles; serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a leaner option. Use whole wheat crescent rolls or pizza dough for more fiber.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Customize your taco pizza with toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or shredded lettuce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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