Taco Pizza: Homemade Easy Recipe You’ll Love

Taco Pizza Homemade Easy – does that sound like a weeknight win to you? Because it absolutely is! Forget choosing between tacos and pizza; now you can have the best of both worlds in one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

While the exact origins of Taco Pizza are a bit hazy, its popularity exploded in the late 20th century, likely born from the Tex-Mex craze sweeping the nation. It’s a playful fusion, a testament to the American spirit of innovation in the kitchen. Think of it as a celebration of comfort food, where the familiar flavors of a taco night meet the satisfying slice of a pizza.

What makes this Taco Pizza Homemade Easy recipe so irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures and tastes! The crispy crust, the savory seasoned ground beef, the creamy coolness of sour cream, the sharp cheddar cheese, and the fresh crunch of lettuce and tomatoes – it’s a party in your mouth! Plus, it’s incredibly customizable. Add your favorite taco toppings like olives, onions, or jalapeños to make it your own. But the best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Sour cream, for serving
• Salsa, for serving
• Optional toppings: jalapenos, avocado, lettuce

Preparing the Taco Meat:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is cook the ground beef. This is the foundation of our taco pizza, so we want to make sure it’s flavorful and cooked through.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want to make sure there are no large clumps. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the Excess Grease: Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease. You can do this by tilting the skillet and using a spoon to hold back the beef while pouring the grease into a heat-safe container. Discard the grease properly. Nobody wants a greasy pizza!
3. Add Taco Seasoning and Water: Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the browned beef. Pour in the 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything together well, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
4. Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the mixture becoming richer and more aromatic. This is exactly what we want!
5. Set Aside: Once the taco meat is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. We’ll use it later to top our pizza.

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

While the taco meat is simmering, let’s get the pizza dough ready. This step is super easy, especially if you’re using store-bought dough, which I highly recommend for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking our pizza to golden perfection.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan. You can use cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This will prevent the pizza dough from sticking.
3. Stretch or Roll Out the Dough: Open the can of refrigerated pizza dough. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out the dough to fit your baking sheet. If you’re using a round pizza pan, aim for a circular shape. If you’re using a rectangular baking sheet, you can stretch it to fit the shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a rustic look is totally fine!
4. Transfer the Dough to the Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the stretched dough to the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it’s evenly distributed and covers most of the surface.
5. Pre-bake the Dough (Optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for about 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. This step is optional, but it can help prevent a soggy bottom. If you choose to pre-bake, remove the dough from the oven after 5-7 minutes and proceed to the next step.

Assembling the Taco Pizza:

Now for the fun part – assembling our taco pizza! This is where we get to layer on all those delicious taco flavors.

1. Spread the Refried Beans: Spread the refried beans evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. The refried beans act as a base and add a creamy, savory element to the pizza.
2. Top with Taco Meat: Spoon the cooked taco meat over the refried beans, spreading it evenly. Make sure to distribute the meat so that every slice gets a good portion of the taco goodness.
3. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle both the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the taco meat. The combination of these two cheeses creates a melty, cheesy layer that complements the taco flavors perfectly.
4. Add Optional Toppings (Before Baking): If you’re using any toppings that need to be cooked, such as jalapenos, add them now.

Baking the Taco Pizza:

Time to bake our masterpiece! The oven is preheated, the pizza is assembled, and we’re ready to transform it into a cheesy, taco-flavored delight.

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking sheet with the pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
2. Check for Doneness: The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned in spots. You can also check the bottom of the crust to make sure it’s cooked through.
3. Remove from Oven: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven using oven mitts. Place it on a wire rack to cool slightly before adding the final toppings.

Adding the Fresh Toppings and Serving:

The pizza is baked, the cheese is melted, and now it’s time to add the fresh toppings that will really make this taco pizza shine!

1. Add Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions over the baked pizza. These fresh toppings add a burst of flavor and color.
2. Slice and Serve: Use a pizza cutter or a large knife to slice the pizza into wedges.
3. Serve with Toppings: Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa for dipping or topping. You can also offer other toppings like avocado, lettuce, or extra cheese.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco meat for extra heat.
• Use different meats: Try using ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
• Add beans: Mix black beans or pinto beans into the taco meat for added texture and flavor.
• Make it vegetarian: Use a vegetarian ground beef substitute or simply load up on veggies.
• Crust variations: Use a pre-made pizza crust, a flatbread, or even a tortilla for a quick and easy taco pizza.
• Cheese variations: Use a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack cheese for a spicier flavor.
• Make it a party: Set up a taco pizza bar with all the toppings and let everyone customize their own slice.

Enjoy your delicious homemade taco pizza!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Our Taco Pizza Homemade Easy recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a fiesta on a pizza crust, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a fantastic way to spice up your weeknight dinner routine. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re a meat-lover, a vegetarian, or somewhere in between, you can easily customize the toppings to suit your preferences. Second, it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. And third, and perhaps most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious! The combination of the crispy crust, the savory taco meat, the creamy toppings, and the fresh veggies is simply irresistible. But don’t just take my word for it! I urge you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Imagine the look on your family’s faces when you present them with this vibrant and flavorful pizza. Picture the smiles and the satisfied sighs as they devour every last slice. This isn’t just about making a meal; it’s about creating a memorable experience, a shared moment of joy and deliciousness. Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While this Taco Pizza Homemade Easy is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to elevate it even further. Consider serving it with a side of sour cream or guacamole for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add a delightful finishing touch. For a heartier meal, pair it with a simple salad or some Mexican rice. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different variations? Try using shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of ground beef. Add some black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. Swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. You could even use a different type of crust, such as a whole wheat crust or a cauliflower crust, for a healthier option. The possibilities are endless! I’ve personally made this recipe countless times, and each time it’s a hit. I’ve tweaked it, experimented with different toppings, and even shared it with friends and family, and everyone always raves about it. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of making your own Taco Pizza Homemade Easy. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Did your family enjoy it as much as mine does? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your taco pizza creations! Print