Description
This Taco Pizza recipe is a delightful fusion of classic Mexican flavors and Italian-style pizza. It features a crispy pizza crust topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, red onions, and black olives. Finished with optional garnishes such as jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack, serving 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Meat Topping
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh Toppings
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
Sauce and Garnishes
- ½ cup salsa or taco sauce
- Sour cream (optional)
- Jalapeños (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Crumbled tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well for a crispier crust.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning packet along with ½ cup water, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness and size. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or the preheated pizza stone. If using store-bought dough, follow any pre-baking instructions on the package if required.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin, even layer of salsa or taco sauce over the pizza dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Evenly distribute the cooked taco-seasoned ground beef on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the crust turns golden brown.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Top it with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced red onions, and sliced black olives. Add optional garnishes such as sour cream, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and crumbled tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the pizza into portions and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your flavorful taco-inspired pizza!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- If you prefer a spicier pizza, add extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Preheating a pizza stone can help achieve a crispier crust.
- To save time, use store-bought pizza dough, but make sure to follow package instructions for pre-baking if recommended.
- Fresh toppings are added after baking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
