Taco Pizza is a delightful fusion of two beloved classics: tacos and pizza. This creative dish combines the zesty flavors of traditional tacos with the comforting elements of a pizza, resulting in a unique culinary experience that is both satisfying and fun. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, Taco Pizza is a versatile recipe that will become a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients Overview

For this recipe, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that blend together to create a flavorful and hearty pizza. A 12-inch prepared pizza crust serves as the foundation, so opt for a quality crust that can hold the toppings without becoming too soggy. Half a pound of ground beef provides the primary protein; choosing lean beef helps reduce excess grease. Adding half a cup of chopped onion and one clove of garlic brings depth and aroma to the beef mixture. A third cup of water and half a packet of taco seasoning mix infuse the beef with traditional taco flavors. A can of diced tomatoes with garlic and onion enhances the sauce’s richness, while two cups of salsa (divided) and two tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro add freshness and a tangy kick. One cup of refried beans creates a creamy base layer, and two cups of Mexican-style shredded four-cheese blend (divided) contribute gooey, melted goodness. To complete the pizza, top it with two cups of shredded lettuce, two chopped tomatoes, a can of sliced black olives, and a quarter cup of chopped green onion. Optionally, serve the pizza with one cup of sour cream and additional salsa on the side.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and preparing a baking sheet with the pizza crust. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is thoroughly browned. Ensure all the excess fat is drained from the skillet to keep the pizza from becoming greasy.

Blending the Tomato-Salsa Sauce

While the beef cooks, blend the diced tomatoes, one cup of salsa, and fresh cilantro in a blender until smooth. This mixture will serve as a flavorful base for the pizza, adding both moisture and a tangy zest.

Assembling the Pizza

Spread the refried beans evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a half-inch border around the edges to prevent spillover. Layer one cup of the tomato-salsa mixture over the beans, reserving the rest for later use. Scatter the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the sauce, followed by sprinkling one and a half cups of the shredded cheese blend on top.

Baking to Perfection

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges are golden brown. This baking time ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully while achieving a perfect crust texture. Once baked, let the pizza cool for about five minutes before adding the final toppings.

Final Topping and Serving Suggestions

Top the pizza with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and the remaining cheese. Serve it with the reserved tomato-salsa sauce, sour cream, and any extra salsa for an added burst of flavor.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

How to prevent a soggy crust: Pre-bake the crust slightly before adding toppings.
Alternative toppings and variations: Consider adding jalapeños, corn, or avocado slices for extra flavor.
Making the recipe spicier or milder: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and salsa to suit your heat preference.
Using homemade vs. store-bought ingredients: Homemade refried beans and salsa can enhance the flavor, but store-bought versions work well for convenience.
Ingredient substitutions: Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground chicken or turkey are great substitutes.
Storing leftovers: Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Troubleshooting common issues: If the crust is too hard, try reducing the baking time or lowering the oven temperature.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair your Taco Pizza with sides that complement its flavors. A fresh corn salad or a side of guacamole with tortilla chips can enhance the meal. For beverages, a chilled glass of margarita or a refreshing iced tea works wonderfully. To finish, consider serving a light dessert like churros or flan to round out the dining experience.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When presenting your Taco Pizza, consider creative garnishing to make it visually appealing. Scatter some chopped cilantro or a few jalapeño slices on top for a pop of color. Serve the pizza on a wooden board with small bowls of sour cream and salsa on the side. For parties, pre-slice the pizza and arrange it on a platter for easy grabbing.

This Taco Pizza recipe perfectly blends the best of both worlds, combining the flavors of tacos with the comfort of pizza. Easy to prepare and a delight to eat, it’s sure to become a hit at any table. Give it a try and share this exciting dish with your friends and family!

Ingredients:

1 12-inch prepared pizza crust
½ pound ground beef
½ cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic
⅓ cup water
½ (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
2 cups salsa, or more to taste, divided (Optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup refried beans
2 cups Mexican-style shredded four-cheese blend, divided
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
¼ cup chopped green onion
1 cup sour cream, or as desired (Optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a baking sheet by placing the pizza crust on it.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add water and taco seasoning to the beef mixture, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
While the beef simmers, blend the diced tomatoes, 1 cup of salsa, and fresh cilantro in a blender until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Spread the refried beans evenly over the prepared pizza crust, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Layer 1 cup of the tomato-salsa mixture over the beans, reserving the rest of the sauce for later.
Scatter the seasoned beef mixture over the tomato layer, then sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese blend over the top.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges are golden brown. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Finish by topping the pizza with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and the remaining cheese. Serve with the reserved tomato-salsa sauce, sour cream, and any extra salsa you desire.