Taco pizza is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods—tacos and pizza. It takes the best elements of a traditional taco, such as seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and fresh toppings, and combines them with the structure of a pizza, utilizing a crescent roll or pizza dough as the crust. This unique combination delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal that offers the crunch of pizza and the savory goodness of taco ingredients.

Why This Recipe is Popular and Family-Friendly

Taco pizza is popular because it merges two universally loved dishes into one easy-to-make meal. Its appeal lies in its versatility; it can be customized with various toppings to suit different preferences, making it a hit for families with varying tastes. The recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients, many of which are pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The fun aspect of combining tacos with pizza also makes it kid-friendly, encouraging even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their meal.

History of Taco Pizza

The origins of taco pizza date back to the 1970s in the Midwest of the United States, specifically attributed to a pizzeria chain called Happy Joe’s. This creative culinary mashup was born out of the desire to offer something new and different, combining two fan-favorite dishes into one. Since then, taco pizza has grown in popularity and is now featured in many pizzerias and home kitchens across the country, appreciated for its unique flavor and texture combinations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy for Weeknight Meals: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, taco pizza can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners.
• Combines Favorite Taco Flavors in a Pizza Format: The recipe marries classic taco components—such as seasoned beef, cheese, and veggies—with a pizza-like crust, creating a fun, flavorful dish.
• Customizable for Toppings and Dietary Needs: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can switch out the meat for a vegetarian option, add more veggies, or adjust the level of spice to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Overview

Ground Beef

Lean ground beef is recommended for this recipe because it produces less grease, which helps prevent the taco pizza from becoming soggy. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used as a leaner alternative for those who prefer lighter proteins.

Taco Seasoning

You can use a store-bought taco seasoning packet for convenience, but homemade seasoning allows for more control over the flavor and spiciness. Common homemade blends typically include chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

Crescent Rolls

Crescent roll dough is the key to this taco pizza’s soft, flaky crust. Unlike traditional pizza dough, crescent rolls add a buttery flavor and a lighter texture, which pairs well with the savory taco toppings. Pre-packaged crescent roll dough makes this recipe even easier to prepare.

Refried Beans

Refried beans act as a creamy, flavorful base for the taco pizza. They add depth and moisture to the dish, balancing the textures of the beef and crust. For added variety, you can use black or pinto beans in place of traditional refried beans.

Cheese Options

Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend cheese works best for taco pizza. The cheese melts beautifully and complements the beef and beans. For extra flavor, consider adding a mix of Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a bit of a spicy kick.

Fresh Toppings

Tomatoes, black olives, and green onions bring a fresh contrast to the richness of the beef, beans, and cheese. These toppings also add a pop of color and texture, enhancing the visual appeal and taste of the taco pizza.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you begin assembling your taco pizza, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the crust bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden. It’s important to have the oven fully preheated before baking to achieve the best results.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 7-10 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Ensure that the beef is evenly browned for the best flavor and texture. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the pizza from becoming greasy. This will also ensure that the crust stays crisp.

Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning

After draining the beef, return it to the skillet and stir in one envelope of taco seasoning along with ½ to ⅔ cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated. This helps infuse the beef with rich, taco-inspired flavors, which will form the base of your taco pizza.

Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust 

While the beef simmers, unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange it on an 11.5×16.5 inch jelly roll pan or a baking sheet. Press the dough to form a crust, making sure to press it up about ½ inch along the edges to create a border. If the dough tears, simply pinch it back together. Pressing the dough evenly ensures that the crust bakes uniformly. Be careful not to over-handle the dough, as this can lead to a dense, uneven crust. If you want a crispier crust, you can dock the dough with a fork before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Crust 

Once the dough is pressed into the pan, bake it in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Baking the crust before adding the toppings is crucial to ensure it’s fully cooked and not doughy. Keep a close eye on the crust to prevent over-baking, which can make it too dry and hard.

Step 6: Heat and Spread Refried Beans

While the crust bakes, heat the refried beans in the microwave for about 1 minute to soften them. This makes the beans easier to spread over the baked crust. Once the crust is ready, carefully spread an even layer of the warmed refried beans over it. Use a spatula to ensure the beans are evenly distributed, covering the crust without making it too thick.

Step 7: Add the Seasoned Ground Beef 

After spreading the beans, spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the bean layer. Ensure that the beef is evenly spread so that every slice of the taco pizza has a consistent amount of meat. The even distribution of toppings helps with flavor balance and makes for easier slicing and serving.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cheese 

Finally, sprinkle 2-3 cups of shredded cheese over the top of the beef. Ensure an even layer to allow for optimal melting. More cheese can be added if you prefer a cheesier pizza, but keep in mind that too much cheese may prevent it from melting evenly.

Customizing Your Taco Pizza 

Alternative Protein Options

One of the best things about taco pizza is how versatile it is when it comes to protein choices. If you want a lighter or healthier option, consider using ground chicken or ground turkey in place of ground beef. These proteins have a lower fat content but still provide a delicious, savory flavor when seasoned with taco spices. For a vegetarian twist, you can use plant-based crumbles or seasoned tofu. Black beans or pinto beans are also excellent vegetarian substitutes for the ground beef, offering a hearty texture and additional fiber.

Topping Variations

Customizing the toppings is a great way to make taco pizza suit your personal taste. If you love a bit of heat, adding sliced jalapeños to the top before the final bake will kick up the spice level. For more traditional taco flavors, you can finish the pizza with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa right before serving. These toppings not only add fresh, creamy, or tangy notes but also complement the richness of the meat and cheese.

How to Make it Healthier

There are several ways to make taco pizza healthier without sacrificing flavor. First, you can swap the crescent roll dough for a whole wheat or low-carb alternative. This reduces the refined carbs and adds fiber to the dish. You can also opt for low-fat cheese or simply use a lighter amount of cheese. Another option is to load up the pizza with additional veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrients and flavor.

Dietary Restrictions

If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, there are easy modifications you can make. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crescent roll dough or pizza dough, which is widely available at grocery stores. To accommodate dairy-free eaters, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut-based cheese. This way, everyone at the table can enjoy a slice of taco pizza.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings 

Perfect Sides

Taco pizza pairs beautifully with classic Mexican-inspired sides. Serve it with Mexican rice for a more filling meal, or opt for lighter sides like chips and salsa or a fresh side salad with avocado and lime dressing. For a fun twist, you could also add elote (Mexican street corn) on the side for an extra layer of flavor.

Drinks

The right drink pairing can elevate your taco pizza experience. For adults, a classic margarita or Mexican beer, such as Corona or Modelo, works perfectly with the zesty taco flavors. If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, soda like cola or lemonade can add a refreshing balance to the meal.

Tips for the Best Taco Pizza 

Timing

Timing is crucial when making taco pizza. Bake the crust first for about 11-13 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked and golden brown before adding toppings. After adding the toppings, return the pizza to the oven for an additional 3-6 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To save time, you can prepare the taco meat and refried beans ahead of time. Store the cooked ground beef and beans in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to assemble, simply heat the components and follow the steps for baking the crust and assembling the pizza.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover taco pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the crust, or in the microwave for a quicker option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Overloading the Toppings

While it’s tempting to add lots of toppings, too much can weigh down the pizza and make the crust soggy. Stick to an even layer of toppings to ensure the crust stays crispy and supports the ingredients.

Undercooking the Crust

Undercooking the crust can result in a doughy base that doesn’t hold up well to the toppings. Make sure to bake the crust until it’s fully golden brown before adding any toppings, ensuring it’s sturdy enough.

Not Draining the Beef Properly

Excess fat from the ground beef can make the pizza greasy. Always drain the beef thoroughly after browning it to avoid soggy and oily results.

FAQs 

• Can I use a different type of crust for taco pizza? Yes, pizza dough or a pre-made crust works well if you prefer a different texture than crescent rolls.
• What can I substitute for refried beans? You can use black beans, pinto beans, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a unique twist on the classic taco flavor.
• How can I make this taco pizza spicier? Add spicy taco seasoning, top with sliced jalapeños, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the taco meat and the crust ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Conclusion 

Taco pizza is the perfect combination of two beloved dishes, offering a fun and flavorful twist on pizza night. This recipe is a must-try for families, as it’s quick, easy, and customizable to suit everyone’s preferences. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this taco pizza can be tailored to fit any dietary needs or spice level. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the toppings, swapping in your favorite taco ingredients to make this dish your own. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors, and serve up a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Easy Taco Pizza

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• Author: Christine

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Description

This taco pizza is the ultimate fusion of two classic comfort foods: tacos and pizza. It starts with a soft, flaky crescent roll crust, layered with creamy refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese, all topped with fresh taco toppings like tomatoes, olives, and green onions. Perfect for a quick and fun weeknight meal, this customizable recipe will be a hit with the whole family!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook Ground Beef: Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes; drain excess fat.
• Add Taco Seasoning: 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 Crescent Rolls: 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: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes until golden brown.
• Heat Refried Beans: Microwave 1 can of refried beans for 1 minute to soften.
• Spread Refried Beans: Spread the warmed refried beans over the baked crust.
• Add Ground Beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the refried beans.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2-3 cups of shredded cheese over the beef layer.
• Add Fresh Toppings: Evenly distribute ½ cup chopped tomatoes, ¼ cup sliced black olives, and 4 chopped green onions over the cheese.
• Final Bake: Return the taco pizza to the oven for 3-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Slice and Serve: Let the taco pizza sit for a few minutes before cutting into squares or rectangles; serve hot.

Notes

• Make it Healthier: Substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a leaner option. You can also use whole wheat crescent rolls or pizza dough for a fiber boost.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Customizations: This taco pizza is highly customizable—feel free to experiment with your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or even shredded lettuce.