Taco pizza is a delicious and inventive fusion of two popular cuisines: Italian pizza and Mexican tacos.
This unique pizza combines a crispy pizza crust with classic taco ingredients like seasoned ground meat (beef, chicken, or pork), melted cheese, crunchy lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and often jalapeños or avocado for a bit of heat.
It’s then topped with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for a final irresistible touch.
Taco pizza is a fun way to enjoy Tex-Mex flavors in a new form, making it perfect for casual family meals or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
2 (8 oz.) cans Pillsbury crescent rolls
1 (16 oz.) can refried beans (I used the jalapeño kind)
2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
4 green onions, chopped
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
How To Make TACO PIZZA
Brown ground beef and drain. Add taco seasoning to the ground beef according to the package directions
Unroll crescent rolls into rectangles.
Place in ungreased 11 1/2 inch x 16 1/2 inch jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.
Press dough over the bottom and 1/2 inch up sides to form crust.
Bake at 375 oven for 11 to 13 minutes or just until golden brown.
Microwave beans in a microwave safe bowl for 1 minute.
Carefully spread beans over warm crust creating a thin layer.
Top with cooked beef mixture, sprinkle with cheese followed by tomatoes, black olives and green onion.
Return to oven for 3-6 more minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve immediately.
Makes 12 main dish servings or 48 appetizers.
Variations of Taco Pizza
Classic Beef Taco Pizza:
Base: Use seasoned ground beef as the main topping.
Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and sliced black olives.
Sauce: Swap traditional pizza sauce for a thin layer of refried beans or salsa.
Final Touch: Drizzle with sour cream and salsa after baking.
Chicken Taco Pizza:
Base: Use grilled or shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices.
Toppings: Add diced avocados, shredded lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, and cilantro.
Sauce: Salsa verde or a blend of sour cream and guacamole for a fresh, zesty twist.
Vegetarian Taco Pizza:
Base: Use black beans or refried beans as the primary protein source.
Toppings: Add diced bell peppers, onions, corn, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy texture.
Final Touch: Top with guacamole and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Spicy Chorizo Taco Pizza:
Base: Use crumbled chorizo sausage for a bold, spicy flavor.
Toppings: Sautéed onions, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and tomatoes.
Sauce: A layer of salsa or spicy enchilada sauce to enhance the heat.
Garnish: Finish with a drizzle of sour cream and a handful of sliced green onions.
Seafood Taco Pizza:
Base: Use shrimp or fish seasoned with taco spices.
Toppings: Shredded lettuce, avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
Sauce: Swap the traditional pizza sauce for a spicy mayo or chipotle crema for added richness.
Tips for the Perfect Taco Pizza
Choosing the Crust:
For a crispier base, use a thin crust or tortilla as the foundation.
For a heartier pizza, a traditional thick crust or cornmeal crust can complement the toppings well.
Season Your Meat:
Whether using beef, chicken, or pork, ensure your meat is seasoned with classic taco spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
Layering the Toppings:
Start with the sauce (like salsa or refried beans), then add the meat and cheese.
Bake the pizza first and then add fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole after baking to avoid sogginess.
Cheese Choices:
Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese to complement the taco flavors.
A sprinkling of queso fresco after baking can also add a fresh, tangy finish.
Finish with Crunch:
For added texture, top the pizza with crushed tortilla chips or taco shells after baking.
It adds a crunchy element similar to hard tacos.
Balancing Heat and Creaminess:
If you’re using spicy toppings like jalapeños or hot salsa, balance the heat with creamy elements like sour cream, avocado, or guacamole to keep the flavors well-rounded.
By experimenting with these variations and tips, you can create a taco pizza that suits your flavor preferences, offering a creative and delicious twist on traditional tacos!
The nutritional content of taco pizza can vary based on the ingredients used, but here’s a general estimate for one slice of taco pizza (1/8 of a 12-inch pizza) with ground beef, cheese, vegetables, and typical taco toppings:
General Nutritional Information (per slice)
Calories: 300-400 kcal
Protein: 12-18 g
Carbohydrates: 25-35 g
Sugars: 2-4 g
Fat: 15-22 g
Saturated Fat: 6-8 g
Cholesterol: 40-60 mg
Sodium: 500-800 mg
Fiber: 2-4 g
Factors Affecting Nutritional Content
Crust Type:
A traditional pizza crust has more carbohydrates and calories, while a thin or tortilla crust can reduce both.
Whole wheat or cornmeal crusts add more fiber.
Meat Choices:
Ground beef (80/20 fat) is higher in fat and calories than lean ground beef or grilled chicken.
Using lean proteins like ground turkey or black beans can lower fat content.
Cheese:
Cheese contributes significantly to fat, especially saturated fat. Opting for reduced-fat cheese can reduce calorie and fat intake.
Toppings:
Adding high-fat toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra cheese increases the fat and calorie content.
Vegetable toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and bell peppers add fiber, vitamins, and minerals without many additional calories.
Sauce:
Using refried beans, salsa, or enchilada sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce keeps carbohydrates relatively low but can increase sodium.
Tips to Make Taco Pizza Healthier
Use lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or beans instead of higher-fat meats like ground beef or chorizo.
Opt for reduced-fat cheese or use a smaller amount of regular cheese.
Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to cut down on fat and calories while keeping the creamy texture.
Use a whole-wheat or thin tortilla crust to lower carbs and increase fiber.
Load up on veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers for extra nutrients and fiber.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a more balanced taco pizza that fits into a healthier diet.