Can’t decide between tacos and pizza for dinner? Why choose when you can have both! This homemade taco pizza combines the zesty flavors of Mexican-inspired tacos with the comfort of a homemade pizza crust. It’s a family-friendly fusion dish that will have everyone rushing to the dinner table. The crispy crust topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings creates an irresistible meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.https://pin.it/25KMzJREI
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Taco Pizza
- Perfect Fusion: Combines two family favorites into one delicious meal
- Customizable: Everyone can add their favorite taco toppings
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this fun dinner option
- Make-Ahead: Prepare components in advance for quick assembly
- Versatile: Easy to adapt for vegetarian and vegan diets
- Great for Gatherings: Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust
- 1 package (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Time-Saving Tip: You can substitute store-bought pizza dough or a pre-baked pizza crust to make this recipe even quicker!
For the Taco Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace ground beef with 2 cups of plant-based ground meat substitute, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed), or 8 oz finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with taco seasoning.
For the Pizza Base
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- ¼ cup taco sauce
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce (optional)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
For the Toppings
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup sour cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- Additional taco sauce for drizzling
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch (optional)
How to Make Homemade Taco Pizza
Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and brown sugar in warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt, olive oil, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and roll out to fit a 14-inch pizza pan or large baking sheet.
Prepare the Taco Meat
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
- Once no longer pink, drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble and Bake the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- If using homemade dough, prebake the crust for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix refried beans with taco sauce and pizza sauce (if using) until smooth.
- Spread the bean mixture evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Distribute the seasoned taco meat evenly over the bean layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire pizza.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Add Fresh Toppings
- Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with sour cream and additional taco sauce.
- Add sliced avocado and crushed tortilla chips if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately while still warm.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Taco Pizza
- Warm the Beans: Slightly warming the refried beans makes them easier to spread on the pizza dough.
- Don’t Overload: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Apply with a light hand.
- Cheese Barrier: Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese before the meat to create a barrier that helps prevent a soggy crust.
- Fresh Toppings Last: Always add lettuce, tomatoes, and other fresh toppings after baking.
- Serve Immediately: This pizza is best enjoyed right away while the contrast between hot pizza and cool toppings is at its peak.
Delicious Variations to Try
Chicken Taco Pizza
Replace ground beef with 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with taco seasoning for a lighter option.
Breakfast Taco Pizza
Top with scrambled eggs, bacon or breakfast sausage, and serve with salsa and avocado for a morning twist.
Seafood Taco Pizza
Use seasoned shrimp or white fish instead of beef, and add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Nutritional Information
This homemade taco pizza can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. The nutritional information below is for one slice (1/8 of pizza) using the standard recipe with lean ground beef.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 410 | – |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 620mg | 27% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugars | 3g | – |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Health-Conscious Tips: For a lighter version, use whole wheat pizza dough, lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This can reduce calories by approximately 25% and increase the fiber content.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade taco pizza is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious pairings to round out your dinner:
Side Dishes
- Simple green salad with cilantro-lime dressing
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Black bean and corn salad
- Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa
- Mexican rice
Beverages
- Mexican horchata
- Lime-infused sparkling water
- Margaritas (for adults)
- Mexican beer with lime
- Hibiscus tea (agua de jamaica)
Make It a Taco Bar Pizza Night: Set out all the toppings in separate bowls and let everyone customize their own portion of the pizza after it comes out of the oven. This is especially fun for family dinners or casual gatherings!
The Best Homemade Taco Pizza Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices | Calories: 410 per slice
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 package (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Taco Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
For the Pizza Base
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- ¼ cup taco sauce
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce (optional)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
For the Toppings
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup sour cream
- Additional taco sauce for drizzling
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and brown sugar in warm water. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy. Add salt, olive oil, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed, until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the taco meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Once no longer pink, drain excess fat if necessary. Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the pizza: Punch down dough and roll out to fit a 14-inch pizza pan or large baking sheet. If using homemade dough, prebake the crust for 5 minutes.
- Make the bean layer: In a small bowl, mix refried beans with taco sauce and pizza sauce (if using) until smooth. Spread the bean mixture evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add toppings: Distribute the seasoned taco meat evenly over the bean layer. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire pizza.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Add fresh toppings: Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with sour cream and additional taco sauce. Add sliced avocado and crushed tortilla chips if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve immediately while still warm.
Notes
- For a time-saving option, use store-bought pizza dough or a pre-baked pizza crust.
- Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat substitute, black beans, or finely chopped mushrooms.
- Store leftover pizza (without fresh toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Why This Homemade Taco Pizza Will Become a Family Favorite
This homemade taco pizza brings together the best of two beloved dishes in one irresistible meal. The combination of a crispy pizza crust with savory taco flavors creates a unique dining experience that satisfies multiple cravings at once. Whether you’re feeding a family with diverse tastes or looking for something new to add to your dinner rotation, this taco pizza is sure to please.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can easily customize it to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand. From vegetarian adaptations to different protein choices, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the interactive nature of adding your own toppings makes dinner time more engaging and fun for everyone involved.
So the next time you’re torn between pizza night and taco Tuesday, remember that you don’t have to choose. This homemade taco pizza delivers the perfect compromise that’s actually better than either option alone!