Description
This Easy Taco Pizza combines two family favorites into one delicious meal. A crispy pizza crust is topped with seasoned taco meat, refried beans, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh taco toppings for a quick and satisfying dinner that is perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough or 12-inch pizza crust
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
For Serving:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pizza dough on a lightly greased baking sheet or pizza pan to prepare for baking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy pizza.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and ½ cup water into the browned beef. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Warm Refried Beans: Heat the refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until smooth and easy to spread.
- Assemble the Base: Spread the warmed refried beans evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the bean layer evenly.
- Top with Seasoned Meat: Evenly distribute the seasoned taco meat over the cheese layer to cover the surface.
- Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the taco meat for a gooey topping.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2–3 minutes to set the toppings and make it easier to slice.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top the baked pizza with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, sliced olives, jalapeños (if desired), and sliced green onions for fresh crunch and flavor.
- Serve with Extras: Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side for guests to customize each slice.
Notes
- Use a pre-baked pizza crust to shorten prep and cook time for an even faster meal.
- Ground turkey or shredded chicken are excellent alternatives to ground beef for different protein options.
- Add extras like corn, black beans, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips for additional texture and flavor.
- Add the lettuce and other fresh greens after baking to keep them crisp and refreshing.
- For a spicier version, opt for hot taco seasoning and add extra jalapeños as a topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex, American
