Friday nights at our house are sacred. Not in the quiet, set-the-table sort of way, but in the messy, “what’s everyone actually craving?” kind of way. As someone who toggles between carpool duty and trying to answer emails with one hand while flipping grilled cheese with the other, I need weeknight dinners that make the whole family light up without causing me more stress than a surprise science project. Enter: Taco Pizza. It’s the easy win that checks every box, especially when I’m craving a little Tex-Mex flavor but the kids want pizza (again).
This taco pizza recipe is the ultimate collision of two comfort food favorites. I found my way to it on a night when I’d committed to taco night but realized too late that we were out of taco shells and tortillas. Staring at two lonely boxes of pizza crust mix in the pantry, inspiration struck. I figured, why not layer everything we love about tacos—spiced ground beef, creamy refried beans, mountains of cheese—on top of a golden pizza crust? One experiment later, taco pizza was officially part of our dinner rotation, and frankly, it’s become the dish the kids request for every sleepover or birthday.
There’s something about spreading refried beans over pizza dough, dotting it with taco-seasoned beef, and blanketing it in cheese that feels both rebellious and genius. It’s as if you’re breaking some unsaid rule—and winning. The best part? The toppings bar at the end: shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, a tumble of crushed tortilla chips, and that drizzle of taco sauce. Every slice is completely customizable, which means picky eaters and adventurous ones can both build their ideal taco pizza.
I lean on this recipe for more than just its ease. It’s a true community-builder. Everyone gathers in the kitchen to pick their toppings—no one is left out, and there are no complaints. Plus, with that golden crust holding up all the fiesta-inspired flavors, no one ever misses the traditional taco shell. If you’re looking for a taco pizza recipe that’s fast, family-friendly, and guaranteed to break you out of the midweek dinner rut, this is it.
How to Make Taco Pizza
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Ingredients
- 2 packages pizza crust mix (6.5 oz each), plus ingredients per package
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can refried beans (16 oz)
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomato
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Taco sauce
Directions
- Preheat your oven as directed by the pizza crust package. Prepare the dough according to the instructions, mixing and letting it rest until it’s soft and pliable. This is your pizza canvas, so give it a few minutes to rise.
- While the dough takes its nap, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains. Drain any extra fat, then stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water as the packet instructs. Let it simmer for a minute so the flavors can soak in.
- Press the dough evenly into two pizza pans or spread it across a large sheet pan, making sure to reach the edges. If it springs back, let it rest a few more minutes and try again.
- Spread the refried beans gently over the crust, creating a smooth, even layer. This acts as your “pizza sauce” and keeps the pizza moist.
- Scatter the seasoned taco beef in an even layer over the beans, making sure every slice will get a good helping.
- Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese generously over the top, covering the beef and beans.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the crust is golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice it up. Set out bowls of shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, crushed tortilla chips, and taco sauce, and let everyone top their own slice as they like.
Easy Swaps for Taco Pizza
If you don’t have every ingredient on hand, don’t stress. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter twist, and vegetarian crumbles work well for a meatless version. Not a fan of refried beans? Try black bean spread or even hummus for a different texture. For cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of the two melts beautifully. If you want a gluten-free option, use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust. Taco pizza is endlessly adaptable, so use what you have and make it your own.
How to Plate Taco Pizza Like a Pro
When it comes to serving taco pizza, presentation makes all the difference. I like to slice the pizza before adding toppings, then let everyone build their own creation. Arrange bowls of shredded lettuce, tomatoes, chips, and sauces next to the pizza for a build-your-own bar. Want a restaurant-style touch? Drizzle the finished slices with sour cream or serve with lime wedges for a burst of freshness. Pair it with a simple green salad or Mexican street corn for a full meal.
Keeping Your Taco Pizza Leftovers Fresh
If you somehow have taco pizza leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the fresh toppings separate to avoid sogginess. The pizza will stay good for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to revive the crust and melt the cheese again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crisp.
Secrets to Nailing This Taco Pizza Every Time
For the best taco pizza, don’t rush the dough—let it rest so it’s easy to stretch. When spreading the beans, use the back of a spoon and work gently to avoid tearing the crust. If you like crispy edges, brush the crust with a bit of olive oil before baking. And don’t overload the pizza with toppings before baking; save the lettuce, tomato, and chips for after it comes out of the oven so they stay fresh and crunchy.
Seasonal Twists
Taco pizza is a blank canvas for seasonal flavors. In summer, pile on fresh corn kernels, sliced avocados, and a handful of cilantro after baking. In fall, try roasted poblano peppers or a sprinkle of smoked paprika in the meat. For a winter version, add pickled jalapeños or extra cheese for warmth. Spring calls for radishes and green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Let the farmers’ market inspire your next pizza night.
FAQs:
Can I make taco pizza ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the crust, beans, and taco meat up to a day in advance. Store each component separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble the pizza, bake, and set out the toppings for a fun, interactive meal. This makes it perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal last-minute stress.
How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?
To keep your taco pizza crust crisp, spread a thin layer of refried beans and avoid piling on too much meat or sauce. Prebaking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings can also help create a barrier, ensuring the crust stays firm and the slices hold together well.
Is there a way to make this taco pizza recipe spicy?
Absolutely! If you love heat, stir diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers into the taco meat, use a spicy taco seasoning, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking. You can also serve slices with hot sauce or spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick.
What’s the best way to keep the lettuce and tomatoes fresh as toppings?
Prep your toppings just before serving and keep them chilled until pizza time. Use a salad spinner to dry lettuce thoroughly, and drain any excess liquid from chopped tomatoes to prevent soggy pizza. Setting toppings out in small bowls lets everyone customize without the fresh ingredients wilting on hot pizza.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of a mix?
Definitely! Homemade pizza dough adds a wonderful, chewy texture and lets you control the thickness and flavor. Just let the dough rise as usual, then proceed with the recipe. Adjust baking time as needed depending on your dough—thicker crusts may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
What are some fun ways to get kids involved in making taco pizza?
Kids love helping with taco pizza! Let them press out the dough, spread the beans, or sprinkle on cheese. Older kids can brown the meat with supervision or help set up the toppings bar. Decorating their own slices with lettuce, tomatoes, and chips encourages them to try new flavors and makes dinner more interactive.
Taco Pizza
Ingredients
Pizza Crust:
- 2 packages pizza crust mix (6.5 oz each) plus ingredients per package
Taco Pizza Toppings:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
- shredded lettuce
- chopped tomato
- crushed tortilla chips
- taco sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven based on the instructions provided with your pizza crust mix. Prepare the dough as directed, allowing it to rest briefly.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any surplus fat and mix in the taco seasoning. Set it aside for later use.
- Roll out the pizza dough in either two pizza pans or one large one, depending on your preference.
- Spread a layer of refried beans evenly over the crust.
- Distribute the seasoned beef mixture atop the refried beans.
- Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the entire pizza.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for around 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and cut it into slices. Offer toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, and taco sauce for customization.
