If you crave the bold flavors of tacos and the cheesy satisfaction of pizza, Taco Pizza is downright irresistible and sure to shake up your weeknight dinner routine. This vibrant mashup delivers everything you love about tacos—spiced ground beef, fresh veggies, zesty salsa—piled high on a golden crust and smothered in melty cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting game night, Taco Pizza promises a satisfying blend of crunch, spice, and creamy coolness in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Taco Pizza lies in its simple, colorful array of ingredients, each one bringing something special to the table. From a crisp crust to a rainbow of toppings, this is a meal that invites creativity but never skimps on taste.

Pizza dough: The foundation for all those bold taco flavors; look for fresh, store-bought dough, or use your favorite homemade recipe.
Ground beef: Classic taco filling, seasoned to perfection, giving every bite a savory boost.
Taco seasoning: This spice blend delivers that unmistakable south-of-the-border kick; use your go-to packet or mix up your own.
Refried beans: Spread onto the crust for extra richness and that authentic taco taste, plus it helps all the toppings stick.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey layer that binds everything together and brings a gorgeous golden color.
Salsa: Adds both tang and a hint of heat—choose chunky or smooth, mild or spicy, depending on your mood.
Chopped lettuce: Fresh and cool, it provides a refreshing crunch right before serving.
Diced tomatoes: Offer juicy bursts of flavor and a pop of color over the melted cheese.
Sliced black olives: Optional but highly recommended for the salty punch they bring to the party.
Chopped green onions: Lively and sharp, the perfect finishing touch for extra flavor.
Sour cream & guacamole: Essential for drizzling or dolloping on finished slices—customize however you like!
Tortilla chips (crushed): For a final crunchy flourish, scatter these on top of the fresh veggies.

How to Make Taco Pizza

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Crust

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll or stretch your pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, making sure to form a slight rim to catch those layers of toppings. For an extra-crispy base, brush the edges with olive oil or a touch of cornmeal before baking it for 6-8 minutes, just until it’s lightly set but not yet browned.

Step 2: Brown and Season the Beef

While the crust is in the oven, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat as needed. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and stir in a splash of water, simmering until everything’s fragrant and saucy—this is where Taco Pizza really starts to take shape!

Step 3: Layer the Beans and Beef

Once your crust is partially baked, remove it from the oven and carefully spread a generous layer of refried beans across the base. Top with the seasoned beef, spreading evenly to cover edge to edge, ensuring every bite gets a flavorful balance.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef and beans, pressing it gently into any nooks and crannies. Return your pizza to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the crust looks golden and delicious.

Step 5: Pile on Fresh Toppings

Let your hot-from-the-oven Taco Pizza cool for a couple of minutes. Then, layer on all your cool, fresh toppings: salsa, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and crushed tortilla chips. Finish with your favorite swoosh of sour cream and a dollop of guacamole for extra flair!

How to Serve Taco Pizza

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Try scattering fresh cilantro, more sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce over the top. A sprinkle of cotija cheese is also fabulous if you want a tangy kick. Serve with lime wedges on the side for anyone who loves an extra zesty squeeze.

Side Dishes

Taco Pizza pairs perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a cool corn salad. If you’re feeling festive, whip up some homemade pico de gallo or a big bowl of tortilla chips and queso for dipping while everyone waits for their slice.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Taco Pizza at a party, slice it into small squares or wedges and set out bowls of extra toppings, so everyone can customize each piece. For family night, serve straight from the pan at the table for a cozy, casual vibe. You can also transform leftover slices into Taco Pizza wraps by rolling them up with extra lettuce and salsa!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Taco Pizza, simply wrap individual slices in plastic or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, still staying flavorful and satisfying for a quick lunch or snack.

Freezing

Taco Pizza also freezes surprisingly well! Let any extra slices cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Store for up to two months. To freeze before baking, assemble up to the cheese layer, wrap well, and freeze; just add fresh toppings after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, warm leftover Taco Pizza in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but a skillet or oven really brings back that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Pizza vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and black beans. Keep the seasoning and toppings the same for all the crave-worthy flavors, no meat needed.

What type of salsa works best for Taco Pizza?

This is totally up to your heat preference. Chunky salsas provide bursts of tomato in every bite, while smooth salsas spread more evenly. Try a smoky chipotle salsa for something bold, or a classic red or green salsa for a mild, family-friendly flavor.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt beautifully and add extra depth. Just be sure to use plenty so every bite is deliciously cheesy.

Is there a way to make the crust extra crispy?

Yes! Par-bake your crust before adding toppings, use a pizza stone if you have one, and brush the edges with a little olive oil or sprinkle with cornmeal for added crunch.

Can I prep Taco Pizza in advance?

You sure can. Cook the beef, chop your veggies, and even prebake the crust earlier in the day. Wait to assemble with fresh greens and salsa right before serving so everything stays crisp and colorful.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Taco Pizza—it brings together the fun of pizza night and the unforgettable flavors of taco Tuesday all in one delicious package. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, easy, and full of personality, you have to try this recipe. Dive in, get creative with the toppings, and let Taco Pizza win a spot in your dinner rotation!