Description
This delicious Taco Pizza combines the bold flavors of Tex-Mex with the comfort of a classic pizza. Featuring a crispy crust topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans mixed with salsa as the base sauce, and a generous layer of melted Mexican cheese, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes, lettuce, black olives, and green onions add a refreshing crunch, with optional sour cream and cilantro garnishes to finish. Perfect for a quick and fun weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Base and Toppings
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Sour cream, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
For the Meat
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese by the time the pizza is ready.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet, parchment paper, or pizza stone. Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to help it crisp nicely and add a subtle flavor.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the pizza from becoming greasy.
- Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
- Make the Bean Sauce: In a small bowl, combine refried beans and salsa, stirring until smooth. This mixture will serve as the flavorful base sauce for your pizza.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the bean and salsa mixture evenly over the prepared dough. Sprinkle the seasoned ground beef on top, followed by an even layer of shredded Mexican cheese blend.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Bake until the crust turns a golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, black olives, and green onions for a fresh contrast to the savory baked ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally add dollops of sour cream and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. Slice your Taco Pizza and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa to the bean mixture.
- This recipe works well with either store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience or freshness.
- To lighten the dish or make it vegetarian, substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.