Taco Pizza: Best Homemade Taco Pizza Recipe & Easy Tips

Load up all your favorite Southwestern toppings on this easy Taco Pizza. This customizable, family-friendly dinner is simple to make and works well for picky eaters.

Make Pizza Night Even More Fun!

Pizza night meets taco night for a perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and cheesy. Taco pizza is quick to prepare, especially with a store-bought crust, and it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.

How Is Taco Pizza Made?

This taco pizza is a simple, satisfying alternative to takeout. The main components:

• Pizza crust: Use a pre-baked 12-inch crust, refrigerated dough, or your favorite homemade crust.
• Onion: One small yellow onion, finely chopped.
• Ground beef: One pound (lean or your preferred grind).
• Taco seasoning: One packet or a homemade blend.
• Refried beans: One 16-ounce can.
• Salsa: About 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato salsa or tomatillo salsa.
• Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend plus 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
• Crushed tortilla chips: About 2 cups for crunch (optional).
• Sliced black olives: 1/4 cup, drained (optional).
• Hot sauce: Optional, to taste.
• Finish: Diced tomatoes, chopped red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and shredded lettuce for topping after baking.

Let’s Make Taco Pizza!

Making this pizza is mostly assembly. Preheat the oven and prepare the meat and bean “sauce,” then layer and bake.

• Cook the taco meat: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1/2 cup water and the taco seasoning, and cook 2–3 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
• Make the refried bean sauce: In a bowl, combine the refried beans and salsa and mix until smooth.
• Assemble: Spread the refried bean mixture over the pizza crust, leaving a small border. Top with the seasoned ground beef, then sprinkle the cheddar, crushed tortilla chips, and mozzarella. Scatter black olives and add hot sauce if desired.
• Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven on a pizza pan, stone, or directly on the rack. Bake 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
• Finish: Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, sliced green onions, and shredded lettuce. Slice and serve warm.

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Tips for Success

• Drain well: Thoroughly drain the cooked beef so excess grease doesn’t make the crust soggy. If your salsa is very watery, drain a bit before mixing with the beans.
• Customize: Swap or omit toppings to suit tastes—cucumber, slaw, sautéed mushrooms, or extra peppers all work.
• Protein swaps: For a lighter option, use ground chicken, turkey, or tofu crumbles instead of beef.

Side Dish Inspiration

Serve taco pizza with Southwest-style sides or classic pizza accompaniments. A few ideas:

• Garlic knots: Soft, buttery knots made from refrigerated dough pair well.
• Mexican street corn salad: A tangy, creamy side that complements the flavors.
• Parmesan asparagus fries: Crunchy veggie fries add a lighter element to the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Store leftover slices in the refrigerator for up to two days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, or use a shallow airtight container with parchment between slices to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through to help preserve crispness.

Can I Freeze Taco Pizza?

• Freezing is not recommended because some toppings (lettuce, fresh tomatoes, chips) won’t hold up well. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.