Taco Pizza
Taco Pizza combines the best of both worlds, bringing together the bold flavors of tacos and the comforting nature of pizza. With a zesty blend of spices, fresh toppings, and a crispy crust, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It's a fun, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 white onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- chili powder ⓘ
- garlic powder ⓘ
- cumin ⓘ
- cayenne pepper
- paprika ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato salsa ⓘ
- 1/3 c. low fat refried beans ⓘ
- 1 pizza crust
- 2 tomatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 1 c. low fat Cheddar cheese
- 2 c. langostinos or other shellfish, cooked ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/2 c. half and half or light cream ⓘ
- 1 column Ritz crackers, loosely crushed ⓘ
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. basil, chopped or dried ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 4 vegetable bouillon cubes dissolved in 4 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 c. medium macaroni shells or other similar pasta ⓘ
- 4 oz. packaged dried cut ziti or elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground raw turkey, lamb or beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 c. dry red wine or beef broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions.
- Drain pasta; rinse with cold water.
- Drain again.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook turkey, lamb or beef, onion and garlic until meat is brown and onion is tender.
- Drain fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, wine or beef broth, parsley, oregano, salt and cinnamon.
- Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked shellfish or leftover taco meat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. Adjust the spices to your taste, and feel free to add jalapeños for extra heat. This recipe can also be easily adapted to create a 'Taco Salad Dip' by layering the ingredients without the crust.
Serving Suggestions
This Taco Pizza is best served hot and can be garnished with additional shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of sour cream. Pair it with a side of chips and salsa for a complete meal, or serve it alongside a refreshing Mexican Salad for a delightful contrast. It also makes a great finger food for casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Pizza contains roughly 1755 calories, with 55g protein, 218g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (210% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2703mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile. For a healthier option, try lean ground chicken or even plant-based alternatives. Just ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
What can I do if I don't have a pizza crust?
If you don't have a pizza crust, you can make a quick base using tortillas or pita bread. Simply layer your ingredients on top of the tortillas and bake until crispy. Alternatively, consider using a cauliflower crust for a low-carb option.
How can I make this Taco Pizza spicier?
To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix or top the pizza with sliced jalapeños before baking. You can also serve the pizza with a spicy salsa or hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).