Homemade Taco Pizza

Homemade Taco Pizza

This recipe is a fun twist on classic pizza, combining all your favorite taco flavors for a satisfying and delicious meal. You can customize it with your favorite toppings and spice level.

Ingredients:

• For the crust (optional):
  • 10 oz warm water
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
• For the toppings:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 (1 ¼ oz) packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 (12-inch) pre-baked pizza crusts (or your prepared homemade crust)
  • 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
  • ¾ cup salsa
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
  • ½ cup chopped green pepper (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion (optional)
  • Sliced black olives (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Make the crust (optional): If you prefer a homemade crust, combine warm water, salt, oil, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Divide dough in half, roll out each half on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer crusts to baking sheets.
2. Brown the beef: While the dough rises (or if using pre-made crusts), cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook according to package instructions.
3. Assemble the pizza: Spread refried beans evenly over the pizza crusts. Top with salsa, taco meat mixture, and your desired toppings (green pepper, red onion, olives).
4. Bake: Bake pizzas for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos to the taco meat mixture for a spicier pizza.
• Veggie option: For a vegetarian version, crumble cooked tofu or tempeh instead of using ground beef.
• Get creative: Add your favorite taco toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sour cream as dollops after baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Pre-cook the crust: If you’re short on time, pre-bake the crusts for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. This will help ensure the crust is cooked through.