Taco Pizza with Pizza Crust Recipe
Taco Pizza blends zesty Mexican flavors with classic Italian comfort in one crave-worthy dish. It’s the ultimate way to elevate your Taco Tuesday or pizza night.
This recipe layers savory ground beef, creamy beans, tangy salsa, and melted cheese on a crisp crust, then finishes with fresh taco toppings.
Taco Pizza Ingredients You’ll Love
Pizza dough (12–16 oz) – The sturdy foundation that crisps beautifully, whether you prefer thin or thick crust.
Ground beef (1 lb) – Rich and hearty, it absorbs the taco seasoning and brings bold flavor.
Taco seasoning (1 packet) – Adds classic southwest spice with just one packet for a quick flavor boost.
Refried beans (15 oz can) – Creamy and earthy, they serve as a flavor-packed alternative to traditional pizza sauce.
Salsa (1/4 cup) – Introduces acidity and moisture, balancing the richness of the beans and beef.
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (2 cups) – Melts perfectly to unify the toppings with creamy, savory richness.
Sliced olives (1/4 cup) – Salty and bold, they add depth and a slight briny contrast.
Toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, taco sauce – Fresh and customizable, these deliver texture, brightness, and tang.
Building the Perfect Taco Pizza
Start with a golden, pre-baked crust, then layer it with refried beans and salsa to create a flavorful base. Add taco-seasoned ground beef, cheese, and olives before a final bake.
Once the cheese bubbles and browns, it’s topped with vibrant tomatoes, crisp green onions, and creamy sour cream—taco night, reinvented.
Taco Pizza Tips for the Best Results
For thicker crust, use a 12-inch pan; for a thinner, crispier base, stretch the dough to a 14–16 inch round. You can also use a 9×13 pan if preferred. Don’t skip pre-baking the crust—it helps avoid sogginess under the bean layer. Stirring salsa into the beans enhances moisture and flavor, making the “sauce” more spreadable.
How to Store Taco Pizza Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through to restore the crust’s crispiness. Freezing isn’t ideal due to fresh toppings, but the base and baked portion can be frozen without garnish and reheated later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, most grocery bakeries sell fresh pizza dough, typically 12–16 ounces, which works perfectly for this recipe.
What can I substitute for refried beans?
Try black bean spread or mashed seasoned pinto beans if you want a similar creamy base with a slightly different flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or seasoned black beans and omit cheese for a dairy-free version.
Do I need a pizza stone?
No, a pizza pan or baking sheet works well. A pizza stone may give a crisper crust, but it’s optional.
Taco Pizza
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 1 12-16 ounce portion pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 15 ounce can refried beans
- Diced tomatoes for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sour cream optional topping
- Taco sauce optional topping
Instructions
- Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then incorporate the taco seasoning and the recommended amount of water; simmer according to the package directions, then set aside. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll or press the dough into a 12-inch pizza pan, stone, or a larger baking sheet, depending on your crust preference. Bake the crust for 8 minutes and remove from the oven. In a separate bowl, combine the refried beans and salsa into a cohesive mixture, then evenly spread a layer over the partially baked crust—adjust quantity based on pan size. Distribute the cooked beef mixture across the bean layer, followed by the cheese and sliced olives. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. After baking, top with fresh diced tomatoes and green onions. Add a spoonful of sour cream at the center, or allow individuals to garnish their own slices. Drizzle with taco sauce if preferred.
