Taco Pizza is a fun and delicious fusion dish that combines all the flavors of a taco with the cheesy goodness of pizza. It’s perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- If you’re using store-bought dough, follow the instructions on the package for preparation. If you’re making your own, here’s a simple recipe for a basic pizza dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix with flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead into a smooth dough. Let it rise for 1 hour before using.
For the Taco Pizza:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or your preferred meat)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or use homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup salsa (or enchilada sauce, depending on preference)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Taco sauce (for drizzling, optional)
- Tortilla chips (for crunch, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, then transfer it to a greased pizza pan or a baking sheet.
2. Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef (or other meat) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Stir to combine and simmer for a few minutes until the meat is well-coated and flavorful. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of salsa (or enchilada sauce) over the prepared pizza dough as the base sauce.
- Evenly distribute the cooked ground meat on top of the salsa.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat.
- Add diced red onion and black olives (if using).
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Add Fresh Toppings:
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, top it with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Optionally, drizzle with taco sauce for extra flavor.
- For some crunch, you can also sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top.
6. Serve:
- Slice and serve the taco pizza hot. Enjoy the delicious blend of taco flavors with a pizza twist!
Tips:
- Add More Toppings: You can customize your taco pizza by adding other taco ingredients, like jalapeños, guacamole, or sliced avocado.
- Low-Carb Version: For a keto-friendly option, use a cauliflower crust or other low-carb pizza crust alternatives.
- Spicy Version: Add some hot sauce or chopped fresh jalapeños to the pizza for a spicy kick.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use refried beans or black beans for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice, chips and salsa, or a simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette for a complete meal.
This Taco Pizza is a fun and creative way to enjoy taco flavors in pizza form, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone! Let me know if you need more variations or tips. Enjoy!