If you love both pizza and tacos, then get ready for a flavor explosion with this Pizza Tacos Recipe. Imagine the comforting, cheesy goodness of pizza wrapped up in a warm, soft tortilla, filled with seasoned ground beef, melty mozzarella, zesty marinara, and all your favorite pizza toppings. This dish is not only fun to make but also incredibly satisfying, perfect for a casual dinner or feeding a crowd with something a little different yet familiar. Let me walk you through everything so you can bring these delicious pizza tacos to your table in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Pizza Tacos Recipe, the ingredients are refreshingly simple but essential to capturing that perfect blend of pizza and taco flavors. Each component plays an important role—whether it’s the aromatic herbs in the beef, the rich cheese, or the fresh toppings that add just the right pop of color and texture.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base full of savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to keep the beef juicy and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the beef with a deep, garlicky punch that’s classic pizza fare.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the flavor of the beef with a gentle onion sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that unmistakable Italian herb note essential to pizza.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal lift to the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and spice.
- 8 small flour tortillas: Soft, flexible shells that hold all the delicious fillings.
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce: The saucy tomato goodness that ties the pizza flavors together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that iconic gooey pizza texture.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Spicy and savory slices that elevate each bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top of each taco.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Freshness and color that brighten up the finished dish.
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper: Offers crunch and a subtle sweetness for contrast.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives: Adds a salty, briny twist that complements the meat.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A little heat to wake up your taste buds.
How to Make Pizza Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s completely browned, breaking it apart as you go. This takes about 6 to 8 minutes and is the foundation for the rich, savory filling. After cooking, drain off any excess grease to keep your tacos from feeling greasy while still packed with flavor. Return the beef to the pan and stir in olive oil and a carefully balanced mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let these spices meld into the beef for a few minutes so every bite bursts with classic pizza seasoning.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
While the beef simmers in its seasoning, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Warm each flour tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, just until they’re soft and starting to turn slightly golden. This step makes the tortillas pliable enough to fold around the filling without cracking, giving you the perfect pizza taco base.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Tacos
Lay out your warmed tortillas on a large baking sheet or platter. Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef evenly onto each one, making sure every taco gets plenty of that delicious filling. Next, top the beef with a couple of tablespoons of marinara sauce, spreading it out so the sauce blends into every bite. Follow that with a hearty sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, which will melt perfectly inside each taco. Now, add the pepperoni slices for that classic pizza topping vibe. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of sharp, salty goodness, then scatter in the chopped bell pepper, black olives, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a thrilling mix of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Bake Until Melty and Crispy
Pop the assembled tacos into a preheated oven set to 375°F. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, giving the cheese enough time to melt into a bubbly, golden topping and allowing the edges of the tortillas to crisp up beautifully. Once you pull them out, sprinkle the fresh chopped basil on top. This step not only adds a gorgeous pop of green but also gives a fresh herbal note that balances the richness.
How to Serve Pizza Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is where your presentation gets creative and flavorful. Fresh basil is the star garnish here because it complements the herbs already in the beef and adds a fresh burst of color. If you like a little extra zing, a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan can take your pizza tacos to the next level.
Side Dishes
Since these pizza tacos are quite filling on their own, lighter side dishes pair beautifully. Think crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. A side of garlic bread or seasoned potato wedges also works if you want to keep the meal indulgent and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or family gathering, arrange the pizza tacos on a large platter with small bowls of extra marinara sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs for guests to customize their tacos. For a fancier touch, place each taco in a mini baking tin or ramekin to hold its shape and make serving easier. It’s a great way to impress without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pizza tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and still retain much of their delicious flavor and texture. Just make sure to cool them to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled tacos before baking by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for the cheese to melt properly.
Reheating
To reheat, place pizza tacos on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave since it can make the tortillas soggy and the cheese rubbery. Reheated this way, they taste nearly as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas have a different texture and a slightly earthy flavor that can be a nice twist on the classic pizza taco. Just be sure to warm them gently to avoid cracking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild kick from crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less according to your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, seasoned mushrooms, or even lentils to keep the texture hearty while making it meat-free.
What’s the best type of cheese to use besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in provolone, fontina, or even a bit of smoked gouda for a unique smoky flavor that still melts beautifully.
How many tacos does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 8 small tortillas, so it makes 8 pizza tacos—perfect for a family meal or small gathering.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about combining two all-time favorites into one delicious dish. The Pizza Tacos Recipe is not just easy to make but a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles with every bite. Give it a try next time you want a fun twist on dinner and enjoy the best of both pizza and tacos in one mouthwatering package!
Print
Pizza Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pizza Tacos combine the best of both worlds—savory seasoned ground beef, classic pizza toppings, and warm tortillas baked to crispy perfection. A fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a casual dinner or party snack.
Ingredients
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tortillas & Sauces
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses & Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the ground beef.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon, cooking until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain Grease: Remove any excess grease from the skillet and return the beef to the pan.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper into the beef.
- Mix Seasonings: Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed by mixing thoroughly with the beef.
- Flavor Melding: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Remove Beef from Heat: Take the skillet off the heat and set the beef mixture aside.
- Warm Tortillas: In a separate skillet, warm each tortilla over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until just golden.
- Prepare Tortillas for Filling: Lay the tortillas flat on a large serving platter or baking sheet, ready to be filled.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef onto each tortilla, spreading it evenly.
- Add Sauce: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the beef on each tortilla.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer on each tortilla.
- Add Pepperoni: Evenly place sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese, distributing a few pieces per taco.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni for added flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Spice: Sprinkle chopped bell pepper, black olives, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over each taco.
- Bake: Arrange the filled tortillas on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and tortillas are crispy.
- Garnish: Remove tacos from oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil on top.
- Serve: Serve the pizza tacos immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to customize toppings with mushrooms, onions, or your favorite pizza ingredients.
- For crispier tortillas, bake a bit longer but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative, but note the texture will differ.
- Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best results.
