Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine two favorite comfort foods into one irresistible creation.
With crispy bacon, spicy Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and mini pepperonis tucked into a folded mini pizza shell, this is a crave-worthy twist on classic pizza night that’s fun, bold, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s Pizza + Tacos in One: The ultimate mashup of two beloved favorites.
Perfect for Game Day or Parties: Fun to serve and easy to eat with your hands.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite meats, sauces, or cheeses.
Family-Friendly: A creative dinner idea that both kids and adults will love.
Key Ingredients
Bacon & Italian Sausage: A meaty, savory combo that packs flavor and crunch.
Frozen Mini Pizzas: Used creatively as taco shells—fun and functional!
Mozzarella Cheese: Classic melty goodness, divided for layering.
Mini Pepperonis: The perfect finishing touch for meat lovers.
Marinara Sauce & Italian Seasoning: Adds the traditional pizza taste in taco form.
Kitchen Tools & Timing
Tools Needed:
Skillet
Microwave
Taco holder or muffin tin
Baking sheet
Oven
Spoon for assembling
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
Ingredients:
6-8 strips of bacon, chopped
1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
2 mini frozen store bought pizzas your choice of brand
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided in half
1/2 cup mini pepperonis
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the bacon:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon for about 5 minutes.
Add a splash of water to help render the fat, then continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Brown the sausage:
In the same skillet, add the Italian sausage. Cook over medium-high heat until browned and crisp around the edges.
Stir in the cooked bacon and let the mixture cook together for about 5 more minutes to blend the flavors.
Prepare the pizza bases:
Microwave the mini frozen pizzas for half of the cooking time listed on the package. This softens them enough to fold without cracking.
Form the taco shape:
Carefully fold each softened pizza into a taco shape. Place them in a taco holder, or use an upside-down muffin tin to hold the shape.
Assemble the tacos:
Spoon some of the bacon and sausage mixture into the center of each taco.
Drizzle with a bit of marinara sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
Bake the tacos:
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt.
Top and broil:
Remove from the oven, add the mini pepperonis, and the remaining cheese.
Switch your oven to broil and return the tacos for another 2–3 minutes, or until the tops are golden, bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 Taco
Calories: 400 | Protein: 15 grams | Fat: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 30 grams | Sodium: 800 milligrams
Recipe Swaps & Variations
Meat Options: Use ground beef, turkey, or veggie sausage instead of Italian sausage.
Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper, hot Italian sausage, or spicy marinara.
Veggie Lovers: Swap meats for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
Low-Carb Version: Use low-carb pizza bases or tortillas instead of frozen mini pizzas.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Place cooled tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through; broil for 1–2 minutes for crispness.
Freezing not recommended due to texture changes in the pizza crust and cheese.
Food & Drink Pairings
Sides: Serve with garlic knots, Caesar salad, or marinara for dipping.
Drinks: Pairs great with root beer, light beer, or sparkling water with lemon.
Dips: Ranch, spicy mayo, or a drizzle of hot honey work well as sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by using different types of meat, such as pepperoni, cooked chicken, or ground beef, instead of bacon and Italian sausage.
Can I make my own pizza dough instead of using store-bought pizzas?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own pizza dough, you can do so and shape it into mini pizza crusts for the tacos.
Can I add additional toppings to the tacos?
Certainly! Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or onions, to enhance the flavor and customize the tacos to your liking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese if you prefer. Mozzarella is commonly used for its melting properties, but you can try other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the bacon and sausage, and prepare the meat mixture ahead of time.
When you’re ready to assemble and bake the tacos, simply reheat the meat mixture before adding it to the taco shells.
Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of frozen store-bought pizzas?
Yes, you can use fresh pizza dough instead of frozen pizzas. Simply shape the dough into mini pizza crusts and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make the meat filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon and sausage mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
When ready to assemble the tacos, reheat the meat filling before adding it to the shells.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Certainly! While the recipe suggests using shredded mozzarella cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses, to suit your taste preferences.
Can I use a different sauce instead of marinara sauce?
Yes, you can switch up the sauce if you prefer. Try using a different pizza sauce, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy sauce like ranch dressing to add a unique flavor twist to your tacos.