Taco Braid

Introducing the Taco Braid—a fun and creative twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike! This delicious dish combines seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a golden pizza crust.

Perfect for picnics or family dinners, the Taco Braid not only looks impressive but also makes for an easy-to-eat meal that can be customized to your liking. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or taco sauce, and watch as your family devours this tasty, hand-held treat!

How to make Taco Braid:

Follow this recipe to learn how to make the best TACO BRAID that your kids will have fun eating it !! Plus, it makes the perfect take out picnic lunch. I really hope your families will enjoy it as we did.

Ingredients:

° Lean ground beef: 1 lb / 470 g

° Pizza crust: 1 (refrigerated)

° Lettuce: 2 cups (chopped)

° Cheese: 1 cup (grated)

Fiesta Blend.

° Onion: 1/2 cup (chopped)

° WATER: 1/2 cup

° Homemade taco seasoning: 3 tablespoons

° Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

° Tomato: 1 diced, plus more for garnish

° Unsalted melted *butter: 2 tablespoons

° Sour cream OR taco sauce about serving

Instructions:

1. Before you begin, your oven should be preheated at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then line a rimmed baking sheet with the parchment.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.

After that, add the chopped onion, cooking until tender (it takes around 5 minutes).

At this stage, you can stir in the lean ground beef, then simmer until browned.

3. You’ll want to add water and the homemade taco seasoning, stirring until well combined, then reduce heat and boil for 7 minutes.

4. Move the parchment paper to your working board at this stage. Immediately place the parchment with the pizza dough and rolled it so that it measures 10.15 inches.

Using a pizza cutter, made 1.5 inch and 3 inch slices around the two long sides of the crust.

5. Ground beef should be placed in middle dough.

Coat the beef with 3/4 cup the cheese, then add the diced tomato.

To secure it, fold the end up, starting at one end of the braid, and wrap the first two slices.

6. You may want to repeat wrapping just before last two for remaining tranches.

To protect last two tranches, fold remaining end up and wrap round it.

7. Brush gently the top and sides with the melted butter.

And I sprinkled on top of the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese.

8. Finally, move the parchment On the rimmed baking sheet, baked for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden.

Always remember to let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

9. Cover the top with chopped romaine lettuce and additional tomatoes for the garnish.

I always serve the taco braid with sour cream and taco sauce.

Notes:

Ground Beef Alternatives: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.

Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have homemade taco seasoning, store-bought mixes work well too. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Pizza Dough: Use refrigerated pizza dough for convenience, but you can also make your own or use pre-made puff pastry for a flakier texture.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, for added flavor.

Veggie Additions: Customize with your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Just make sure to chop them finely so they fit well in the braid.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with fresh toppings like avocado, olives, or jalapeños. Consider adding a side of salsa for extra flavor.

Storage: Leftover Taco Braid can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the braid as it bakes; if it browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Freezing: You can freeze unbaked Taco Braid for up to a month. Just bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Garnishing: Experiment with different garnishes, such as cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of lean ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you prefer convenience, you can use store-bought taco seasoning instead of making it from scratch. Just adjust the quantity according to the instructions on the packet or to your taste.

Can I customize the fillings in the Taco Braid?

Definitely! The recipe suggests using lettuce, cheese, onion, and tomato as fillings.

However, you can add or substitute other ingredients such as bell peppers, black beans, corn, or jalapeños to suit your preferences.

Can I make the Taco Braid in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Taco Braid in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.

However, note that the crust may not be as crispy as when freshly baked.

Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version of the Taco Braid?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or add extra vegetables and beans as fillings.

To make it vegan, ensure that the pizza crust and cheese used are vegan-friendly, and skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, the recipe suggests using refrigerated pre-made pizza crust. It’s a convenient option, but you can also make your own pizza dough from scratch if preferred.

Can I add additional toppings or fillings to the Taco Braid?

Yes, you can customize the Taco Braid by adding additional toppings and fillings to suit your taste.

Consider ingredients like diced bell peppers, black beans, corn, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

Can I serve the Taco Braid with other sauces besides sour cream and taco sauce?

Certainly! While the recipe suggests serving the Taco Braid with sour cream and taco sauce, you can explore other condiments and sauces such as guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce.

Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.