Taco Pizza
Taco Pizza combines two of everyone’s favorite comfort foods into one irresistible dish. With a flaky crescent dough crust, creamy taco-seasoned base, hearty beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or potluck parties.
Why People Will Love This Recipe:
Fusion Favorite: Combines the flavor of tacos with the fun format of pizza.
Quick & Easy: Uses shortcut ingredients like crescent dough and taco seasoning.
Customizable: Easily adapt toppings to suit preferences or dietary needs.
Family-Approved: Mild, cheesy, and loaded with familiar taco flavors.
Great for Sharing: Makes a fun party appetizer or kid-friendly main dish.
Key Ingredients Overview:
Crescent Dough Sheets: Forms the base crust; buttery, soft, and flaky.
Ground Beef & Taco Seasoning: The savory, spiced meat layer.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: Creates a smooth, tangy base layer.
Shredded Cheese: Adds gooey, melty richness—Mexican blend or cheddar work best.
Fresh Toppings: Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and optional hot sauce for a bright, cool contrast.
Taco Pizza
Ingredients:
1 package crescent dough sheets
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the crescent dough onto a greased baking sheet. Pinch the seams together to form a solid crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Make the creamy base: In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
Add toppings: Spoon the seasoned beef over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Finish and serve: Top with shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of hot sauce or more sour cream, if desired. Slice and enjoy while warm!
Important Notes for Making Taco Pizza
Use Crescent Dough Seamlessly:
If using crescent rolls instead of sheets, press the perforations together firmly to form a solid crust that won’t split when baked.
Precook the Crust:
Be sure to fully bake the crescent crust before adding toppings. A golden-brown base ensures it holds up under the creamy and meaty layers without becoming soggy.
Cool Before Spreading Cream Base:
Let the crust cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese and sour cream mixture. Spreading it too early may cause it to melt or become runny.
Drain the Beef Thoroughly:
To prevent a greasy pizza, always drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef before adding taco seasoning.
Add Cheese After Beef (Not Before):
Layer the shredded cheese over the beef before the final bake to ensure a melty top that locks in moisture and flavor.
Toppings Go On Last:
Fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes should be added after baking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
Spice It Up or Keep It Mild:
Customize the heat by adjusting the taco seasoning blend or using hot sauce, jalapeños, or spicy shredded cheese.
Make it a Build-Your-Own Bar:
Great for parties—serve the base pizza topped with beef and cheese, then let guests add their own toppings like olives, onions, salsa, or guacamole.
Storing & Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp the crust again (avoid microwaving, which can make it soggy).
Great for Kids and Adults:
This recipe is flexible and fun, making it ideal for family dinners or party snacks.
Nutrition Information
(approx. per slice, assuming 8 slices):
Calories: ~340 | Fat: ~24g | Carbohydrates: ~14g | Protein: ~16g | Fiber: ~1g | Sodium: ~580mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a pizza crust instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Pre-baked pizza crust or even flatbread works well—just adjust the baking time slightly.
Is this served hot or cold?
Best served warm, right after assembling. However, it’s still tasty at room temperature or even cold.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the crust and beef mixture ahead, but wait to assemble and add fresh toppings until just before serving for best texture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat or black beans as a substitute for the beef.
What cheese works best?
Mexican blend, cheddar, or even pepper jack are great choices for melt and flavor.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, lightly grease it or use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a larger sheet pan or two baking sheets and double all ingredients.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Let the crust cool slightly before adding the creamy layer and avoid overly wet toppings like juicy tomatoes.
Can I use taco sauce or salsa instead of hot sauce?
Yes, taco sauce or salsa makes a great drizzle or dip for extra flavor.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat slices in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.