If you love the bold flavors of a taco night but crave something a little different, this Taco Pizza Recipe is going to be your new favorite dish. It’s a mouthwatering fusion that brings together the cheesy, crispy goodness of classic pizza with the zesty, savory ingredients you adore in Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a colorful and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Taco Pizza Recipe is all about using simple ingredients that pack a punch. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this pizza so irresistible.
- 16 oz. refried beans: Acts as the creamy, savory base that keeps the pizza moist and hearty.
- 1 oz. taco seasoning: Adds that signature spicy and earthy taco flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
- 8 oz. taco sauce (divided): Brings a tangy, slightly sweet tomato kick that complements the beans perfectly.
- 16 oz. pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza, crispy on the edges while soft and pillowy inside.
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully with a perfect mix of mild cheddar and Colby jack for gooey, rich goodness.
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes: Freshness and a pop of juicy sweetness that contrast the savory toppings.
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper: Adds crunch and a subtle earthy flavor for balance.
- ¼ cup sliced olives: Brings a salty, briny note that makes every slice more exciting.
- Sliced green onions (optional): For a fresh, slightly sharp garnish that brightens the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a burst of herbal freshness that’s classic to Mexican dishes.
- Sour cream (optional): Creamy, tangy dollops that add an extra layer of indulgence when served.
How to Make Taco Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 500°F. A high temperature is key for that perfect crust — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. While the oven heats, you can prepare your toppings without any rush.
Step 2: Mix the Bean Base
In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, taco seasoning, and half of your taco sauce. This blend creates a creamy, flavorful base layer that infuses every bite with that familiar taco zest while keeping things moist and delicious.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and gently stretch or roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. The dough should be easy to work with but not so thin that it tears—this size gives the pizza a perfect balance between crust and toppings.
Step 4: Spread the Bean Mixture
Evenly spread the taco-seasoned refried bean mixture over the dough. This spread acts like your pizza sauce, bringing a hearty, flavorful layer that perfectly compliments the other toppings.
Step 5: Drizzle the Remaining Sauce
Drizzle the remaining taco sauce over the beans. This step provides an additional tang and moisture boost, ensuring every bite has that signature, saucy taco taste.
Step 6: Add the Toppings and Cheese
Sprinkle ¾ of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the sauce, followed by the cherry tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, and sliced olives. Finish by sprinkling on the remaining cheese. This layering ensures gooey, melty cheese sandwiches the veggies, making the pizza both colorful and flavorful.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You want the crust to turn golden brown and the cheese to be melted and bubbly, signaling it’s ready to come out and be enjoyed.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add dollops of sour cream, and sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh cilantro on top if you like. These final touches add creaminess, brightness, and freshness to the Taco Pizza Recipe, rounding out every bite beautifully.
How to Serve Taco Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of the Taco Pizza Recipe doesn’t stop in the oven. Fresh garnishes like sour cream, green onions, and cilantro add vibrant flavor contrasts and appeal that elevate the entire dish. They turn each slice into a perfect combination of creamy, fresh, and savory.
Side Dishes
Taco pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a lime vinaigrette or a refreshing Mexican street corn salad. These sides add crispness and a complementary taste that balances out the richness of the pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, cut your Taco Pizza Recipe into smaller squares as bite-sized appetizers. You can also serve it alongside dipping bowls of guacamole, salsa, or extra taco sauce for a hands-on experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your Taco Pizza will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Taco Pizza slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that freshly baked crunch and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the Taco Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! While the Mexican cheese blend is perfect, you can substitute with mild cheddar, Colby jack, or even a little Monterey Jack. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep that gooey texture.
Is it okay to use homemade pizza dough?
Definitely! Homemade dough works wonderfully here and allows you to control the flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s at room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This Taco Pizza Recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetarian refried beans and taco seasoning. For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and sour cream substitutes, and double-check that your pizza dough doesn’t contain eggs or dairy.
How spicy is this Taco Pizza Recipe?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and sauce. You can easily adjust it by using mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning to suit your heat preference.
What’s the best way to stretch the pizza dough without tearing?
Work slowly and gently, starting from the center and pushing outward with your fingertips. Make sure the dough is at room temperature and not too cold, which makes it more elastic and easier to stretch.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes that brings everyone together around the table with smiles and full bellies. It’s fun, flavorful, and just different enough to spice up your usual pizza night. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a regular go-to dish in your recipe collection!
Print
Taco Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Pizza recipe combines the bold, spicy flavors of classic tacos with the cheesy, crispy delight of a pizza. Featuring a seasoned refried bean base, melty Mexican cheese, fresh vegetables, and optional toppings like sour cream and cilantro, it’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for taco lovers and pizza fans alike.
Ingredients
Refried Bean Mixture
- 16 oz. refried beans (store-bought or homemade, black or pinto)
- 1 oz. taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, 1 packet)
- 8 oz. taco sauce (store-bought or homemade, divided)
Pizza Base and Toppings
- 16 oz. pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, room temperature)
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (Colby jack cheese or mild cheddar cheese can also be used)
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup sliced olives
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F to ensure a hot environment for a crispy crust and melted cheese.
- Prepare Bean Mix: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the refried beans, taco seasoning, and half of the taco sauce to create a flavorful base spread.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, stretch and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, ready to be topped.
- Spread Bean Base: Evenly spread the seasoned refried bean mixture across the pizza dough, covering the surface.
- Add Sauce: Drizzle the remaining taco sauce over the bean layer to add moisture and extra flavor.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle ¾ of the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top, followed by halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, and sliced olives. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese evenly over the toppings.
- Bake: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and add dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro if desired. Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use either black or pinto refried beans depending on preference; both work well.
- Adjust taco seasoning quantity to taste if using homemade seasoning blends.
- For a crispier crust, bake pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone or oven rack.
- Optional garnishes like sour cream, green onions, and cilantro add freshness and creaminess but can be omitted.
- Prepare pizza dough ahead of time or use store-bought for convenience.
