Taco Pizza

Taco pizza is equally at home on Taco Tuesday as it is a weekend pizza night. Make it with fresh dough, or opt for a pre-baked crust if you’re in a hurry.

By
Marisel Salazar
Marisel Salazar
Marisel Salazar
Marisel is food writer for publications such as Michelin Guide, Zagat, Infatuation, and Wine Enthusiast. She creates digital videos for The Spruce Eats, The Kitchn, Food52, Delish, and others.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published May 02, 2023
Marisel Salazar
Taco Pizza on the Counter Sliced Into Pieces, and in the Surroundings, Bowls of Toppings (Sliced Scallions, Salsa, Sliced Lettuce, Sliced Olives, and Sliced Jalapeños)

Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar

You love tacos. But you also love pizza. Can there be too much of a good thing? Cue the taco pizza, the ingenious combo where Italian meets Mexican, taco meets pizza. This fast and easy dinner is equally perfect for Taco Tuesday (still counts) and a weekend pizza night. 

Anything you might fill your taco with is great for a taco pizza. Spread refried beans and salsa are across pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, we’re not judging). Then top with taco-seasoned ground beef, Mexican shredded cheese blend, and sliced black olives. Garnish with shredded lettuce, more salsa, jalapeños, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to finish. 

Nab Pre-Made Pizza Dough or Make Your Own

You might already have a favorite pizza dough recipe, but in case you need some inspiration, check out this no-knead pizza dough. Rather than make it all in one go, you can make this dough a day in advance. 

In a bit of a rush? Nab pre-made dough at your local supermarket, or pop into your favorite pizzeria and ask if you can buy a couple balls of dough. 

Tip

You can use two 12-inch pre-baked pizza crusts if you’re pressed for time. Assemble the pizzas as written in Step 4 and bake according to the directions on the package.

Taco Pizza on the Counter With a Slice Slightly Removed from the Pizza, and in the Surroundings, Bowls of Toppings (L to R: Sliced Scallions, Salsa, Sliced Lettuce, Sliced Olives, and Sliced Jalapeños)

Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar

Pizza Me, Please! 

Taco Pizza

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 60 mins
Servings 6 to 8 servings
Yield 2 (12-inch) pizzas

You can use two 12-inch pre-baked pizza crusts if you’re pressed for time. Assemble the pizzas as written in Step 5 and bake according to the directions on the package.

Ingredients

For the pizza

  • 1 (1-pound) ball homemade or store-bought pizza dough

  • 1 pound ground beef (90:10 works well)

  • 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans

  • 1/2 cup salsa

  • 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican blend cheese

  • 1/4 cup black olives

For the toppings

  • 1/2 cup salsa, plus more for serving

  • 1/4 cup sliced scallions

  • 1/4 cup fresh or jarred jalapeño slices

  • 2 cups shredded lettuce, divided, plus more for serving

  • 4 tablespoons sour cream, divided, plus more for serving

Special Equipment

  • 2 (12-inch) pizza pans

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 500°F: 

    Remove the pizza dough from the fridge.

  2. Cook the ground beef:

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, crumble and cook until no longer pink, about 4-6 minutes. If the beef is very greasy, spoon off a little of the grease and discard.

    Add the taco seasoning and water to the ground beef and stir to combine. Simmer until most of the water has evaporated but the beef is still somewhat saucy, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Bowl of Taco Seasoning Added to Pan With Lightly Cooked Ground Beef for Taco Pizza Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
    Pan With Cooked and Seasoned

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
  3. Make the bean topping:

    Combine the refried beans and salsa together in a medium bowl and mix until smooth. Set aside.

    Bowl of Refried Beans and Salsa for Taco Pizza Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
  4. Shape the dough:

    Lightly oil a baking sheet or 12-inch pizza pans.

    Shape one of the balls of dough into a 12-inch circle on a clean, lightly floured or oiled surface. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan.

    Tip

    This pizza works best with 12-inch rounds; don’t be tempted to stretch it thinner. A thin crust can’t support the hearty topping of beans and taco meat as well.

  5. Add the toppings:

    Spread half of the refried bean mixture over the bottom of the dough (an offset metal spatula works best), leaving a 1/2 to 1/4-inch border around the pizza crust. 

    Top with half of the ground beef, cheese, and black olives.

    Half of the Refried Bean Filling Spread on a Pizza Using a Spatula

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
    Half of the Refried Bean Filling Spread on a Pizza

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
    Cooked Beef and Shredded Cheese Added to Taco Pizza

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
    Uncooked Taco Pizza Topped With Cheese

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
    Sliced Olives Added to Uncooked Taco Pizza

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
  6. Bake the pizza: 

    Bake in the oven for 15-25 minutes, or until the pizza crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

    Baked Taco Pizza on the Counter

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
  7. Prepare the next pizza:

    While the first pizza bakes, prepare the next pizza.

    Tip

    If you’re baking both pizzas at once, swap them on the racks midway through baking so they brown equally on the top and bottom.

  8. Cool briefly and serve:

    Remove the cooked pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Pop the second pizza in the oven.

    Top the slightly cooled baked pizza with half of the salsa, jalapeño slices, and sliced scallions. Then add half of the shredded lettuce. Place a dollop of the sour cream in the center. Slice and serve with additional salsa, lettuce, and sour cream. 

    This pizza is best enjoyed shortly after it’s baked, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days (you may want to remove any lettuce, as it will brown and wilt).

    Tip

    If you’re only going to eat one of the pizzas, hold off on adding the lettuce and other fresh toppings until it’s time to reheat.

    Baked Taco Pizza Topped With a Dollop of Sour Cream, and in the Surroundings, Bowls of Toppings (Sliced Green Onions, Salsa, Sliced Green Lettuce, Slice Olives, and Sliced Jalapenos)

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
    Taco Pizza on the Counter Sliced Into Pieces, and in the Surroundings, Two Plates With Slices of Pizza and Bowls of Toppings (Sliced Scallions, Salsa, Sliced Lettuce, Sliced Olives, and Sliced Jalapeños)

    Simply Recipes / Marisel Salazar
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
404 Calories
17g Fat
39g Carbs
23g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 404
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 21%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 57mg 19%
Sodium 1016mg 44%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 14%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 23g
Vitamin C 8mg 42%
Calcium 91mg 7%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 605mg 13%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.