Name: Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ cup pepperoni, chopped; ½ cup sliced sausage; ½ cup pizza sauce; ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ¼ cup black olives, sliced; ¼ cup bell pepper, chopped; ¼ cup red onion, chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 tortillas

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate mashup of two fan favorites—pizza and tacos! These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine all the best flavors of a classic pizza, wrapped in the crispy, handheld comfort of a taco. Picture warm, seasoned meat, melted cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings—all in one bite-sized package. Whether you’re craving pizza or tacos (or both, let’s be honest), this recipe delivers it all in one delicious bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, looking for a fun dinner with your family, or enjoying a night in with a movie, these tacos will fit any occasion. Here’s why it’s a go-to:

Versatile: Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or as the star of your next taco bar. The combo of crispy taco shells and pizza-inspired toppings makes this dish flexible for all kinds of gatherings. You’ll be the hero of taco night, guaranteed.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank for an awesome meal. This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for when you need something delicious without splurging.

Quick and Easy: We all love a good taco, but when it’s pizza-inspired too? It’s a total win. The steps are straightforward and can be put together in no time, making it perfect for both beginners and busy cooks.

Customizable: Have picky eaters or specific cravings? This dish is endlessly customizable. You can swap out the meats or add extra veggies, like bell peppers or olives, to suit everyone’s taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: If you’ve got a group to feed, this is a guaranteed hit. Kids and adults alike will devour these tacos, and they’re perfect for a crowd because you can easily make a bunch.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind these tacos—it’s all about combining hearty, savory ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef or Sausage: The heart of the dish. You want something flavorful and juicy that holds the taco together. Beef or sausage adds richness and a savory punch that’s just right.

Pepperoni or Bacon: Ah, the pizza topping that takes these tacos to the next level. The crisp, salty flavor of pepperoni or bacon adds that extra oomph we all crave.

Taco Shells: You can’t have tacos without the shells! I recommend crunchy taco shells for a perfect contrast to the melty cheese and savory meat, but soft tortillas also work great if you prefer a different vibe.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, stretchy cheese that brings the pizza vibe to these tacos. Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to get creative with a mix of your favorite cheeses.

Pizza Sauce: A good pizza sauce is essential to tying everything together. It’s that tangy, herby base that lets the pizza flavors shine through without being overwhelming.

Seasonings: The right seasoning blend makes all the difference. Think garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano to create that familiar pizza flavor.

Optional Toppings: Add your favorites! Fresh basil, mushrooms, olives, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these epic pizza tacos:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. We want to make sure the taco shells get nice and crispy while the cheese melts perfectly.

Cook the Meat: In a large pan, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. As it cooks, break it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink. If you’re using sausage, make sure to drain any excess fat. Then, stir in your pizza sauce and seasonings. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Fill the Taco Shells: Arrange your taco shells on a baking sheet. Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each shell, filling them up but not overstuffing.

Add the Cheese: Top each taco with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. The more, the merrier, right?

Bake: Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, and the taco shells are nice and crisp.

Add the Toppings: Once your tacos are out of the oven, go ahead and add any extra toppings. Fresh basil, pepperoni slices, or a drizzle of extra pizza sauce would be delicious here.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your tacos hot, garnished with your favorite pizza toppings or a side salad. Enjoy the perfect combination of taco crunch and pizza goodness in each bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [INSERT NUMBER of servings]
Calories per serving: [INSERT CALORIE count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [INSERT PREP TIME]
Cook Time: [INSERT COOK TIME]
Total Time: [INSERT TOTAL TIME]

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

These pizza tacos are great on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Fresh Salads: Pair with a light, refreshing green salad. A simple arugula salad with a balsamic vinaigrette will add a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the tacos.

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up any pizza sauce that falls out of the tacos.

Dips: Add a side of creamy ranch or a spicy marinara dipping sauce to take these tacos to the next level. Trust me, it’s so good.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, would add some color and nutrients to the plate without overshadowing the tacos.

As a Standalone: Sometimes, all you need is these tacos. They’re so filling and delicious, they can easily stand alone for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can prep the taco fillings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble and bake!
Get Creative with Toppings: The beauty of pizza is in the toppings. You can add whatever pizza toppings you love—mushrooms, olives, peppers, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or top the tacos with jalapeños.
Leftovers: Store any leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge. You can use it for a quick taco salad or to make more tacos later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the meat with something else?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like crumbled tofu would work just fine. Adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.

Q2: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover taco fillings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat the meat mixture in a pan before assembling fresh tacos.

Q4: Can I freeze these tacos?
A4: Yes, you can! Assemble the tacos without baking, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these tacos?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the taco shells are crispy again.

Q6: Can I use soft tortillas instead of taco shells?
A6: Yes, you can absolutely use soft tortillas for a more taco burrito-style vibe. Just bake them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up and add a little crispiness.

Q7: Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
A7: Totally! Store-bought pizza sauce is a great shortcut. Just make sure to choose one that you love the taste of, or make your own if you’ve got a favorite recipe.

Q8: What can I serve these tacos with?
A8: Serve them with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or your favorite dipping sauces. For extra flavor, add some hot sauce or fresh basil on top.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?
A9: Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. Just make sure you have enough taco shells to go around!

Q10: Are these tacos kid-friendly?
A10: Yes! The cheesy, meaty filling and crispy shells make them a big hit with kids. You can even customize the toppings to suit picky eaters.

Conclusion

If you’ve been craving a new twist on pizza and tacos, this recipe is your answer. It’s a fun, delicious, and totally customizable dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your house. The best part? It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. So go ahead, give these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos a try. You won’t regret it!