Pausing all my social media accounts was such a relief to me. It allowed me to escape all the noise and rediscover simple pleasures, like cooking and spending quality time with loved ones. The highlight of each week was when we would gather as a family to make our pizza. However, one thing made it different from previous times—it was Taco Pizza. This recipe combines elements of both pizza and tacos, resulting in a dish that is as tasty as it is fun to prepare.
When I took a break from social media, I came up with the idea of taco pizza. Without the constant distraction of feeds rolling aimlessly in front of me, more creative culinary ideas started flowing. Honoring both pizzas and tacos equally, I decided to prepare this meal—a blend of the two. The result was a masterpiece that my whole family loved, quickly making it our new favorite choice for weekly pizza night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
- 2 (8 oz) cans Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 4 chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat Oven:
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when you’re ready to bake the taco pizza, the oven will be at the correct temperature, allowing for even cooking and an ideal crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
Cook Ground Beef:
Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Break up the meat into small crumbles with a spatula as you cook it.
Drain Excess Fat:
After cooking, drain any excess fat to prevent the pizza from becoming greasy.
Add Taco Seasoning:
Return the drained beef to the skillet and add 1 envelope of taco seasoning mix, following the instructions on the packet (typically adding ½-2/3 cup water). Mix well and let it simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Prepare the Crust
Unroll Crescent Rolls:
Unroll 2 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls into rectangles. You should have 8 rectangles from each can.
Form the Crust:
Place the crescent roll rectangles onto an 11.5-inch by 16.5-inch jelly roll pan or a cookie sheet. Press the dough together to form one single piece, covering the bottom and rising ½ inch up the edges.
Bake the Crust:
Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, until golden brown with a slight puffiness.
Step 4: Prepare the Refried Beans
Heat Refried Beans:
While the crust bakes, heat one 16-ounce can of refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl for about a minute on high. This softens the beans, making them easier to spread.
Step 5: Assemble the Taco Pizza
Spread Refried Beans:
Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and spread the warmed refried beans evenly over the crust to create the base for the taco pizza.
Add Ground Beef:
Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the refried beans.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle 2-3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese over the beef. The cheese will melt in the oven, creating a delicious, gooey topping.
Add Fresh Toppings:
Evenly distribute chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions over the cheese.
Step 6: Bake Again
Final Bake:
Return the assembled taco pizza to the oven for another 3-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Slice and Serve:
Remove the taco pizza from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before cutting it into squares or rectangles. Serve hot. This recipe yields about twelve servings, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Taco Pizza:
Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, or use sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Spicy Kick:
For extra heat, mix some hot sauce into the refried beans or add diced jalapeños to the toppings.
Different Cheese:
Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or whatever suits your palate.
Healthier Crust:
Opt for a healthier crust option by making homemade dough or using whole wheat crescent rolls.
Conclusion
This taco pizza recipe is the perfect union of two classics, offering both in one delicious bite. By combining spiced beef with creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables on a crispy crescent roll base, you create an explosion of taste and texture every time you eat it. This simple yet tasty dish will appeal to everyone in your family, making it a go-to option any day of the week.
What truly sets this recipe apart, besides its deliciousness, is its simplicity and versatility. Unlike many other recipes that require numerous ingredients, this one is straightforward and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight meal or something special for your next dinner party, this taco pizza will quickly become a staple in your home. Take a break from the usual routine, gather your ingredients, and enjoy preparing and eating this scrumptious fusion dish!
