Name: Mexican Taco Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended); 1 package yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 2/3 cup warm water (about 110°F); 2 tbsp oil; 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 preferred); 1 1/2 packages taco seasoning (Old El Paso recommended); 1/4 cup water; 1 cup refried beans (warmed slightly); 1/2 cup salsa; 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups flour (King Arthur all-purpose flour recommended)

1 package yeast

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2/3 cup warm water (about 110°F)

2 tbsp oil

1 lb ground beef

1 1/2 packages taco seasoning (Old El Paso preferred)

1/4 cup water

1 cup refried beans (warmed slightly)

1/2 cup salsa

2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, salt, sugar, oregano, and garlic powder. Pour in the warm water and oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 40 minutes until it roughly doubles in size. While the dough rises, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until well coated. Warm refried beans separately for easier spreading.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Transfer the risen dough to a lightly oiled pizza pan or baking sheet. Gently stretch and shape the dough into a 12-inch circle. Allow the dough to rest if it springs back, then press evenly to cover the pan.

Step 4: Spread warmed refried beans evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Drizzle salsa over the beans, then evenly distribute the seasoned beef on top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the entire pizza, covering all toppings.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and slightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool 1-2 minutes before slicing. Serve with desired fresh taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, or jalapeños.

Tips & Variations

Use store-bought pizza dough or premade flatbreads for a quicker option.

Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for ground beef, or try seasoned black beans or crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian version.

Swap refried beans with black or pinto beans, mashed or whole.

Try different cheeses such as a Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for added flavor.

Make your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne if preferred.

Par-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.

Don’t overload with salsa or wet toppings to keep the crust crispy.

Storage

Let leftover taco pizza cool completely before storing in an airtight container or wrapping slices individually in foil. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness, or use a microwave if in a hurry, though the crust may be less crispy.

FAQs

What type of ground beef is best for taco pizza?

Ground beef with an 85/15 or 90/10 fat ratio works best, providing flavor without excess grease. If using leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken, add a bit of oil during cooking. For higher fat content beef (80/20), be sure to drain thoroughly to avoid sogginess.

Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans or crumbled tempeh cooked with taco seasoning. You can also omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables to keep it flavorful and filling.