Looking for a fun and crowd-pleasing recipe that combines your love for tacos and pizza? Look no further than Sheet Pan Taco Pizza! This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but is also perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day parties, or even casual family gatherings. With a crispy pizza crust topped with flavorful taco meat, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making this irresistible Sheet Pan Taco Pizza at home, including tips, variations, and frequently asked questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Uses convenient store-bought ingredients to save time.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Tailor it to your favorite toppings and spice level.
- Great for Parties: Ideal for serving a crowd without much hassle.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought for convenience)
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup black olives (sliced, optional)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup taco sauce (or salsa for drizzling)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a sheet pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Taco Meat
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked (about 7–8 minutes).
- Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Pizza Crust
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and spread it evenly onto the prepared sheet pan.
- Bake the crust for 7–8 minutes until it’s slightly golden but not fully cooked.
4. Layer the Ingredients
- Remove the crust from the oven and spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over it.
- Top the beans with the seasoned taco meat.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the meat.
5. Bake
Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
6. Add Fresh Toppings
- Let the pizza cool slightly before adding fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, olives, and green onions.
- Drizzle with sour cream and taco sauce for extra flavor.
7. Slice and Serve
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Sheet Pan Taco Pizza!
Tips for Success
- Pre-Baking the Crust: This step ensures the pizza dough doesn’t get soggy once you add the toppings.
- Customize the Meat: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian substitute like seasoned black beans.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños, spicy taco sauce, or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Fresh Toppings: Don’t skip the fresh toppings—they add texture and flavor contrast to the rich, cheesy pizza.
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Use a cauliflower pizza crust for a healthier alternative.
- Vegetarian Taco Pizza: Replace meat with seasoned black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based taco crumbles.
- Supreme Taco Pizza: Add toppings like sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of creamy avocado ranch dressing.
- Tex-Mex Style: Mix in sweet corn and black beans for extra texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can pre-cook the taco meat and assemble the pizza up to the baking step. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, then bake when ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover taco pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
3. Can I freeze Sheet Pan Taco Pizza?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the baked pizza (without fresh toppings) for up to 2 months. Wrap slices tightly in foil and reheat directly in the oven.
4. What other sauces can I use?
Swap taco sauce for salsa, pico de gallo, or even a drizzle of creamy chipotle ranch for added flavor.
Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Taco Pizza recipe combines the best of both worlds—tacos and pizza—into one irresistible dish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. With endless customization options, you can tailor it to your family’s preferences and make it your go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or fun gatherings.
Serving and Storage Tips for Sheet Pan Taco Pizza
Serving Tips
- Serve Fresh and Warm:
For the best taste and texture, serve the taco pizza warm right after baking. This ensures the crust remains crispy and the cheese is perfectly gooey. - Slice into Squares:
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the pizza into squares or rectangles for easy serving, especially for parties or family-style meals. - Add Toppings Just Before Serving:
Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and taco sauce should be added after baking to maintain their vibrant texture and flavor. - Pair It With Sides:
Complement your Sheet Pan Taco Pizza with sides like:- A fresh green salad
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Mexican rice or refried beans
- Make It a Fun DIY Station:
Allow your guests or family members to customize their own slices with toppings like jalapeños, avocado slices, or extra cheese for a fun, interactive meal.
Storage Tips
1. Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the pizza to cool completely before storing.
- Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating:
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5–7 minutes until the pizza is warm and the crust regains its crispiness.
- Skillet Method: Heat slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes to crisp the crust.
- Microwave: While less ideal, you can microwave individual slices for 30–45 seconds. Keep in mind the crust may soften.
3. Freezing:
- To freeze, skip adding fresh toppings like lettuce or tomatoes.
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until heated through.
Pro Tip:
If reheating frozen pizza, you can add fresh toppings like lettuce, sour cream, or avocado after reheating to restore that fresh, vibrant taste.
With these serving and storage tips, your Sheet Pan Taco Pizza will stay delicious and satisfying for every meal—whether fresh, reheated, or served as leftovers!
1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Roll it out to fit your sheet pan and pre-bake for 7–8 minutes to ensure a crispy crust before adding toppings.
2. What can I substitute for refried beans?
If you’re not a fan of refried beans, you can use alternatives like:
- A thin layer of salsa or taco sauce
- Mashed black beans seasoned with cumin and garlic
- Cream cheese mixed with taco seasoning for a creamy base
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s easy to make a vegetarian version of this taco pizza. Replace the ground beef with:
- Seasoned black beans or pinto beans
- Plant-based taco crumbles
- Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for added flavor.
4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To keep the crust crisp:
- Pre-bake the pizza dough before adding the toppings.
- Avoid overloading with too many wet ingredients like salsa or tomatoes.
- Add fresh toppings like lettuce and sour cream only after baking.
Sheet Pan Taco Pizza
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, American
Description
This Sheet Pan Taco Pizza combines all the bold flavors of a taco with the comfort of pizza in one easy-to-make dish. A crispy crust, seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and your favorite taco toppings come together for a fun, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or game days!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 (16 oz / 450 g) refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the taco meat:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
For the toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup (250 ml) refried beans, warmed (optional)
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup (120 g) black olives, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced or mashed
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream, for drizzling
- 1/4 cup (30 g) green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup salsa or taco sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 13×18-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust:
- Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough to fit the sheet pan. If needed, use your fingers to press the dough evenly into the corners.
- Brush the dough with olive oil and bake for 7–8 minutes, or until it just starts to set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook the taco meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned and no longer pink (5–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of warmed refried beans over the pre-baked crust (optional).
- Evenly spread the seasoned taco meat over the beans.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.
- Bake:
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Add fresh toppings:
- Once out of the oven, top the pizza with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, avocado, green onions, and cilantro (if using).
- Drizzle with sour cream and serve with salsa or taco sauce on the side for dipping.
- Serve:
- Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy this fun twist on taco night!
Notes
- Make it your own: Add toppings like pickled jalapeños, corn, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Crust options: Use a store-bought flatbread, crescent roll dough, or homemade pizza dough.
- Refried beans: The beans add a nice base layer but can be omitted if preferred.
- Make ahead: Cook the taco meat ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.