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Ready for a taste explosion? My Meaty Pizza Tacos bring together two favorites in one awesome dish! I've taken all the good stuff from pizza and wrapped it up in taco form. Every mouthful gives you that killer mix of tasty meats, tangy sauce and stretchy cheese all tucked into a soft tortilla. My kids can't get enough of this mash-up meal!
A Delicious Combo
When you can't decide between pizza night or taco Tuesday, this recipe saves the day. The bold flavors from the meat plus the stretchy cheese and crunchy veggies make something you won't forget. I love watching guests do a double-take when they realize they're getting their pizza fix in taco style!
What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: 1 lb, browned and drained, making a substantial foundation.
- Pepperoni: 1/2 cup, chopped, giving that signature spicy kick.
- Bacon: 1/2 cup, broken into bits, adding salty crunch.
- Sausage: 1/2 cup, cut into pieces, offering extra meaty goodness.
- Pizza Sauce: 1/2 cup, bringing that authentic pizza taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, for that perfect cheesy pull.
- Black Olives: 1/4 cup, cut thin, delivering salty, tangy notes.
- Bell Pepper: 1/4 cup, chopped small, adding color and crispness.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped, for zippy flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, boosting the savory profile.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for that pizza parlor flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing everything together.
- Tortillas: 8 flour tortillas, serving as your pizza-taco base.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Brown the Ground Beef
- Cook beef in a pan over medium heat until no pink remains. Pour off the extra grease.
- Mix Everything Together
- Throw in the pepperoni, bacon, sausage, bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until everything smells amazing and veggies soften a bit.
- Get Tortillas Ready
- Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay tortillas on a baking tray and warm them up for 2-3 minutes.
- Create Your Tacos
- Smear pizza sauce on each warm tortilla. Pile on the meat mixture, scatter mozzarella on top, and finish with olives.
- Melt the Cheese
- Put the tacos back in the oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese gets all bubbly and melty.
- Time to Eat
- Take them out, let them cool just a moment, then dig in while they're still warm.
Tasty Add-ons
We always put out bowls of sour cream, more cheese and spicy jalapeños at our table. Having some extra pizza sauce and ranch dressing nearby for dipping makes these even tastier. Nothing beats grabbing one right after it comes out of the oven when the cheese is all stretchy!
Switch It Up
Don't be afraid to try new stuff! I sometimes toss in mushrooms or some leafy spinach for more veggies. You can use carb-smart tortillas or wrap everything in lettuce if you want something lighter. My buddies who like it hot always mix in red pepper flakes or chopped green chilies.
Insider Cooking Tips
Got this trick from my grandma! Always put fresh toppings alongside the rich meats and don't forget to heat your tortillas first so they don't break. Try mixing cheeses together - a bit of mozzarella with some Parmesan tastes unbelievably good.
Storage Ideas
You can keep these in your fridge for around 3 days. When you want to eat them again, stick them in the oven at 350°F to keep everything nice and crisp. You can even put them together and freeze them for quick dinners later on!
Smart Cooking Shortcuts
Try sprinkling fresh herbs on top after cooking - they really make the flavors pop. If you like heat, throw in some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Grab some whole grain tortillas if you want to make this a bit healthier!
Eye-Catching Display
These tacos are truly special - they grab the best parts of pizza and tacos and put them in one fantastic creation. They work great for just about anything, from weeknight family meals to watching sports with your pals.
Common Questions
- → Can I make any parts of these taco shells beforehand?
- Sure, you can cook and flavor the meat mix up to 2 days early and keep it in the fridge. The toppings can all be chopped and prepped ahead too, then just heat up the meat, get the tortillas warm, and put everything together when you're ready to eat.
- → What's the simplest way to heat tortillas for this dish?
- The recipe mentions oven heating, but you can also warm them in a plain skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds each side, or wrap them in slightly wet paper towels and microwave them for half a minute. You want them soft but not crispy.
- → Can I turn these tacos into a plant-based meal?
- You can swap all the meats for cooked mushrooms, veggie crumbles, and other veggies like zucchini and eggplant. Throw in extra Italian herbs and garlic to keep that pizza taste you're after.
- → What foods match well with these taco shells?
- They go great with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or Italian pasta salad. You might also try classic taco sides like Mexican street corn or refried beans for a real mix of food traditions.
- → How do I add more heat to these taco shells?
- Mix red pepper flakes or cayenne into the meat while it's cooking, or add spicy toppings like jalapeños or hot pepperoni. You can also serve them with fiery marinara or hot sauce on the side.