Why choose between pizza and tacos when you can have both? These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine the best of both worlds into one epic, handheld creation. Packed with all the meaty goodness of a classic pizza and the fun, foldable convenience of a taco, this recipe is perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you’re in the mood for something totally unique and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Meaty and satisfying: Loaded with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and more.
- Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.
- Customizable: Adjust the toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need:
- Soft taco shells (or small flour tortillas)
- Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded for that perfect melt)
- Pepperoni slices
- Cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
- Cooked bacon (chopped)
- Ground beef (browned and seasoned)
The full list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below!
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the taco shells on a baking sheet or in a taco holder, ensuring they maintain their shape.
- Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce inside each taco shell.
- Fill the shells with a mix of cooked ground beef, crumbled sausage, bacon, and pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For a crispy shell, lightly toast the tortillas in a skillet before assembling.
- Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to make cleanup a breeze.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a mix of cheeses.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a supreme pizza vibe.
- Use turkey sausage or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos with:
- A side of garlic breadsticks or cheesy bread.
- A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens for balance.
- Your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tacos soggy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use hard taco shells?
Yes, but be careful when filling and baking as they can crack. For a softer option, stick to flour tortillas.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your pizza sauce and meats are gluten-free.
Q: What other meats can I add?
Feel free to include ham, salami, or even shredded chicken for variety.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the filling in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the tacos just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are the ultimate fusion of two favorites, delivering bold flavors and a fun eating experience in every bite. Perfect for parties, quick dinners, or just satisfying a craving, they’re sure to become a new go-to recipe. Ready to give them a try? Let’s get cooking!
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion
Description
These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are the perfect fusion of two beloved dishes—pizza and tacos! Loaded with savory sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and melted cheese, all nestled inside a crispy taco shell, this is a fun and delicious meal that’s sure to be a hit at dinner or any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 packet pizza seasoning mix (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 6 hard taco shells (or soft tortillas if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground sausage and ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until fully browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the pepperoni slices, crumbled bacon, and optional pizza seasoning mix (if using) to the meat mixture. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Brush the taco shells with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until crispy and lightly golden.
- Once the shells are ready, spoon the meat mixture evenly into each taco shell.
- Drizzle pizza sauce over the top of each taco, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the tacos to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, and top with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and fresh basil or parsley (if using).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells for a different texture.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives if desired.
- For a spicier version, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg