Are you a fan of both pizza and tacos? If so, you’re in for a treat! These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine the best of both worlds—crispy taco shells packed with savory meats, gooey cheese, and delicious pizza sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for beginners, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners, parties, or even a fun family cooking night.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating the ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos—from preparing the meat to assembling and baking them to perfection.
Let’s get cooking! 🍕🌮
Ingredients
To make Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pack of taco shells (hard or soft tortillas)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (optional for extra flavor)
- ½ lb pepperoni (or your favorite pizza meats)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Diced onions
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Fresh basil or oregano
Tip: Feel free to customize your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos with your favorite pizza toppings!
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- If using Italian sausage, remove it from its casing, crumble it, and add it to the pan. Cook until fully browned.
- Chop pepperoni into small pieces and mix it into the meat.
- Drain excess grease to prevent soggy tacos.
- Stir in ½ cup of pizza sauce and mix well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
✅ Tip: Want a spicier kick? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!
Step 2: Preparing the Taco Shells
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place taco shells on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes to make them extra crispy. (For soft tortillas, warm them in a pan.)
- Remove from oven and let them cool slightly.
✅ Tip: Brushing taco shells with a bit of olive oil before baking adds extra crunch!
Step 3: Assembling the Tacos
- Spread 1-2 tbsp of pizza sauce inside each taco shell.
- Fill with the cooked meat mixture, making sure to distribute evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Add extra pepperoni slices if desired.
✅ Tip: If you love extra cheese, add an extra layer for that gooey pizza texture!
Step 4: Baking the Tacos
- Place assembled tacos on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let them cool for 2 minutes before serving.
✅ Tip: For an extra crispy texture, broil for the last 1-2 minutes!
Step 5: Adding Toppings and Serving
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an authentic pizza flavor.
- Add your favorite toppings—diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even jalapeños!
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your homemade Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos!
✅ Tip: Pair with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just assemble and bake!
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! Swap beef and sausage for chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier version.
How do I make these tacos spicier?
- Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
What’s the best cheese for these tacos?
Mozzarella gives a classic pizza flavor, while cheddar adds sharpness. For extra creaminess, try provolone or Monterey Jack!
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve just made the ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos—a mouthwatering fusion of pizza and tacos that’s easy, fun, and delicious!
Now it’s your turn to try this recipe! Did you love it? Leave a comment below and share your creation on social media using #MeatLoversPizzaTacos!
🔥 Craving more? Try experimenting with different toppings like BBQ chicken, mushrooms, or extra spicy pepperoni!
More
For more delicious pizza and taco-inspired recipes, check out these additional resources to elevate your cooking game! If you loved the fusion flavors of Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos, try this unique Pickle Pie Pizza from QuicklyTaste, which offers a tangy twist on a classic favorite. For another taco variation, this Instant Pot Chicken for Tacos recipe is a quick and flavorful option. If you’re looking for more meat-centric dishes, explore Beef Shoulder Steak for a juicy, savory meal.
For external inspiration, check out Serious Eats for expert cooking techniques and recipes or Tastes Better From Scratch for homemade pizza and taco ideas. If you’re curious about pizza history, Why Do They Call It a Pizza Pie? dives into its origins. Keep experimenting and enjoy your homemade creations! 🍕🌮
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack taco shells hard or soft tortillas
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage optional for extra flavor
- 0.5 lb pepperoni or your favorite pizza meats
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- diced onions
- bell peppers
- mushrooms
- fresh basil or oregano
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- If using Italian sausage, remove it from its casing, crumble it, and add it to the pan. Cook until fully browned.
- Chop pepperoni into small pieces and mix it into the meat.
- Drain excess grease and stir in ½ cup of pizza sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place taco shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Spread 1-2 tbsp of pizza sauce inside each taco shell.
- Fill each taco shell with the cooked meat mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 2 minutes, and garnish with fresh herbs and optional toppings.
- Serve warm and enjoy!