Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe

The Best Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe for Taco Tuesday

Crafting a mouthwatering meat lovers pizza tacos fusion can revolutionize your weekend cooking adventures.

Layers of savory ingredients promise an explosion of bold flavors.

Crispy tortilla bases serve as the perfect canvas for melted cheese and seasoned proteins.

Spicy beef, zesty pepperoni, and succulent sausage create a protein-packed delight that screams comfort food.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and rich, meaty goodness.

Weekend gatherings just got more exciting with this crowd-pleasing culinary masterpiece.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and impress everyone at the next get-together.

Pizza Tacos Storage Guide

  • Store leftover pizza tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the lid fits tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual tacos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for storage up to 1 month, preventing freezer burn.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place tacos on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Heat pizza tacos for 1-2 minutes on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and maintain texture.

Pizza Tacos Pair Well With These Picks

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich meaty flavors and cuts through the fatty texture of the pizza tacos.
  • Create Zesty Side Salad: Toss a fresh arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the meat and provide a crisp, light counterpoint to the rich tacos.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale with strong malt characteristics that can stand up to the intense meat and cheese combination, enhancing the overall taste experience.
  • Cooling Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick ranch or garlic aioli with herbs to add a creamy, cool element that helps cut through the spicy and savory notes of the pizza tacos.

Pizza Tacos With Topping Changes

  • Vegetarian Pizza Tacos: Replace meat with crumbled plant-based sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn taco shells and gluten-free pizza sauce to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Pizza Tacos: Swap taco shells with lettuce wraps and use additional protein-rich meat to create a carb-conscious alternative.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute traditional pizza toppings with feta cheese, olives, diced tomatoes, and oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground sausage and beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and taco shells in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

  • How can I make these tacos spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture, use a spicy pizza seasoning, or include some sliced jalapeños on top for an extra kick of heat.

  • Are there any low-carb alternatives for the taco shells?

Try using large lettuce leaves as a wrap or low-carb tortillas to reduce the carbohydrate content of the recipe.

What Makes Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Irresistible

Unleash Meaty Delights: A Pizza Taco Adventure

  • Speedy Satisfaction: Whip up this mouthwatering fusion in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous cravings.
  • Customize Your Feast: Easily swap ingredients or add extra toppings to match your flavor preferences, making it a flexible crowd-pleaser for picky eaters.
  • Party-Ready Crowd-Pleaser: Transform ordinary taco night into an exciting culinary experience that combines two beloved comfort foods, guaranteed to impress friends and family.
  • No-Fuss Cooking: Minimal kitchen skills required, with simple steps that even beginner cooks can master, ensuring delicious results every single time.

Pizza Tacos (Meat Lovers) Ingredient Set

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Sausage: Adds rich, spicy flavor to the meat mixture, choose a high-quality Italian or spicy variety.
  • Ground Beef: Provides a classic meaty base, select lean ground beef for less grease.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Brings additional pizza-style taste, opt for thin slices for even distribution.
  • Bacon (Crumbled): Delivers smoky and crispy texture, thick-cut bacon works best.
Taco and Cheese Components:
  • Taco Shells: Crispy base for the pizza taco, hard corn shells recommended for best structure.
  • Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Creamy and melty topping, fresh mozzarella provides better flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds sharp and salty finish, aged varieties have more intense taste.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Pizza Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce, homemade or high-quality store-bought works well.
  • Olive Oil: Used for brushing taco shells, extra virgin provides better flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances overall savory profile, fresh garlic can be substituted.
  • Pizza Seasoning Mix (Optional): Boosts herb and spice elements, Italian blend recommended.
  • Dried Oregano: Provides traditional pizza herb flavor, Mediterranean oregano preferred.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): Adds fresh green garnish, chopped right before serving.

Pizza Tacos for Meat Lovers Assembly Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Sizzling Meat Mixture

Brown ground sausage and ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking the meat into small crumbles.

Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture lean and delicious.

Toss in crispy pepperoni slices and crumbled bacon.

For an extra flavor punch, sprinkle in pizza seasoning and stir everything together until the ingredients are perfectly combined and piping hot.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Taco Shells

Grab your taco shells and give them a light brush of olive oil.

Arrange them on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated oven.

Bake until they turn golden and develop a satisfying crunch that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor-Packed Tacos

Carefully spoon the sizzling meat mixture into each crispy taco shell.

Create a delicious base that’ll have everyone at the table excited.

Drizzle pizza sauce generously over the top, letting it seep into all the meaty goodness.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese over each taco.

The cheese will melt into a gooey, irresistible layer that ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Step 5: Final Bake and Garnish

Return the tacos to the oven for a quick final bake.

Watch as the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Once out of the oven, shower the tacos with:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • A dusting of garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional but recommended)

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Plate these incredible meat lovers pizza tacos while they’re hot and steaming.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines the best of pizza and tacos in one incredible dish.

Grab a napkin and dig in!

Pizza Taco Tips for Meat Lovers

  • Swap ground sausage and beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the flavor intensity intact.
  • Brush taco shells with olive oil and bake briefly to elevate crunchiness and prevent soggy bottoms, ensuring a perfect textural experience.
  • Let cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more evenly and create that beautiful golden, bubbly surface.
  • Experiment with additional seasonings like red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, or smoked paprika to enhance the pizza-taco fusion and personalize your dish.
  • Cook meat mixture in advance and store in refrigerator, reducing day-of preparation time and making mealtime quicker and more convenient.
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe

Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Meat lovers pizza tacos blend Mexican and Italian cuisines into one epic handheld feast. Crispy tortillas cradle savory pepperoni, sausage, and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering fusion you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1/2 pound (226.8 grams) ground Italian sausage
  • 1/2 pound (226.8 grams) ground beef
  • 12 slices pepperoni
  • 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 packet pizza seasoning mix (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pizza sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (for brushing)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Additional Items:

  • 6 hard taco shells (or soft tortillas if preferred)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C), ensuring an evenly heated cooking environment.
  2. Place a skillet over medium heat and combine ground sausage with ground beef, methodically breaking down the meats into fine crumbles while cooking until completely browned.
  3. Eliminate any excess rendered fat from the meat mixture to maintain a clean, concentrated flavor profile.
  4. Incorporate pepperoni slices and crumbled bacon into the meat mixture, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and create a robust flavor blend.
  5. Optional pizza seasoning can be added at this stage to enhance the overall taste complexity of the meat mixture.
  6. Delicately brush taco shells with olive oil, arranging them on a baking sheet to ensure maximum crispiness.
  7. Transfer the prepared taco shells to the preheated oven, allowing them to transform into golden, crunchy vessels for the savory filling.
  8. Carefully spoon the seasoned meat mixture into each perfectly crisp taco shell, distributing ingredients with precision.
  9. Generously drizzle pizza sauce across the filled tacos, creating a moisture-rich base for the upcoming cheese layer.
  10. Sprinkle a generous coating of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced tacos, ensuring complete coverage.
  11. Return the loaded tacos to the oven for a final melting phase, allowing the cheese to become irresistibly bubbly and golden.
  12. Finish the tacos with a light dusting of grated Parmesan, a whisper of garlic powder, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
  13. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic final touch.
  14. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the fusion of pizza and taco flavors.

Notes

  • Customize meat choices by swapping ground sausage and beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
  • Reduce fat content by using lean meats or draining excess grease thoroughly after cooking protein mixture.
  • Opt for low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the recipe more heart-healthy and accommodating for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Enhance crispy taco shell texture by brushing with olive oil and ensuring even golden-brown color during initial baking phase.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1100 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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