This fun taco pizza is made on a big sheet pan, so it’s perfect for sharing! Imagine crispy crust topped with seasoned meat, cheese, salsa, and all your favorite taco toppings.
You can load it up with lots of toppings, making it look colorful and tasty. I love to make this for family movie nights—everyone gets their own slice, and it’s always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: A refrigerated pizza crust gives you a quick and easy base. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat or gluten-free crusts. You can even use pita bread or naan for a fun twist!
Ground Beef/Turkey: I often use ground turkey for a leaner choice. If you’re vegetarian, substitute with black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative like Beyond Meat for a similar texture and flavor.
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to create your own blend. It’s a fun way to customize the flavor to your preference!
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds a nice sharpness, feel free to switch it up! Mexican blend cheese or Monterey Jack are great alternatives. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
How Do I Get the Perfect Taco Meat for My Pizza?
Cooking the taco meat just right is key! Start by browning your meat over medium heat. Make sure to break it into crumbles for even cooking. After draining excess fat, mix in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer until thickening—this concentrates the flavors!
- Brown the meat thoroughly before adding seasoning.
- Let the mixture simmer; it should be moist but not soupy.
How to Make Sheet Pan Taco Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sheet Pan Taco Pizza takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus around 15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is important because you want your pizza to cook evenly and come out nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Pizza Crust:
Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto a sheet pan. Gently press it into the corners and edges of the pan to make sure it fits snugly. This will be the base of your taco pizza.
3. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, drain it away. It’s important to have lean meat for a tasty taco filling!
4. Add Taco Flavor:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning and water with the cooked meat. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will thicken the mixture and give it that delicious taco flavor!
5. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the seasoned taco meat evenly over the pizza crust. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat. The cheese will melt beautifully while baking!
6. Bake Your Pizza:
Now, pop the sheet pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is all melty. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Time to Top It Off:
Once your pizza is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Then, add your toppings: sprinkle on the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions. This adds color and crunch!
8. Slice and Serve:
Cut the pizza into squares and serve with a dollop of sour cream and some salsa or hot sauce on the side, if you like a bit of extra kick!
Enjoy your delicious Sheet Pan Taco Pizza!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own taco seasoning using a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Try using about 2 tablespoons of the homemade blend to season your meat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Add More Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your taco pizza with additional toppings like jalapeños, corn, avocado, or even your favorite cheese blends. Just be mindful not to overload the pizza, so it remains crisp and cooked through!
