Picture this: it’s a weeknight, everyone’s hungry, and you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to whip up that’ll satisfy everyone’s cravings. Enter Taco Pizza — the ultimate mash-up of two comfort food icons. It’s crispy like pizza, loaded like tacos, and ready in under 35 minutes. Whether you’re hosting friends, needing a quick family meal, or just craving something cheesy and bold, this easy homemade taco pizza recipe is the answer.
Forget bland dinners. This is a loaded taco pizza with ground beef, crushed Doritos, and that tangy taco flavor that makes your tastebuds do a happy dance.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to make taco pizza from scratch (or semi-scratch)
- Tips to get that crunchy crust
- Genius hacks to make it kid-friendly or spicy
- How to build a taco pizza that even Pizza Hut would envy!
Reasons to Make It Tonight
- ✅ Quick & Easy – Done in 30–35 minutes!
- ✅ Uses Everyday Ingredients – Ground beef, cheese, salsa, and store-bought dough.
- ✅ Customizable – Spice it up with jalapeños or keep it mellow for picky eaters.
- ✅ Perfect for Game Day or Family Night – Slice, serve, and let everyone dig in.
- ✅ Budget-Friendly – Cheaper than takeout and twice as delicious.
- ✅ Taco Pizza with Doritos and Lettuce – A crunchy, flavorful combo!
“Best taco pizza for family dinner” is not just a keyword—it’s your new weeknight reality.
Best Homemade Taco Pizza for Family Dinner Ideas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This homemade taco pizza combines all your favorite taco flavors on a golden-baked pizza crust—topped with seasoned beef, refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and crunchy Doritos. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 2–3 tbsp water
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll crust)
- 16 oz can refried beans
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3–4 cups taco-flavored Doritos, slightly crushed
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, red onion, black olives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet, stir well, and simmer until thickened. Set aside.
- Roll out the pizza dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a fork to poke holes across the dough.
- Prebake the crust for 5 minutes to help it crisp up.
- Remove crust from oven and spread an even layer of refried beans over the surface.
- Spread salsa over the beans.
- Top with the seasoned taco meat, followed by both cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and top with crushed Doritos, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
- Add optional toppings like sour cream or jalapeños before serving.
Notes
- If making ahead, wait to add lettuce, tomatoes, and chips until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Customize with your favorite taco toppings.
- Great alternative proteins include ground turkey, sausage, or chorizo.
- Vegetarian option: Skip meat and double the beans or add black beans and corn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Ingredients for Taco Pizza
Here’s everything you need to build your cheesy layered taco pizza bake from bottom to top:
🧾 Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, sausage, or chorizo)
- 1 oz packet of taco seasoning
- 16 oz can of refried beans
- 3/4 cup salsa (chunky or smooth—your call)
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough (crescent roll crust or classic pizza crust both work great)
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
🥗 Toppings
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 3–4 cups Taco-Flavored Doritos, lightly crushed
- Optional: jalapeños, black olives, sour cream, hot sauce
🍴 Substitutions
- For gluten-free: Use almond flour dough or cauliflower crust.
- For vegetarian: Swap beef with refried black beans and corn.
How to Make Taco Pizza – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat:
- Brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Drain the grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and about 3 tablespoons of water.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Step 2: Prebake the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Roll out the pizza dough onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- Use a fork to poke holes across the crust — this helps prevent bubbles!
- Bake for 5 minutes for a crispier base.
Pro Tip: For a “crunchy crust taco pizza from scratch,” prebake and use a pizza stone if available.
Step 3: Build Your Layers
- Spread an even layer of refried beans.
- Top with salsa.
- Sprinkle on the taco meat.
- Add both cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Final Bake
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven:
- Add crushed Doritos, lettuce, tomatoes, and optional toppings.
Note: Don’t add lettuce or chips until ready to serve — they’ll get soggy in storage!
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Pizza
- Want more spice? Add pickled jalapeños or hot taco sauce.
- Make ahead: Prep the crust and taco meat earlier and store separately.
- Healthier option: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Crispy base hack: Brush crust with olive oil before prebaking.
Popular FAQ Phrases:
- How to make taco pizza like Pizza Hut? Use a thicker crust and load it with beans, meat, and cheese, then bake in a deep-dish pan!
- Can I freeze taco pizza? Yes—just skip the lettuce and fresh toppings before freezing.
Best Ways to Serve Taco Pizza
Wondering what goes well with this fiesta-style dish?
- Serve with: Mexican rice, black bean salad, or street corn
- Drinks: Try a lime soda, margarita mocktail, or iced tea
- Presentation tip: Serve it on a cutting board topped with extra Doritos and drizzle with sour cream
Hosting a crowd? This makes the perfect sheet pan taco pizza for parties!
Nutrition Info (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 2g |
Taco pizza with beans and shredded cheese makes a great protein-packed, satisfying meal!
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers without lettuce/tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully baked pizza without toppings, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, or use a toaster oven for crispy texture.
How long does taco pizza last in the fridge? About 2–3 days when stored properly.
Quick Answers for You
Q: What is taco pizza made of?
A: Taco pizza combines pizza crust with refried beans, taco meat, cheese, salsa, and taco toppings like lettuce and Doritos.
Q: Can I use crescent roll dough for taco pizza?
A: Yes! Crescent roll dough creates a soft and flaky crust that pairs well with taco flavors.
Q: Is taco pizza spicy?
A: It can be! Add jalapeños or hot sauce for heat, or keep it mild for a kid-friendly taco pizza recipe.
Q: Can I make taco pizza vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Use refried beans, black beans, or tofu in place of the meat.
More Tasty Ideas to Explore
- Teriyaki Chicken Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Idea
- Best Natural Mounjaro Recipe for Weight Loss
- Churro Cheesecake Cookies – Easy Dessert Recipe Ideas
If you love taco night, you’ll love these taco-inspired pizza and Tex-Mex recipes too!
Before You Go
There you have it—everything you need to make the best taco pizza at home. It’s crunchy, cheesy, full of bold taco flavor, and easy enough for a busy weeknight. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight taco pizza idea or a full-blown cheesy layered taco pizza bake for friends, this dish is guaranteed to please.
👉 Now it’s your turn!
Have you tried making taco pizza before? What toppings do you love to add?
Comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to share with your fellow food lovers!
