Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe

The Perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe for Taco Tuesday

Satisfying your craving for a meat lovers pizza tacos blend creates an epic culinary adventure.

Savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising delicious excitement.

Crispy tortillas become the perfect canvas for layered protein-packed goodness.

Melted cheese cascades over seasoned beef, pepperoni, and sausage, creating mouthwatering texture.

Robust flavors combine classic pizza elements with taco-style presentation, surprising even experienced home cooks.

Spices dance across each bite, promising a meal that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

You won’t want to miss this game-changing fusion that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

FAQs About Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

  • Is this dish spicy?

The meat mixture can have a mild kick from the Italian seasoning, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can swap ground beef and Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your preference.

  • What type of taco shells work best?

Hard corn taco shells are recommended for this recipe as they provide a crispy texture that complements the meaty filling and melted cheese.

  • Are these tacos kid-friendly?

Yes, these pizza tacos are great for kids who love both pizza and tacos. The familiar flavors and cheesy topping make them appealing to children.

Why Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Are A Savory Delight

  • Blast Flavor Combinations: Merge the best of pizza and tacos into one mouthwatering dish that satisfies intense meat cravings with an irresistible blend of Italian and Mexican culinary styles.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal favorite toppings like extra pepperoni, different cheeses, or spicy jalapeños to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Super Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings where people want hearty, delicious food that brings everyone together with minimal kitchen stress and maximum taste satisfaction.
  • Quick Comfort Meal: Requires basic cooking skills and simple ingredients, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want a fast, filling meal that delivers big on flavor and fun.

Ingredients For Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich, hearty flavor for the pizza tacos.
  • Italian Sausage: Adds spicy and robust taste to complement the ground beef.
Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a classic pizza-style topping with gooey texture and sharp flavor.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep flavor foundation for the meat mixture.
  • Pizza Sauce: Provides a traditional tangy tomato base that brings pizza essence to the tacos.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall pizza-like taste profile.
Taco Shell and Additional Toppings:
  • Taco Shells: Crispy corn tortilla vessels that serve as the base for this creative dish.
  • Pepperoni, Black Olives, Bell Peppers: Optional toppings that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the pizza tacos.

Stepwise Guide To Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

Step 1: Brown the Protein

Sizzle ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly browned. Carefully drain away excess fat to keep the mixture lean and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, fragrant essence.

Step 3: Build Bold Flavor

Pour in pizza sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Allow everything to simmer and meld together, creating a rich, robust filling.

Step 4: Warm the Shells

Fire up the oven to 350F. Arrange crisp taco shells on a baking sheet, preparing them for their cheesy transformation.

Step 5: Create Flavor Bombs

Generously fill each taco shell with the spiced meat mixture. Crown the tacos with:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated Parmesan

Step 6: Melt and Bubble

Slide the loaded tacos into the oven. Bake until cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 7: Customize with Toppings

Rescue the tacos from the oven. Adorn with exciting extras like:
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Sliced black olives
  • Diced bell peppers

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Plate these sizzling pizza tacos immediately. Prepare for a flavor explosion that combines the best of pizza and taco worlds!

Top Tricks For Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

  • Drain the meat thoroughly to prevent soggy taco shells and ensure a crispy texture.
  • Experiment with different meat combinations like ground turkey or spicy sausage for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep toppings in advance to make assembly quick and easy during busy weeknights.
  • Use pre-shredded cheese blends to save time and add extra flavor complexity.
  • For a lighter version, swap regular taco shells with lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas to reduce calories.

Variations To Explore For Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

  • Veggie Pizza Tacos: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles, adding extra mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Mexican Pizza Tacos: Incorporate jalapeños, chipotle sauce, and swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning to create a fiery southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Pizza Tacos: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, oregano, and diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.
  • Chicken Pesto Pizza Tacos: Substitute ground meat with shredded chicken, mix in pesto sauce, and top with sun-dried tomatoes for a lighter, herbaceous option.

Serving Ideas For Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors with a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that stands up to the intense protein and cuts through the cheesy goodness.
  • Create Crisp Side Salad: Balance the heavy tacos with a light, tangy arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate and add a zesty contrast.
  • Serve with Craft Beer Blast: Match the hearty dish with an amber ale or hoppy IPA that enhances the spicy Italian sausage and adds a malty, complex undertone to each bite.
  • Cool Down with Creamy Dip: Whip up a quick ranch or marinara dipping sauce to provide a cool, creamy element that mellows the spicy meat and adds extra flavor dimension.

Storage Instructions For Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

  • Store leftover pizza tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual tacos tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain best quality and taste.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Unwrap frozen tacos and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 15-20 minutes, ensuring cheese melts and meat heats thoroughly.
  • Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to prevent soggy shells. Add fresh toppings after reheating to restore crispness.
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe

Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-28 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savory meat lovers pizza tacos blend Italian and Mexican culinary traditions into one irresistible dish. Crispy tortillas cradle melted cheese, spicy pepperoni, and juicy ground beef, promising a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1/2 pound (227 grams) Italian sausage, casing removed

Cheese and Sauce:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) pizza sauce
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Italian seasoning
  • 8 taco shells
  • Sliced pepperoni
  • Sliced black olives
  • Diced bell peppers
  • Chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef and Italian sausage, thoroughly draining excess fat.
  2. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour pizza sauce into the meat mixture, sprinkle Italian seasoning, and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavors.
  4. Preheat oven to 350F (175C), positioning rack in center for even heating.
  5. Arrange taco shells on a clean baking sheet, preparing them for filling.
  6. Carefully spoon seasoned meat mixture into each taco shell, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over filled taco shells, covering meat completely.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven and immediately garnish with crispy pepperoni slices, sliced black olives, and colorful bell pepper pieces.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, allowing guests to enjoy the fusion of pizza and taco flavors.

Notes

  • Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Enhance flavor depth by sautéing vegetables before adding meat to develop richer taste profiles.
  • Create vegetarian version using plant-based meat alternatives or roasted mushrooms for protein substitute.
  • Prevent soggy shells by lightly toasting taco shells before filling to maintain crispy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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