Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine the best of two classic favorites—pizza and tacos—into one irresistible dish.
These savory tacos feature crispy taco shells filled with a hearty mix of pizza sauce, melted cheese, and a medley of meats like pepperoni, sausage, and beef. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings, these tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Grater for cheese
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham (optional)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Tacos:
- 8 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced black olives
- Diced green bell peppers
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Directions
- Prepare the Meat Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and mini pepperoni slices. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place the taco shells on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the meat filling into each shell, filling them about three-quarters full. Top each taco with a mixture of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with your favorite optional toppings, such as olives, bell peppers, or fresh herbs.
- Serve: Serve hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Expert Tips
- Taco Shells: Warm the shells slightly before filling to prevent cracking.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use soft taco shells? Yes, soft tortillas work as a great alternative for a less crunchy version.
What other meats can I add? Bacon crumbles or diced grilled chicken are excellent additions.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, prepare the meat filling in advance and assemble just before baking.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meats with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free taco shells or tortillas.
- Cheese Blend: Try a mix of provolone and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
Equipment
- - Large skillet
- - Wooden spoon
- - Baking sheet
- - Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- - Grater for cheese
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- **For the Filling:**
- - 1/2 lb ground beef
- - 1/2 lb Italian sausage crumbled
- - 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- - 1/2 cup diced cooked ham optional
- - 1 cup pizza sauce
- - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- **For the Tacos:**
- - 8 hard taco shells
- - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- **Optional Toppings:**
- - Sliced black olives
- - Diced green bell peppers
- - Chopped fresh basil or parsley
- - Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- **Prepare the Meat Filling:** In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and mini pepperoni slices. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- **Assemble the Tacos:** Place the taco shells on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the meat filling into each shell, filling them about three-quarters full. Top each taco with a mixture of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
- **Bake:** Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- **Add Toppings:** Remove from the oven and top with your favorite optional toppings, such as olives, bell peppers, or fresh herbs.
- **Serve:** Serve hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
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