Easy Taco Pizza

Easy Taco Pizza Recipe - A Delicious American Fusion Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 24 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Taco pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience of pizza. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with friends and family.

History

Taco pizza is a popular dish that originated in the United States, combining the flavors of traditional Mexican tacos with the convenience of pizza. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings and ingredients.

Ingredients

2 to 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 package active dry yeast
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (120°F (49°C) to 130°F)
2 tbsp cooking oil
0.75 cup cornmeal
0.75 lb (340 g) ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
1 x 2.25 oz (64 g) can sliced pitted ripe olives, drained
1 x 1.25 oz (35 g) envelope taco seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz (227 g))
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 medium avocados, seeded, peeled, and chopped
1 x 8 oz (227 g) carton dairy sour cream
chili powder (optional)

How to prepare

Crust

In a large bowl, combine 1.25 cups of flour, yeast, and salt.
Add warm water and 2 tbsp of oil.
Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly.
Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
Using a spoon, stir in cornmeal and as much of the remaining flour as you can.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total).
Divide the dough in half. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Grease two 11- to 13-inch pizza pans or baking sheets.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough into a circle 1 inch larger than the pizza pan.
Transfer the dough to the pans.
Build up the edges slightly. Flute the edges, if desired.
Prick the dough generously with a fork. Do not let it rise.
Bake in a 425°F (218°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Pizza

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is brown and the onion is tender. Drain the fat.
Stir in tomato sauce and taco seasoning mix. Heat through.
Spread the ground beef mixture over the hot crusts.
Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake for about 12 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados.
Spoon sour cream into the center of each pizza.
Sprinkle the sour cream with chili powder, if desired.

Variations

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack or queso fresco.

References

↑ Make-ahead tip: Prepare pizza dough; Divide into 2 equal portions. Place in plastic freezer bags. Seal, label, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pre-cook the ground beef and onion before adding them to the pizza to ensure they are fully cooked.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding jalapenos, black olives, or bell peppers.

- For a crispy crust, pre-bake the dough before adding the toppings.

- To save time, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this taco pizza with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita.

Cooking Techniques

Pre-cook the ground beef and onion before adding them to the pizza.

- Bake the crust before adding the toppings to ensure a crispy base.

- Customize the toppings to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own.

- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.

- Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the crust and toppings ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Top the taco pizza with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a colorful and flavorful presentation. Serve on a large platter for sharing with friends and family.

Pairing Recommendations

This taco pizza pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as beer, margaritas, or soda. For a complete meal, serve with a side of rice and beans or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this taco pizza contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the size and toppings. It is a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this taco pizza come from the flour in the crust, as well as the cornmeal and toppings like tomatoes and avocados. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this taco pizza come from ingredients like cooking oil, cheese, and sour cream. While fats are high in calories, they are essential for absorbing certain vitamins and providing energy for your body.

Proteins

The protein in this taco pizza comes from the ground beef and cheese. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in your body, as well as supporting a healthy immune system.

Vitamins and minerals

This taco pizza is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados. These ingredients provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This taco pizza contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies. Be sure to check ingredient labels and make substitutions as needed.

Summary

Overall, this taco pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It can be enjoyed as a fun and flavorful dish for any occasion.

Summary

Taco pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience of pizza. This recipe is versatile and customizable, making it a fun and flavorful meal for any occasion. Enjoy this taco pizza with your favorite toppings and share with friends and family for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Easy Taco Pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was always whipping up the most delicious dishes, and I was eager to learn from her.

As we chatted and sipped on iced tea, Maria suddenly got up and started rummaging through her recipe box. She pulled out a faded index card and handed it to me with a mischievous grin. "You have to try this," she said. "It's my mom's famous Easy Taco Pizza recipe."

I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a rush of excitement. The combination of taco seasoning, ground beef, salsa, and cheese sounded like a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I knew I had to make it for my family as soon as possible.

That evening, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work in my own kitchen. The smell of sizzling beef and spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I spread the pizza dough on a baking sheet, topped it with the seasoned beef, and drizzled salsa over it all.

As the pizza baked in the oven, the cheese melted and bubbled, creating a tantalizing aroma that filled my entire house. When it was finally done, I eagerly sliced it into wedges and served it to my family. The first bite was pure bliss - the flavors exploded in my mouth, the spicy taco seasoning mingling perfectly with the gooey cheese and tangy salsa.

From that moment on, Easy Taco Pizza became a staple in my household. Whenever we had a craving for something quick and delicious, I would whip up a batch of this mouthwatering pizza. It became a go-to dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and game nights.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it even more flavorful. I started adding black olives, diced tomatoes, and green onions on top for an extra burst of freshness. Sometimes I would even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

One day, my daughter's friend Emily came over for a sleepover, and I decided to make Easy Taco Pizza for dinner. As she took her first bite, her eyes widened in surprise. "This is amazing!" she exclaimed. "I've never had anything like it before."

I smiled proudly, knowing that I had passed down this delicious recipe to another generation. Emily asked me for the recipe, and I happily shared it with her, knowing that it would become a favorite in her own kitchen.

As the years went by, Easy Taco Pizza became a beloved tradition in my family. It was always a hit at gatherings and parties, with everyone clamoring for seconds and asking for the recipe. I loved how this simple dish brought people together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of Easy Taco Pizza baking in the oven, I can't help but feel grateful for the moment I discovered this recipe. It has brought so much joy and laughter into my life, and I know that it will continue to do so for many years to come. Cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about sharing love and creating moments that will be cherished forever. And Easy Taco Pizza will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the joy that good food can bring.