If you love the hearty, irresistible combination of meats and the comforting flavors of pizza, then the Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. This delightful dish marries the best of both worlds: the satisfying, cheesy goodness of a pizza topped with a robust blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, all wrapped up in a fun, handheld taco form. Whether you’re craving something casual for game day or a unique twist for taco night, this recipe hits every note with flavor, ease, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to stock your kitchen with simple, tasty ingredients that each play a crucial role in making these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos sing. From savory meats to melty cheeses and classic pizza seasonings, every item adds that special something to create layers of texture, flavor, and color.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Italian sausage: Adds a slightly spicy, herb-infused depth to the filling.
- Pepperoni slices: Perfect for that classic pizza topping zing and a little crispy edge.
- Black olives: Bring a salty, briny contrast that enhances overall flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Classic melty cheese that stretches and adds creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides tangy sharpness and beautiful color variation.
- Pizza sauce: The saucy, herb-spiced foundation that ties the dish together.
- Small flour tortillas: Soft taco “shells” that crisp up nicely and hold all the delicious fillings.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for that authentic pizza flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cooked meats.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats and Season
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage. Cook them until they are fully browned and irresistible, making sure to break apart any clumps for even cooking. Drain any excess fat for a less greasy result, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so that the seasonings coat the meat evenly, then set this savory mixture aside—it’s the flavorful heart of your pizza tacos.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortilla Bases
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you get your tortillas ready. Lightly spread a thin layer of that tangy pizza sauce on each flour tortilla; this not only provides moisture but also infuses each bite with classic pizza flavor. The sauces create the perfect canvas for the layers that follow, ensuring your tacos are bursting with saucy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Now for the fun part — evenly distribute the cooked meat mixture over each sauced tortilla. Next, add the pepperoni slices and sprinkle sliced black olives across. Finish each taco with generous amounts of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This combination ensures every mouthful is cheesy and meaty with a hint of zest from the pepperoni and olives.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Arrange your loaded tortillas on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted to gooey perfection and is bubbling. The tortilla edges will crisp up nicely, lending a satisfyingly crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft fillings.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos rest for a few minutes. Then add optional garnishes like chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra punch. Slice each pizza taco into wedges to make them easy to handle and share. Serve warm and enjoy from the first bite to the last!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes enhances both the look and taste of these tacos. Try finely chopped basil or parsley to infuse a burst of herbal freshness, or sprinkle some grated Parmesan for a salty, cheesy finish. Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the rich meats beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple to let these hearty tacos shine, or pair them with a crisp green salad tossed lightly in vinaigrette to balance richness. Roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad also make excellent, complementary choices that boost the meal’s freshness and texture profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos cut into wedges on a wooden board with bowls of extra toppings like jalapeños, sliced tomatoes, or even ranch dressing for dipping. You can also set up a taco bar so friends and family can customize theirs—this dish is versatile and always sparks joy at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply place any leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for perfect next-day lunches or quick snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save some for much later, these tacos freeze well. Wrap each taco tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they retain great flavor and texture for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the tacos and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas regain some crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the tortilla edges from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for the Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas can add a nice flavor and texture, but be mindful they can be less flexible and more prone to tearing. Warming them before assembling helps prevent breakage during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the meats for plant-based alternatives like seasoned crumbled tofu, tempeh, or meatless sausage crumbles. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers works well, too, to keep that hearty feel.
Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! Cooking the meat mixture a day in advance saves time. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble your tacos right before baking for the freshest result.
What kind of cheese works best?
Traditional shredded mozzarella and cheddar are ideal for their melting qualities and flavor balance. However, feel free to experiment with provolone or Monterey Jack depending on your preference.
How spicy is this Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe?
The recipe itself has mild spice levels, mainly from the Italian sausage and pepperoni. You can easily adjust spice by choosing hotter sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fun twist on classic comfort foods, don’t hesitate to whip up the Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe. It’s an exciting, flavorful way to enjoy your favorite meaty pizza ingredients inside crispy, cheesy tacos that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to for satisfying meals and happy gatherings.
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine the best of two favorites – the hearty, savory flavors of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni stacked on crispy baked flour tortillas with classic pizza toppings like mozzarella, cheddar, pizza sauce, and olives. Perfect for a quick 30-minute meal that’s fun to make and even better to eat, these tacos bring a cheesy, meaty twist to taco night!
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings & Assembly
- 1/2 lb pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness. Season the meat mixture by adding dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and then set the skillet aside.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out the small flour tortillas on a clean surface or baking sheet. Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over each tortilla to serve as the base for the toppings.
- Assemble the Pizza Tacos: Evenly distribute the cooked meat mixture across each tortilla. Layer pepperoni slices and sliced black olives on top for that classic pizza flavor. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over everything to create a cheesy, melty topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled tortillas on a baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely, becomes bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas turn crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the tacos from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for safe handling. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation. Cut each pizza taco into wedges and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked meat mixture to prevent soggy tacos.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred, but flour tortillas hold up better during baking.
- Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture while cooking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or regular oven to keep the tortillas crispy.
