This Easy Sheet Pan Taco Pizza is a fun twist on traditional tacos! With a crispy crust, zesty beef, and all your favorite toppings, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
You can’t go wrong with cheesiness and crunch! I love making this on busy nights because it’s super simple. Just load it up with toppings and watch it disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry or Pizza Dough: Puff pastry gives a flaky texture, but if you want something doughier, opt for traditional pizza dough. You could even try whole wheat dough for a healthier choice!
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, replace the meat with beans or a meat substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu.
Taco Seasoning: If you have spices on hand, making your own seasoning mix is easy! Use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to recreate that taco flavor.
Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend is ideal, but feel free to mix your favorites. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, or switch to a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Dough?
Getting the dough right is key for the perfect taco pizza base. If you’re using puff pastry, ensure it’s rolled out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
- Keep the dough cold; this helps maintain its flakiness. If it’s too soft, refrigerate it before rolling.
- Press the dough gently into the corners of the sheet pan to avoid any bubbles.
- For pizza dough, stretching it with your hands is best—just be careful not to tear it!
With these tips, your dough will be ready for all those delicious toppings and come out perfectly cooked!
Easy Sheet Pan Taco Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry or pizza dough (about 12 x 17 inches)
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 green onions, sliced
Optional for Serving:
- sour cream
- salsa
- guacamole
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 15-18 minutes to bake. You’ll have a scrumptious meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup later!
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the puff pastry or stretch the pizza dough onto the prepared sheet pan. Aim for about a 1/2 inch thick base, pressing it gently into the corners of the pan.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up. Then, remove it from the heat.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the dough base. Be sure to cover as much area as possible for full flavor!
6. Add Cheese and Olives:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef layer, and then arrange the sliced black olives on top for that delicious salty flavor.
7. Bake:
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is nice and golden.
8. Cool and Top:
Once it’s ready, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then top your pizza with fresh diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced green onions for extra crunch and freshness!
9. Serve:
Cut the pizza into squares to serve. Enjoy with optional sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for that extra flavor.
And there you have it! A flavorful, easy, and crowd-pleasing taco pizza straight from your sheet pan. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Sheet Pan Taco Pizza
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives for a leaner version. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own seasoning mix with spices you probably already have. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to mimic the flavors of taco seasoning.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual pieces for a quick meal!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the beef filling and assemble the pizza on the dough, then cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before popping it in the oven for best results!
