Description
A quick and flavorful taco pizza that combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, salsa, and fresh toppings on a crispy store-bought crust, baked to perfection for an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef (lean to medium fat content)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (including the water per packet instructions)
Base and Sauce
- 3/4 cup refried beans
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 12-inch store-bought pizza crust
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- Cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes (about 1/2 cup)
- Black olives (about 1/4 cup sliced)
Garnishes
- Shredded lettuce (1/2 cup)
- Sour cream (for garnish, about 2 tablespoons)
- Sliced green onion (for garnish, about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking of the pizza.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, add water as per packet instructions (usually around 3/4 cup), and simmer on low heat for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Base: In a small bowl, mix together the refried beans and salsa until combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the store-bought pizza crust to create the flavor-packed base layer.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Spread about three-quarters of the seasoned ground beef over the bean and salsa base. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese evenly on top, then add cherry or diced tomatoes and sliced black olives. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is starting to turn golden brown.
- Add Fresh Garnishes: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with shredded lettuce, dollops of sour cream, and sliced green onions for a fresh and creamy finish. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any type of Mexican cheese blend, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a packet labeled Mexican cheese mix.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeño slices or hot sauce either before baking or as a garnish.
- If you want a crispier crust, pre-bake the store-bought crust for 3-4 minutes before adding the toppings.
- This recipe can easily be customized with other taco toppings like corn, bell peppers, or black beans.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat and calories, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
