Pizza Tacos

If you love pizza and tacos, then you’re in for a treat with this Pizza Tacos recipe! This mouthwatering fusion dish brings together the best of both worlds—crispy taco shells loaded with gooey melted cheese, savory pizza toppings, and a flavorful sauce.

These homemade Pizza Tacos are easy to make, totally customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or even parties. Whether you like classic pepperoni, vegetarian, or meat-lovers style, this recipe gives you plenty of options to make it just the way you love it.

Ready to take your taco night to the next level? Let’s dive into the best Pizza Tacos recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for a fast, delicious meal.
• Customizable – Use your favorite pizza toppings to create your dream Pizza Taco.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep.
• Crispy & Cheesy – A crispy taco shell with melty cheese and savory toppings in every bite.
• Kid-Friendly – A fun, hands-on meal that kids will love helping to make.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 tacos
• Serving Size: 1 taco

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Taco Shells:

• 6 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a crunchier option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)

For the Pizza Toppings (Choose Your Favorites!):

• Pepperoni slices
• Cooked sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced black olives
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Chopped onions
• Crumbled bacon
• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes (for spice)

For Garnish & Dipping:

• Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
• Fresh basil (chopped)
• Ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Sauce

• Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Add tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Shells

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil on both sides.
• Drape them over two bars of an oven rack to create a taco shape.
• Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Tacos

• Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce inside each taco shell.
• Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese inside.
• Add your favorite pizza toppings.
• Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top to help hold everything together.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza Tacos

• Place the assembled tacos on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Serve with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic butter for dipping.
• Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Pizza Tacos!

Ingredient Background

Why Use Flour Tortillas?

Flour tortillas crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a light yet crunchy taco shell. Corn tortillas work too, but they will be crispier and more delicate.

Why Mozzarella Cheese?

Mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that complements any topping. Adding a little cheddar or provolone can enhance the flavor even more!

Best Pizza Toppings for This Recipe

• Classic: Pepperoni, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
• Meat Lovers: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and extra cheese.
• Veggie Supreme: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and black olives.
• BBQ Chicken: Swap the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken.

Technique Tips

• Toast the tortillas in the oven instead of frying for a lighter, crispier shell.
• Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking.
• Layer cheese on the bottom AND top to hold the toppings together.
• Bake at high heat to melt the cheese quickly without overcooking the tortillas.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Pizza Taco Quesadillas: Fold the tortilla in half and grill it on a pan.
• Deep Dish Pizza Tacos: Use pita bread or naan for a thicker crust.
• Mini Pizza Tacos: Use small street taco tortillas for bite-sized versions.

Additional Tips for Success

• Don’t overload the tacos—too many toppings can make them soggy.
• Let them cool for a minute before serving to avoid burning your mouth!
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days—reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Low-Carb Pizza Tacos

• Use low-carb tortillas or cheese shells.
• Skip the pizza sauce and use a low-carb marinara.

2. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Tacos

• Toss shredded chicken in Buffalo sauce instead of pizza sauce.
• Use blue cheese or ranch dressing as a drizzle.

3. Hawaiian Pizza Tacos

• Add pineapple chunks and ham for a sweet-savory twist.
• Use provolone cheese for extra creaminess.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: Wrap assembled (but unbaked) tacos in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Night: Serve with different dipping sauces for variety.
• Family Dinner: Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Kids’ Party: Let kids choose their own toppings for a fun, hands-on experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these tacos in an air fryer?

Yes! Air frying is a great way to make these Pizza Tacos extra crispy while reducing the need for additional oil. To make them in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Assemble the tacos as directed, ensuring they are not overfilled.
• Place them in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between each taco for proper air circulation.
• Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Using the air fryer gives the tacos a crispy, golden shell without deep frying and helps melt the cheese to gooey perfection.

2. What can I use instead of tortillas?

If you want to experiment with different bases, here are some great alternatives:

• Pita bread: Provides a thicker, softer crust, perfect for a deep-dish pizza taco style.
• Naan bread: Gives a chewy, slightly crispy texture that works well with bold toppings.
• Cauliflower crusts: A gluten-free and low-carb alternative for those looking to cut down on carbs.
• Flatbreads: Create an open-faced version of the taco that’s similar to a pizza pocket.

No matter which alternative you choose, just ensure it can hold up to the weight of the toppings and provide the right level of crispiness.

3. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza sauce is a great time-saving option. Just make sure to pick a high-quality, flavorful brand. If you’d like to enhance the flavor, try these quick fixes:

• Add a pinch of garlic powder and Italian seasoning for a homemade touch.
• Stir in a splash of olive oil for a richer taste.
• Mix in red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

If you prefer a homemade pizza sauce, it only takes 5 minutes and lets you control the flavors and ingredients!

4. Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes! Vegetarian Pizza Tacos are just as delicious as the meat-based versions. Here are some tasty plant-based topping ideas:

• Mushrooms – For a hearty, umami-packed bite.
• Bell peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Spinach or arugula – A great way to add greens.
• Olives and artichokes – Perfect for a Mediterranean twist.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Offers a burst of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor.

You can also use plant-based cheese and meat alternatives like vegan pepperoni or sausage to keep the classic pizza flavors without using animal products.

5. How do I keep them from getting soggy?

A soggy taco shell can ruin the perfect Pizza Taco experience, but here’s how to avoid that problem:

• Use less sauce – Too much liquid can make the tortillas soft. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per taco.
• Pre-toast the tortillas – Baking or pan-frying the tortillas before assembling makes them sturdier.
• Bake at high heat – A hot oven (375-400°F) helps the shells crisp up quickly before they absorb too much moisture.
• Layer cheese first – Adding cheese before the sauce acts as a barrier to prevent sogginess.

By following these tips, your Pizza Tacos will stay crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside!

6. Can I make Pizza Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can partially prepare these tacos in advance and reheat them when ready to serve:

• Prepare the taco shells and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Pre-cook any meats and chop the toppings ahead of time for faster assembly.
• When ready to eat, assemble the tacos and bake or air fry for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is warm.

For best results, avoid fully assembling and refrigerating the tacos before baking, as the tortillas may absorb moisture and lose their crispiness.

7. Can I freeze Pizza Tacos?

Yes! If you want to freeze Pizza Tacos for meal prep, follow these steps:

• Assemble the tacos but do not bake them.
• Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the frozen tacos into a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container.
• Store for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-7 minutes.

Freezing them unbaked helps maintain the crispy texture when reheated.

8. What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza because it melts beautifully. However, mixing cheeses can create an even richer and more complex flavor. Try:

• Cheddar cheese – Adds a sharp, bold flavor.
• Provolone – Melts like mozzarella but has a bit more tang.
• Parmesan – Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish.
• Pepper Jack – If you like a little heat in your tacos.

Using a blend of cheeses creates the ultimate cheesy pull!

9. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! To make gluten-free Pizza Tacos, simply swap the flour tortillas for:

• Corn tortillas – For a crispier, gluten-free alternative.
• Gluten-free tortillas – Available in most stores, and they toast up nicely.
• Cheese wraps – Made from melted and cooled cheese, these work great for a low-carb, gluten-free option.

All the other ingredients, like pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, can easily be gluten-free as well—just check labels to be sure!

10. What dips go well with Pizza Tacos?

Dipping sauces enhance the flavor and make these tacos even more fun to eat! Try:

• Ranch dressing – A creamy classic.
• Garlic butter sauce – For extra richness.
• Spicy marinara – Adds a kick.
• Cheese sauce – Because you can never have too much cheese.
• Buffalo sauce – Perfect for spicy food lovers.

Conclusion

Pizza Tacos are the perfect fusion meal, bringing together the crispy texture of tacos with the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza. They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them great for family dinners, game nights, or even meal prep.

Whether you like them classic, vegetarian, spicy, or meat-packed, these tacos can be tailored to fit your taste perfectly. With their crispy shells, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings, Pizza Tacos are sure to become a household favorite!

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