Description: A savory blend of tacos and pizza, these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing together seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, sausage, and classic pizza toppings, all nestled in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a fun and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup sliced sausage
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small tortillas
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, place the ground beef. Cook it over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it is thoroughly browned. Ensure there are no pink pieces remaining, as this indicates the beef is fully cooked. Once the ground beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Removing the excess fat will help to keep the tacos from becoming greasy and will improve the overall texture and flavor.
Step 2: Add Meat and Vegetables
To the cooked ground beef in the skillet, add the chopped pepperoni, cooked and crumbled bacon, and sliced sausage. These meats will add layers of savory flavor to your taco filling. Next, add the diced green bell pepper and red onion to the mixture. These vegetables will provide a slight crunch and a fresh, complementary flavor to the rich meats.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the meat and vegetable mixture. These spices will enhance the overall flavor profile, giving it that classic pizza taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content, especially considering the saltiness of the bacon and pepperoni. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and well-coated with the seasonings.
Step 4: Cook the Filling
Continue to cook the mixture in the skillet for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften slightly. Make sure to keep the heat at medium to prevent burning.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Warm the Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, place the tortillas on a baking sheet. Warm the tortillas in the oven for about 2-3 minutes. Warming them makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when you fill and fold them. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from becoming too crispy.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Remove the warmed tortillas from the oven. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each warm tortilla. The pizza sauce serves as the base, adding moisture and that unmistakable pizza flavor. Be careful not to add too much sauce, as it can make the tortillas soggy.
Step 7: Add Filling and Toppings
Spoon the meat mixture evenly onto each tortilla. Make sure each taco has a generous portion of the filling. Top each taco with shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced black olives. The mozzarella cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a gooey, cheesy layer. The black olives add a salty, briny flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Step 8: Bake the Tacos
Return the tacos to the baking sheet and place them back in the preheated oven. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep a close watch to ensure the tortillas don’t become overly crisp.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove the baked tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot cheese and filling.
Step 10: Enjoy
Your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos recipe is a guaranteed hit because it combines two beloved foods into one fun and easy-to-eat package. The blend of savory meats, classic pizza toppings, and warm tortillas creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and exciting. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, a party snack, or a creative way to use up leftover pizza ingredients. Plus, it’s customizable – you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re a taco enthusiast or a pizza lover, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. A fresh salad or coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich tacos. For a complete meal, consider adding some garlic bread or a simple side of roasted vegetables. These tacos are also great for parties and gatherings – arrange them on a platter with various toppings and let your guests customize their own.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh bell peppers and onions, you can use frozen mixed vegetables.
- To save time, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
- Make sure not to overfill the tortillas, as this can cause them to tear.
- If you want a crispier tortilla, you can lightly brush them with olive oil before baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- These tacos can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Use a pizza cutter to easily slice the tacos in half for smaller servings.
- Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor and creaminess.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 per taco
Protein: 30-35g
Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
The Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos recipe offers a delightful twist on two classic favorites, delivering a fun and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone. With its customizable ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack, these pizza tacos are a delicious and innovative choice that will leave everyone wanting more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this unique and mouthwatering fusion!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the meat selection based on your preferences. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef. You can also add other types of sausage, such as chorizo for a spicier flavor, or include ham for a sweeter taste.
- Is it possible to make these tacos vegetarian?
- Yes, it is! To make these tacos vegetarian, replace the meat with a plant-based protein source like cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a vegetarian ground meat substitute. Add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- How can I make these tacos spicier?
- To add some heat to your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos, consider incorporating ingredients like diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also use a spicy pizza sauce or add a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
- Can I prepare these tacos in advance?
- Yes, you can! The meat mixture can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to assemble the tacos, simply reheat the mixture and proceed with the recipe instructions. Assembled tacos can also be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, but they are best baked just before serving to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
- What other toppings can I add to these tacos?
- The possibilities are endless! Consider adding toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
