There is nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and bold flavor combination of a fresh Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe to brighten up any mealtime. This dish takes the fun of pizza and the zesty excitement of tacos and puts them together on one easy-to-make sheet pan. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a casual weeknight feast, this recipe delivers layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheeses, and vibrant fresh toppings all baked to perfection on a golden crust. Trust me, once you try this Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe is how simple yet essential the ingredients are, each playing a crucial role in building those irresistible taco flavors and a perfectly baked pizza base. From hearty ground beef to fresh veggies and melty cheeses, every component adds depth and texture.
- Pizza dough: Your foundational crust, providing the perfect chewy and crispy canvas for all the toppings.
- Olive oil: Used to brush the dough, creating a golden, crispy edge and preventing it from drying out.
- Ground beef: The main source of savory protein, cooked and seasoned to taco perfection.
- Taco seasoning packet: The flavor powerhouse that brings authentic taco spices like cumin and chili powder to the beef.
- Water: Helps create a nice sauce consistency with the taco seasoning and salsa mixture.
- Salsa: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick to moisten and flavor the beef topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and vibrant, melting to gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings creamy meltiness and stretches delightfully with every bite.
- Sliced black olives: Adds a briny contrast that complements the rich beef and cheese.
- Diced red onion: Provides a crunchy bite and mild pungency to balance the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Freshness and juiciness that brighten up the finished pizza.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing texture atop the warm pizza.
- Sour cream: Creamy and cooling to mellow the spices and tie together the toppings.
- Chopped cilantro: Final herbaceous note that adds a burst of lively freshness.
How to Make Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s large enough to cover your sheet pan. This step ensures you get an even, thin crust that cooks perfectly.
Step 2: Dress the Dough
Transfer the rolled dough to your sheet pan and gently press it to cover the surface evenly. Brush the entire surface with olive oil. This not only helps the crust crisp up beautifully but also adds a slight richness to every bite.
Step 3: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes until there is no pink remaining. Then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef thoroughly.
Step 4: Simmer with Salsa
Pour in the water and salsa. Stir everything together, then let the mixture simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens nicely and the flavors meld. This saucy beef topping brings all that authentic taco flavor onto the pizza.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the seasoned beef evenly over your prepared dough. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the beef, followed by an even layer of mozzarella. Add the black olives and diced red onions next, distributing them nicely for balanced bites.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheeses have melted into gooey, bubbly perfection. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point will be incredibly inviting.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before topping it with juicy diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, a drizzle of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. These fresh garnishes add brightness, texture, and cool creaminess that balance out the spicy seasoned beef beautifully.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream are essential to cut through the richness and add layers of texture and vibrant color to your Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe. Don’t skip them!
Side Dishes
Pair your taco pizza with simple sides like a fresh garden salad or Mexican-style rice to complement the hearty toppings without overpowering the flavors. A side of chips and guacamole also makes for a festive snack alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your pizza into squares for a fun party-style presentation. You can also offer a toppings bar where guests add their own sour cream, cilantro, or extra salsa. This makes the meal interactive and even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep toppings like lettuce and sour cream separate if possible to maintain freshness when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze baked pizza slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat pizza slices in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to prevent a soggy crust.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought taco seasoning packet keeps the recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work great for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version of the Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe.
Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular pizza dough for your favorite gluten-free dough to keep this recipe allergy-friendly while still delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef topping a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for maximum freshness.
How spicy is this taco pizza?
The spice level generally depends on the taco seasoning you use. For a milder pizza, opt for a mild seasoning packet or reduce the amount used.
Final Thoughts
There’s a real joy in sharing a homemade Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe with friends and family because it combines the comfort of pizza with the zest of a taco night in one unforgettable meal. It’s easy, colorful, and packed with bold flavors, making it a must-try for anyone looking to spice up dinner. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Sheet Pan Taco Pizza combines the beloved flavors of a taco with the comforting, cheesy goodness of pizza, all baked to perfection on a single sheet pan. Featuring a crispy crust topped with seasoned ground beef, salsa, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it’s finished with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, red onion, sour cream, and cilantro for a festive and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base
- 1 package pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Taco Beef Topping
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup salsa
Cheeses and Additional Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the pizza.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface so it fits the size of your sheet pan.
- Place Dough on Pan: Transfer the rolled dough onto the sheet pan, pressing it down gently to cover the entire surface evenly.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the dough with one tablespoon of olive oil, coating both the edges and the center for a golden crust.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning into the skillet with the beef and stir well to combine.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the water and salsa, stirring everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer Beef Mixture: Allow the beef mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Spread Beef on Dough: Evenly distribute the cooked beef mixture over the prepared pizza dough in the sheet pan.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, followed by 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cheddar.
- Add Black Olives and Onions: Top the cheeses with 1/4 cup sliced black olives and 1/4 cup diced red onion for added flavor and texture.
- Bake Pizza: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes to set up.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup shredded lettuce evenly over the baked pizza.
- Add Sour Cream and Cilantro: Drizzle 1/4 cup sour cream over the toppings, then garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into squares and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- If you don’t have a sheet pan, a large pizza stone or baking tray will also work.
- To make prep faster, use pre-shredded cheese and pre-diced vegetables if you like.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
