Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe

Sizzling Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe: Fiesta on a Crust

Crafting a delectable sheet pan taco pizza combines the best of two beloved comfort foods in one mouthwatering dish.

Crispy tortilla edges meet zesty taco-inspired toppings for an unexpected culinary adventure.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant fresh ingredients create a flavor explosion that will surprise even the most seasoned home cooks.

Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe brings restaurant-style excitement directly to your kitchen.

Colorful bell peppers, tangy salsa, and a sprinkle of cilantro add brightness to every single bite.

Minimal prep and quick cooking time mean you can satisfy those taco and pizza cravings in under 30 minutes.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing meal that promises to become a new family favorite.

Variations of Sheet Pan Taco Pizza

  • Southwest Chicken Fiesta: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with taco spices, adding black beans and corn for extra southwestern flair.
  • Vegetarian Verde: Swap beef with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and black beans, using green salsa instead of traditional red for a lighter, veggie-packed version.
  • Spicy Chorizo Blast: Substitute ground beef with crumbled spicy chorizo sausage, adding extra jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for heat lovers.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Transform the pizza with ground lamb, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend for a global-inspired take.

Pairing Ideas for Sheet Pan Taco Pizza

  • Elevate Taco Pizza Experience
  • Pair with Refreshing Margarita: Blend zesty lime, tequila, and triple sec to complement the spicy beef and tangy salsa flavors.
  • Boost Mexican Beer Companion: Choose Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the rich cheese and provide crisp, light refreshment.
  • Cool Cucumber Agua Fresca: Prepare a light, hydrating drink with cucumber, mint, and lime to balance the pizza's robust seasonings.
  • Complement with Crisp Salad: Toss a simple green salad with avocado and cilantro-lime dressing to add freshness and balance the hearty pizza.

Storing Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Properly

Store leftover taco pizza in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.

Warm slices at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, placing directly on the oven rack to crisp the crust. Cover with foil if cheese starts browning too quickly.

Reheat slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Place a damp paper towel over the pizza to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just make sure to let it rest and come to room temperature before rolling it out.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with black beans, crumbled tofu, or plant-based ground meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version.

  • How spicy will this taco pizza be?

The spice level depends on the chili powder and optional pickled jalapenos. You can control the heat by adjusting these ingredients or removing the jalapenos completely.

  • Can I prepare any components of this recipe in advance?

You can cook the seasoned beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to make the pizza, simply reheat the beef before assembling the pizza.

Reasons to Love Sheet Pan Taco Pizza

How to Make Sheet Pan Taco Pizza
  • Slam-Dunk Family Meal: A crowd-pleasing dish that transforms taco night into an exciting pizza experience with layers of robust flavors kids and adults will absolutely love.
  • Speed-Craft Weeknight Dinner: Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy households seeking a quick, satisfying meal without complicated cooking techniques.
  • No-Fuss One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together on a single sheet pan, reducing kitchen cleanup and streamlining the cooking process for maximum convenience and minimal dish washing.
  • Customize-Ready Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like avocado, different cheeses, or protein variations, allowing personalization for multiple taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Taco Pizza

For the Base:
  • Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy foundation that creates the perfect canvas for the taco-inspired toppings.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light, smooth flavor to the crust.
For the Meat and Seasoning:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that brings rich, savory flavor to the pizza.
  • Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and deepens the meat's flavor profile.
  • Chili Powder, Cumin: Signature taco spices that provide warm, authentic Mexican-inspired seasoning.
For the Sauce and Cheese:
  • Refried Beans: A creamy, flavorful base that adds traditional Mexican texture and taste.
  • Salsa: Introduces bright, tangy flavors and moisture to the pizza.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheeses that create a gooey, delicious topping.
For the Fresh Toppings:
  • Lettuce, Tomatoes, White Onion, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that add crunch, brightness, and classic taco garnish.
  • Pickled Jalapenos: Brings a spicy, tangy kick to the pizza.
  • Sour Cream: A cool, creamy accompaniment that balances the spicy and bold flavors.

How to Make Sheet Pan Taco Pizza

How to Make Sheet Pan Taco Pizza

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450F. Lightly coat a half-sheet pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Stretch the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough to completely cover the sheet pan. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes so it doesn’t shrink back.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Cook the ground beef until it turns completely brown.

Drain away any extra fat. Mix in:
  • Chicken stock
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Create the Base Layer

Spread refried beans evenly across the entire pizza dough surface. Pour salsa over the beans for an extra flavor kick.

Step 5: Add Protein and Cheese

Distribute the seasoned beef mixture across the pizza. Sprinkle a blend of:
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Cheddar cheese

Ensure the cheese covers the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet pan into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden and cheese melts completely.

Step 7: Dress and Serve

Top the pizza with fresh ingredients:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped white onion
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Pickled jalapenos

Place sour cream on the side for dipping. Slice and enjoy your taco pizza!

Tips for Sheet Pan Taco Pizza

  • Let pizza dough rest for 20 minutes to prevent shrinking and ensure a perfectly stretched base.
  • Always drain excess fat from ground beef to keep the pizza from becoming greasy and soggy.
  • Sprinkle cheese evenly for consistent melting and complete flavor coverage across the pizza.
  • Simmer beef with chicken stock and spices to infuse deeper, more complex taste into the meat.
  • Add cold toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro after baking to maintain crisp texture and bright flavors.
Print
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Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe

Sheet Pan Taco Pizza Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy sheet pan taco pizza blends Mexican and Italian cuisine in one mouthwatering dish. Crispy tortilla base, zesty toppings, and melted cheese create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Starches:

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1 cup refried beans

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream (for serving)

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup store-bought salsa
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 2 cups diced tomato
  • 1/2 cup white onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mild pickled jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 450°F and lightly coat a half-sheet pan with olive oil. Stretch the pizza dough to completely cover the pan, allowing it to relax for 20 minutes to prevent elastic retraction.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Eliminate excess grease, then infuse with chicken stock, chili powder, and cumin. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes before removing from heat.
  3. Create a uniform layer of refried beans across the stretched dough. Distribute salsa evenly over the beans, then spread the seasoned beef mixture across the surface.
  4. Generously scatter Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the pizza, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust transforms to a golden hue and cheese melts completely.
  6. After removing from the oven, artfully garnish with crisp shredded lettuce, vibrant diced tomatoes, finely chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, and tangy pickled jalapeños.
  7. Serve immediately with a side of cool, creamy sour cream for an optional dipping experience.

Notes

  • Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature to make rolling easier and prevent tough texture.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to avoid soggy pizza base and excess grease.
  • Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels and enhance meat seasoning.
  • Customize toppings for dietary needs like using ground turkey, plant-based meat, or gluten-free crust.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 492 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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