The Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are an ingenious fusion that brings together the best of two beloved culinary worlds: the satisfying crunch and handheld convenience of a taco with the irresistible, cheesy, and savory flavors of a classic meat lover’s pizza. This innovative dish transforms simple flour tortillas into crispy, pizza-flavored shells, generously loaded with a robust blend of seasoned ground beef, savory crumbled bacon, spicy pepperoni, and often, hearty Italian sausage. Each bite is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes: the initial crispness of the lightly toasted tortilla gives way to a gooey, molten layer of mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses, beneath which lies the rich, umami-packed meat medley, all bound together by tangy pizza sauce.
This recipe is a dream come true for anyone who struggles to choose between pizza night and taco night. It offers the versatility of a taco, allowing for easy customization with your favorite pizza toppings, while delivering the comforting, familiar flavors of a classic pepperoni and sausage pie. The use of a frying method, as suggested by the image’s crispy tortilla edges, creates a delightful texture that mimics a thin-crust pizza, ensuring the tortillas hold up well to the substantial fillings. The vibrant red of the pepperoni, the browned bits of ground beef and bacon, and the stretches of melted cheese make for a visually appealing dish that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or a creative weeknight meal, these pizza tacos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids. They are hearty, full of flavor, and offer a unique twist on two timeless favorites, providing a truly satisfying and memorable eating experience that redefines comfort food with a playful edge.
Ingredients:
- For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean preferred for flavor)
- ½ cup (approx. 70g) cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6-8 strips, cooked crisp)
- ½ cup (approx. 50g) chopped pepperoni (can use small deli pepperoni or dice larger slices)
- ½ lb (225g) Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Pizza Taco Assembly:
- 12-16 small/medium flour tortillas (6-7 inches in diameter)
- 1 ½ cups (approx. 360ml) pizza sauce (good quality store-bought or homemade)
- 2-3 cups (225-340g) shredded mozzarella cheese, or an Italian blend (provolone, mozzarella, parmesan)
- Additional ¼ cup (approx. 25g) sliced pepperoni (mini or regular, for topping)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying tortillas)
- Optional Garnishes/Dippers:
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil
- Extra pizza sauce for dipping
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture (Approx. 20-25 minutes):
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage (casings removed) over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is thoroughly cooked through.
- Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This is crucial to prevent the tacos from being overly greasy.
- Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped pepperoni, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the pepperoni to slightly crisp up.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Tortillas (Approx. 15-20 minutes):
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron) over medium heat. You might need to work in batches.
- Place a flour tortilla in the hot oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly golden brown and slightly crispy. The goal is to make them sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking, and to give them a nice toasted flavor and texture. Avoid making them hard shells like traditional tacos, as you want some flexibility.
- Once lightly browned, transfer the tortilla to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed.
- Assemble the Pizza Tacos (Approx. 10-15 minutes):
- Preheat your oven’s broiler to low-medium setting (or oven to 375°F/190°C if you prefer baking over broiling).
- Place the lightly fried tortillas on a large baking sheet.
- For each tortilla, spread about 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over one half of the tortilla.
- Spoon a generous amount of the prepared meat mixture over the sauce.
- Sprinkle a good handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat, ensuring good coverage.
- Place a few additional slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese for that classic pizza appearance and extra flavor.
- Broil/Bake the Pizza Tacos (Approx. 5-8 minutes):
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the assembled pizza tacos to the preheated broiler or oven.
- If Broiling: Broil for 2-4 minutes, keeping a very close eye on them, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the pepperoni edges are slightly crispy. Broilers can vary greatly in intensity, so watch constantly to prevent burning.
- If Baking: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven.
- Serve (Immediately):
- Using a spatula, carefully fold each pizza taco in half, or serve them open-faced for easier eating.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is still gooey. These are best eaten fresh.
- Offer extra pizza sauce for dipping or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on the side for those who like more flavor.
Enjoy your incredibly delicious and satisfying Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos!