Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

Let me introduce you to the ultimate fusion dish: Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos. If you’re a fan of both pizza and tacos (and honestly, who isn’t?), then you’re about to experience the best of both worlds in one bite. Picture this: a crunchy taco shell stuffed with all your favorite pizza toppings—pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a taco. It’s got the crispy, cheesy goodness of a pizza but with the fun, handheld convenience of a taco. Seriously, what’s not to love? Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just craving a snack that’s a little extra, this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

This recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why you’re going to want to make it again and again:

The Best of Both Worlds:

Love pizza? Love tacos? This recipe brings both together in a way that will have you hooked after the first bite. It’s like your two favorite comfort foods got together and made magic.

Easy and Fun to Make:

As much as you’ll love the flavor, you’ll also enjoy how simple it is to make. These tacos are a fun, quick dinner idea, and perfect for customizing with all your favorite pizza toppings.

Flavor Explosion:

With a combination of savory meats, melty cheese, and the zesty sauce, these tacos pack a punch. Each bite is a flavor explosion of everything you love about pizza, all wrapped up in a taco shell.

Versatile:

You can tweak the meats and toppings based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Feel free to switch things up and make these tacos uniquely yours!

Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser:

Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or just because, these tacos are sure to impress. Plus, they’re fun to eat and easy to share!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos:

For the Tacos:

• Ground Beef: The base of the taco filling. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly suited for a pizza-inspired dish.
• Italian Sausage: Crumbled and cooked, it adds an extra layer of savory, Italian flavor that’s essential for this meat lovers taco.
• Pepperoni: Sliced thin, the pepperoni adds that classic pizza flavor with just the right amount of crispiness and spice.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles bring a smoky crunch that’s impossible to resist.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The melty cheese that ties everything together, giving the taco that pizza-like gooey texture.
• Taco Shells: Soft or crunchy—take your pick! Both work well for these pizza tacos, so go with whatever you’re in the mood for.

For the Sauce:

• Pizza Sauce: A classic pizza sauce to spread on the tacos, giving them that authentic pizza flavor. You can also use marinara sauce if that’s what you have on hand.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a little extra flavor to the sauce—because garlic makes everything better!
• Dried Oregano: A pinch of oregano adds that Italian flavor we all love on pizza.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a little bit of heat, especially if you like your pizza on the spicy side.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to dig in? Let’s get these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos made!

Step 1: Cook the Meats

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it’s fully cooked through. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

While the meat is cooking, chop the pepperoni into small pieces and cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Crumble the bacon once cooked and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce with garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well mixed, and adjust seasoning to taste. You can add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier taco.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your taco shells (either in the oven, microwave, or stovetop). Once heated, spoon some of the meat mixture into each taco shell. Add a dollop of pizza sauce, then top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Next, sprinkle the cooked pepperoni and bacon bits over the cheese. If you’re using soft taco shells, you can place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. If you’re using crunchy taco shells, just assemble the tacos as they are and move on to the next step!

Step 6: Bake (Optional)

If you’d like your cheese extra melty, place the tacos on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden. This step is optional, but it does give the tacos a pizza-like finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the tacos are ready, take them out of the oven (if you baked them), and serve hot. Top with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 760mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 22g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are absolutely delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few sides to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:

With a Side Salad:

A crisp green salad with Italian dressing or a light vinaigrette would complement the richness of the tacos and add a fresh touch.

With Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted bell peppers, onions, or zucchini add color and nutrition to the meal while still keeping the Italian theme.

With Fries:

For a fun, indulgent combo, serve these tacos with crispy fries. They’re a great way to soak up any extra pizza sauce!

With Garlic Bread:

You can’t go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to dip into the extra sauce or just enjoy alongside your tacos.

Additional Tips

Customize Your Toppings:

Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings! Mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers are great additions if you’re looking for more variety.

Use Different Cheeses:

If mozzarella isn’t your thing, try using a mix of provolone, cheddar, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Try Different Sauces:

Swap out the pizza sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy kick or a creamy ranch dressing for a cool, tangy twist.

Make It Spicy:

If you love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce over the top of the tacos before serving.

Make Ahead:

You can prepare the taco fillings ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat. This can save time during busy weeknights.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter alternative, or you can use all bacon for a bacon lover’s version!

Q2: What kind of taco shells should I use?
A2: It’s up to you! Soft flour tortillas are perfect for folding, but crunchy taco shells will give you a fun, crispy texture.

Q3: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the taco filling, sauce, and toppings ahead of time, and then just assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: How do I keep the tacos from getting soggy?
A4: If you’re using soft tortillas, you can lightly crisp them in a skillet before assembling. This will help keep them sturdy and prevent them from getting soggy.

Q5: Can I freeze these tacos?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the taco filling for later use. Just freeze it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat it and assemble the tacos.

Q6: Can I add veggies to these tacos?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the filling for added flavor and texture.

Q7: Can I use a store-bought pizza sauce?
A7: Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works just fine. If you prefer homemade, feel free to use your favorite recipe.

Q8: Can I add more cheese?
A8: Yes, you can! If you love cheese, pile on some extra mozzarella, or try adding provolone or Parmesan for more flavor.

Q9: How spicy are these tacos?
A9: The level of spiciness depends on the red pepper flakes and any additional hot sauce you might add. If you prefer them milder, reduce the spice ingredients or skip the hot sauce.

Q10: Can I serve these tacos with anything else?
A10: Definitely! Serve with a side of chips, salsa, or guacamole for the perfect Mexican-inspired meal.

Conclusion

These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are the perfect mix of two iconic dishes—pizza and tacos—and make for a fun, flavorful, and filling meal. The combination of savory meats, melty cheese, and tangy pizza sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, making dinner for the family, or just craving something a little different, these tacos are sure to become a new favorite.

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