Introduction

These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine the best of two beloved comfort foods into one easy weeknight dinner. Imagine taco shells filled with savory pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and melty cheese, then baked to perfection. For another fun fusion dish, try this Blueberry Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe. This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos deliver a satisfying crunch with a savory, cheesy filling that combines the best of pizza and taco night in every bite.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Timing

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

Context: This Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Taco Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange 6-8 hard taco shells upright in a baking dish or taco holder. This ensures they heat evenly and stay crisp.

Step 2 — Cook the Meats

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ½ pound each of ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Add ¼ pound of chopped pepperoni during the last 2 minutes of cooking to slightly crisp the edges.

Step 3 — Season the Meat Mixture

Stir in ½ cup of pizza sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder into the cooked meat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.

Step 4 — Warm the Taco Shells

Place the taco shells in the preheated oven for 3-4 minutes until warm and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.

Step 5 — Fill the Taco Shells

Spoon the hot meat mixture evenly into each warm taco shell, filling about ¾ full to leave room for toppings.

Step 6 — Add Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat in each taco. The residual heat will begin melting the cheese immediately.

Step 7 — Add Additional Toppings

Top your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos with sliced black olives, diced onions, and banana pepper rings if desired. Customize with your favorite pizza toppings.

Step 8 — Optional Broiling Step

For melted, bubbly cheese, place the assembled tacos under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is golden and melted. Watch constantly to prevent burning.

Step 9 — Serve Immediately

Serve your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos right away while the shells are crisp and the fillings are hot. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	26g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey — Offers a lighter protein option while maintaining savory flavor.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas — Adds fiber and nutrients compared to traditional taco shells.
• Low-Fat Mozzarella — Reduces saturated fat while keeping the classic pizza cheese taste.
• Lettuce Wraps — Creates a fresh, low-carb alternative to tortillas.
• Nutritional Yeast — Provides a dairy-free, cheesy flavor with B vitamins.
• Turkey Pepperoni — Cuts sodium and fat while delivering that signature spicy kick.
• Homemade Pizza Sauce — Allows control over sugar and sodium content compared to store-bought versions.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad featuring Italian dressing to balance the richness of the Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
• Serve alongside garlic breadsticks or cheesy bread for a complete pizza-themed meal experience
• Offer various dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic sauce for enhanced flavor customization
• Perfect for game day gatherings, family taco nights, or casual parties where crowd-pleasing food is essential
• Create a build-your-own Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos bar with assorted toppings for interactive dining
• Plate on a colorful platter with lime wedges and fresh herbs for visual appeal
• Excellent for potlucks and picnics since they’re easily portable and served at room temperature

These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos shine brightest when served fresh and warm, making them ideal for casual entertaining where hearty, flavorful food takes center stage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold taco shells straight from the package. Fix: Warm them briefly in the oven first to prevent cracking under the weight of toppings.
• Mistake: Overloading shells with too much sauce, making them soggy. Fix: Apply a thin layer of pizza sauce to maintain structural integrity.
• Mistake: Cooking all meats together, resulting in uneven doneness. Fix: Cook sausage, pepperoni, and ground beef separately for perfect texture.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese that doesn’t melt smoothly. Fix: Shred block mozzarella yourself for superior melt and stretch.
• Mistake: Assembling completely before baking, leading to spillage. Fix: Add delicate ingredients like fresh herbs after baking.
• Mistake: Baking at wrong temperature, burning shells before cheese melts. Fix: Use 375°F for 8-10 minutes for balanced cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping seasoning on meat blend, creating bland filling. Fix: Season meats with Italian herbs and garlic powder while cooking.
• Mistake: Choosing wrong shell type that can’t hold hearty toppings. Fix: Use sturdy stand-and-stuff or hard taco shells for these loaded Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individually in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Bake at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10–15 minutes.

Always let your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain texture and prevent condensation.

Conclusion

These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are the ultimate fusion meal, combining your favorite pizza toppings in a fun, handheld format. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe for another easy pizza-inspired treat. Let us know how your tacos turned out in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos

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A delicious fusion of pizza and tacos, loaded with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, sausage, and plenty of cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the pizza sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and the pepperoni slices.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place tortillas on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to crisp slightly.
7. Remove tortillas from oven and divide the meat mixture evenly among them, spreading it out to cover the surface.
8. Top each tortilla with remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan.
9. Return to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use a cast-iron skillet to brown the tortillas before filling. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 850
• Fat: 24
• Saturated Fat: 10
• Unsaturated Fat: 12
• Trans Fat: 1
• Carbohydrates: 25
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 26
• Cholesterol: 70

FAQs

Can I prepare Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the taco meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Assemble and bake your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos just before serving for the best texture.

What are the best meats to use for Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos?

Classic pizza meats like pepperoni, Italian sausage, and crumbled bacon work perfectly. Combining these gives your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos that authentic, hearty flavor everyone loves.

How do I keep the taco shells from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the taco shells for a few minutes before filling them. Also, avoid overloading them with wet ingredients to ensure your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos stay crisp.