If you’ve ever struggled to choose between pizza night and taco Tuesday, Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are your dream come true. This creative recipe brings together the best of both worlds—crispy taco shells filled with gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and an irresistible mix of hearty meats. Each bite bursts with the flavors of a loaded pizza, all wrapped in a handheld, crunchy shell. I tried this recipe on a Friday movie night, and it instantly became a family favorite! They’re quick, customizable, and perfect for parties, game nights, or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are the ultimate comfort food mashup. They’re loaded with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and gooey mozzarella, making every bite satisfying and indulgent. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare—just a few ingredients, a quick bake or pan-fry, and dinner is ready. They’re also endlessly versatile: swap in your favorite pizza toppings or cheeses to make them your own.
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos – The Ultimate Fusion Feast for Pizza and Taco Fans
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Diet: Halal
Description
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine the best of both worlds — cheesy, saucy pizza flavors wrapped in a crispy taco shell. Loaded with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ground beef, these handheld delights are perfect for game nights or quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
- Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil and arrange them over the edges of a baking sheet or taco rack to form taco shapes.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes or until lightly crisped.
- In a skillet, combine cooked ground beef, sausage, and bacon; heat until warm and well mixed.
- Remove tortillas from the oven and spoon a small amount of pizza sauce into each shell.
- Fill each taco with the meat mixture, then top with pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese.
- Return tacos to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Use mini tortillas for bite-sized appetizers.
- Can substitute low-carb tortillas for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Mexican)
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Small flour or corn tortillas – These form the taco shells. Flour tortillas work best for flexibility and hold up well to the fillings.
Pizza sauce – A rich, tangy tomato base that gives the tacos their pizza flavor. Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own.
Mozzarella cheese – The essential melty cheese that ties everything together.
Cooked Italian sausage – Adds savory, spiced flavor that gives the tacos that authentic pizza shop taste.
Pepperoni slices – Classic and bold, these add a deliciously smoky, salty bite.
Crispy bacon – Provides crunch and a rich, meaty depth of flavor.
Ground beef (optional) – For an even heartier taco, brown and season some ground beef to layer inside.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a finishing touch of sharp, nutty flavor.
Olive oil – Helps crisp up the tortillas and adds a hint of richness.
Italian seasoning and garlic powder – Enhance the flavor with aromatic herbs and spices.
Fresh basil or parsley – Optional garnish for freshness and a pop of color.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush both sides of your tortillas with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make them pliable. Drape each tortilla over the bars of an oven rack (or use a taco rack) to form a taco shape and bake for 6–8 minutes, until crispy and golden.
In a skillet, cook your sausage and bacon until browned and crisp. Drain excess fat. If using ground beef, brown it separately with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once all meats are ready, combine them in a bowl.
Spread a small spoonful of pizza sauce inside each baked taco shell. Fill with the meat mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then top with pepperoni slices. Place the filled tacos on a baking sheet and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while hot and gooey, with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 tacos, serving 4 people. Preparation time is 15 minutes, cooking time is 15 minutes, for a total of around 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the shells from getting soggy.
Variations and Customizations
BBQ Pizza Tacos – Swap pizza sauce for barbecue sauce and add shredded chicken and red onions.
Supreme Pizza Tacos – Add sautéed peppers, onions, and black olives for a loaded version.
Hawaiian Style – Include diced ham and pineapple for a sweet-savory twist.
Spicy Lovers’ Edition – Add jalapeños, spicy sausage, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Vegetarian Option – Skip the meat and load up with mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
Breakfast Pizza Tacos – Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese for a morning treat.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos – Replace meats with buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free tortillas or shells.
Extra Cheesy – Mix in provolone or cheddar with the mozzarella for an extra cheesy punch.
Mini Party Tacos – Use street taco-sized tortillas for bite-sized appetizers.
FAQs
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, cook the shells for 4–5 minutes at 375°F, then fill and air-fry again for 2–3 minutes.
Can I use store-bought taco shells?
Absolutely—they work great and save time.
What kind of sauce works best?
Classic pizza sauce or marinara sauce is perfect, but you can experiment with spicy or creamy versions.
Can I make these ahead?
You can prepare the filling in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella gives the best stretch, but a mozzarella-provolone blend works beautifully.
How do I keep the shells crispy?
Bake the shells before filling and avoid overloading them with sauce.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or shredded chicken both work well.
Are these kid-friendly?
Definitely! They’re fun to eat and easy to customize for picky eaters.
What sides go well with them?
Serve with salad, fries, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze the filling separately; assemble fresh before baking for best texture.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves bold, cheesy, meaty flavors. With crispy shells, rich sauce, and melty cheese, they bring together the best elements of pizza and tacos in one unforgettable dish. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or weekend comfort food, these tacos are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll never have to choose between pizza and tacos again!
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