If you’re a fan of bold flavors and creative comfort food, meat lovers pizza tacos will quickly become your new go-to dish. This recipe combines all the best parts of a classic meat lovers pizza with the fun, handheld convenience of tacos. You get gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and a hearty mix of meats all wrapped in a soft taco shell.
Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or serving something unique at your next gathering, meat lovers pizza tacos offer a delicious mashup that everyone will love. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and customizable to your taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Combines two beloved comfort foods into one fun, handheld meal.
- Loaded with a variety of savory meats for rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- Simple ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find.
- Perfect for parties, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals.
- Customizable toppings and spice levels to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients to create your meat lovers pizza tacos. The quantities are perfect for 6 servings, so you can share the love or save some for later.
- 12 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup cooked and diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef
- 3/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for crisping tortillas)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced green peppers, chopped onions, sliced jalapeños
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos: The Ultimate Mashup!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked Italian sausage, bacon, pepperoni, ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Lightly brush both sides of each flour tortilla with olive oil. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 4 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are warm and slightly crisp but still pliable.
- Remove the tortillas from the oven and carefully spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto the center of each tortilla, spreading slightly but leaving edges clear.
- Distribute the mixed meats evenly over the sauce on each tortilla, then sprinkle an even mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Return the tacos to the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and any optional toppings you like.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the ultimate meat lovers pizza taco experience!
Tips for the Best Results
- Cook all meats ahead of time to ensure even cooking and convenience.
- Use fresh tortillas and brush them with oil to get that perfect crisp, not soggy.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite pizza meats or add veggies for extra flavor and texture.
- Don’t overload the tacos – too much filling can make them hard to handle.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to amplify the pizza experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover meat lovers pizza tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the shells from getting soggy, separate the filling from the tortillas if possible.
For longer storage, freeze the tacos individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, but corn tortillas are less flexible and may crack when folded. To prevent this, warm them gently before assembling to make them more pliable.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the meats with plant-based sausage, mushrooms, or a mix of roasted veggies to keep the hearty flavor without the meat.
Can I prepare the meat mixture in advance?
Yes, cooking and mixing the meats ahead of time saves prep during assembly. Store the mixture in the refrigerator and reheat slightly before adding to the tacos.
What cheese works best for meat lovers pizza tacos?
A blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives both gooey meltiness and sharp flavor. You can also experiment with provolone or Monterey Jack for different tastes.