Savory Meat Lover’s Pizza Tacos

Craving the ultimate fusion of two beloved classics? Look no further than these mouthwatering Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos! Picture this – a delicious medley of ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, and sausage, all nestled in a warm tortilla with gooey melted cheese and zesty pizza sauce. These tacos are a game-changer, offering all the flavors of a meat lovers pizza in a convenient and handheld package.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a delightful experiment to satisfy my son’s taco obsession and my daughter’s love for meat lovers pizza. The result? A delightful marriage of flavors that will have your taste buds singing. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, these pizza tacos are a hit with both kids and adults alike. So, if you’re looking to shake up your taco night or pizza party, give these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Quick Benefits

• Combines the flavors of meat lovers pizza with the convenience of a taco
• Easier to eat and less messy than traditional pizza slices
• Customizable with different pizza meats, veggies, and cheeses
• Can be prepped ahead of time for a quick and satisfying meal

Why You’ll Love This Savory Meat Lover’s Pizza Tacos Recipe

• Innovative Fusion: Combining the flavors of a meat lovers pizza with the convenience of a taco creates a unique and delicious eating experience.
• Kid-approved: Perfect for children who love pizza and taco enthusiasts alike, this recipe appeals to a wide range of tastes.
• Easy to Eat: Enjoy the familiar taste of pizza without the mess – the tortilla makes it convenient to enjoy all the flavors in a handheld taco form.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the toppings to cater to your family’s preferences by adding different meats, vegetables, or cheeses for variety.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for casual gatherings or family dinners, these tacos are sure to be a hit and can be easily doubled or tripled.
• Versatile: Serve as a complete meal or pair with sides like fries, onion rings, or a salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
• Make-ahead Option: Prep the meat mixture in advance for a quick and convenient meal, just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
• Reheatable: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven, maintaining the crispiness of the tortilla for a tasty meal the next day.

Ingredients for Savory Meat Lover’s Pizza Tacos

Meat Mixture

• 1/2 cup sliced sausage
• 1/2 cup pepperoni, diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings & Assembly

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 8 tortillas

How to Make Savory Meat Lover’s Pizza Tacos

Step 1: Cook ground beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add meats and seasonings

Combine pepperoni, bacon, sausage, bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix the flavors.

Step 3: Warm tortillas

Preheat oven to 350°F. Warm tortillas in the oven for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Step 4: Add sauce

Take the tortillas out of the oven and evenly spread pizza sauce on each.

Step 5: Add toppings

Spread the meat mixture evenly onto the tortillas and top with mozzarella cheese and black olives.

Step 6: Bake until melted

Place the tortillas back in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and serve

Allow the tacos to sit for a minute before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Storage Tips

To store the meat lovers pizza tacos, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Placing a sheet of parchment paper between the layers of tacos can help prevent them from sticking together. Store the tacos in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the oven to help retain their crispiness rather than using the microwave, which can make the tortillas chewy.

For longer storage, consider freezing the meat lovers pizza tacos. Wrap each taco individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly frozen, the tacos can last for up to a month. To reheat from frozen, unwrap the tacos and bake them in the oven until heated through, ensuring the tortillas become crispy again. This method helps preserve the texture and flavors of the dish for a satisfying meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some substitutions in this recipe, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of meat, such as turkey pepperoni or turkey bacon, feel free to make that swap to suit your dietary preferences.

For a vegetarian twist on these meat lovers pizza tacos, you can omit the meats altogether and opt for a variety of grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and bell peppers. This will give you a flavorful and hearty veggie alternative that still captures the essence of a pizza filling.

If you’re looking to change up the flavors, consider using different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different seasonings like adding red pepper flakes for some heat or swapping out the Italian seasoning for a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme. Feel free to customize these tacos to your liking by incorporating your favorite pizza toppings and flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with the Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos, consider setting up a DIY taco bar for a fun and interactive meal experience. Arrange the cooked meat mixture, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, black olives, and any other toppings in separate bowls. Warm the tortillas and let your family or guests assemble their own tacos with their preferred fillings. This setup allows everyone to customize their tacos to their liking and adds a playful twist to mealtime.

Another unique way to serve these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos is to turn them into a pizza taco salad. Crisp up some tortilla strips or chips to use as a base, then top them with a generous portion of the meat mixture, shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, and a dollop of pizza sauce. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sliced black olives and serve it as a deconstructed taco salad with all the flavors of a meat lovers pizza. This creative presentation adds a refreshing twist to the classic taco concept and makes for a delightful and satisfying meal.

FAQs for Savory Meat Lover’s Pizza Tacos

Can I substitute any of the meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the meat selection based on your preferences. You can swap out any of the meats like ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, and sausage with alternatives like chicken, ham, Italian sausage, or even vegetarian options like mushrooms or tofu.

How should I store and reheat the leftovers?

Leftover meat lovers pizza tacos can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. To reheat, it’s best to use the oven to help crisp up the tortillas and maintain the texture. Avoid microwaving the tacos, as it can make the tortillas chewy.

Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time to save time on the day you plan to make the tacos. Simply store the cooked meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the tacos.

What are some suggested side dishes and beverages to serve with these tacos?

These meat lovers pizza tacos pair well with crispy fries or onion rings as side dishes. A simple green salad can help balance out the rich meat and cheese flavors. For beverages, cold soda or beer complement the meal nicely, and having extra pizza sauce for dipping can enhance the experience.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and trying out these delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos as much as I did! The fusion of pizza flavors in a convenient taco form is truly a game-changer. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, these tacos are sure to hit the spot.

Experiment with different toppings and cheeses to make these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos your own signature dish. Remember, the key is in moderation when it comes to filling them up – you want them to be hearty, not overflowing. And don’t forget to warm those tortillas for that perfect taco experience!

So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful pizza-taco fusion experience soon? These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are bound to become a regular feature on your menu rotation, bringing joy and deliciousness to your dining table every time. Enjoy!