Prepare the Taco Shells: If you’d like extra crispy taco shells, lightly brush each taco shell with olive oil and place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Alternatively, you can heat the shells in the microwave for 30 seconds if you prefer a softer taco.
Assemble the Tacos: Once the taco shells are ready, spoon the cooked meat mixture into each shell, filling them generously. Top the meat with pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese.
Bake the Tacos: Place the filled tacos on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’d like a little extra crispiness on top, you can broil the tacos for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Serve and Garnish: Remove the tacos from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and added flavor. Serve immediately with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Suggestions: Serve these pizza tacos with a side of crispy fries, a green salad, or a fresh antipasto platter for a complete meal. If you want to make them even more indulgent, add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover pizza tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the taco shell is crisp again. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked tacos for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Customizing: If you’re serving a crowd with varying tastes, set up a “taco bar” and let everyone build their own meat lovers pizza tacos. Provide extra toppings like olives, mushrooms, peppers, or even different types of cheese.
Variants:
Veggie Lovers Pizza Tacos: For a lighter option, swap out the meats for a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Add a handful of olives or artichokes for added flavor and texture.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Tacos: Replace the beef and sausage with cooked, shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Top with blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a spicy twist on this dish.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Tacos: Swap the pepperoni and sausage for BBQ chicken and top with red onion, mozzarella, and cheddar. A drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce after baking will give these tacos a sweet and smoky kick.
Breakfast Pizza Tacos: Create a breakfast version by using scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage as your filling. Add cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of green onions or chives for a savory morning treat.
FAQ:
Can I make these tacos ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also assemble the tacos and store them in the fridge (before baking) for up to 24 hours. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What kind of taco shells should I use? Soft flour tortillas work best for these pizza tacos, as they hold the filling well and give a soft, chewy texture. However, you can also use hard taco shells if you prefer extra crunch.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef or sausage. Just be sure to season the meat well to ensure it’s flavorful.
How can I make the tacos spicier? Add more red pepper flakes, or drizzle hot sauce on top of the tacos after baking. You can also use spicy pepperoni or add jalapeños to the filling.
Can I use different kinds of cheese? Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan are all excellent choices. You can even add a little ricotta for a creamy texture.
Conclusion: Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos offer the ultimate combination of two favorite comfort foods, pizza and tacos, with layers of savory meats and melted cheese in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a fun dinner party or simply looking to spice up your weeknight meals, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With endless customization options and easy preparation, these meat-filled delights are sure to become a new family favorite. Happy eating!
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