Name: Mazzio’s Pizza & Wings Mazzio's - Taco Pizza Recipe
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 unit ready-made pizza dough (or store-bought thin crust); 1 tbs olive oil; 1 cup refried beans; 1 tbs mild salsa (or taco sauce); 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced; 1 tsp garlic, minced; 1 tbs chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp paprika; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.25 cup water; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack (or Mexican blend); 0.5 cup diced tomatoes (drained if very juicy); 0.25 cup sliced black olives; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 0.25 cup diced red onion; 1 unit sliced jalapeño (optional); 2 tbs chopped cilantro; 0.5 cup sour cream; 2 tbs taco sauce or hot sauce; 2 unit lime wedges

Method

Crust & Base

Prepare oven and dough

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. Lightly oil a baking sheet or pizza pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle (or to fit your pan), creating a slightly thicker rim for the crust. Transfer dough to the prepared pan.

Spread bean base

Warm the refried beans slightly in a microwave or small saucepan so they spread easily. Stir in 1 tablespoon mild salsa (or taco sauce) into the refried beans for extra flavor. Spread the bean mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust.

Taco Meat

Cook the beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the diced onion and continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 3–4 more minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.

Season the meat

Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Stir to coat and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in 1/4 cup water, stir, and simmer until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture is slightly saucy but not wet, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble meat on pizza

Scatter the seasoned beef evenly over the refried-bean–covered dough, leaving the crust edge clear.

Cheese & Toppings (to bake)

Add cheeses and other bakeable toppings

Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and shredded Monterey Jack (or Mexican blend) over the beef layer. Scatter the diced tomatoes and sliced black olives over the cheese. If you like extra crispness on the crust, brush the crust edge lightly with a little olive oil.

Bake the pizza

Place the pizza on the middle rack (or on the preheated pizza stone) and bake at 475°F (245°C) until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly, 10–12 minutes. Oven times vary; check at 8 minutes if your oven runs hot.

Fresh Finish & Garnish (after baking)

Add fresh toppings

Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle shredded iceberg lettuce evenly over the hot pizza, then add the diced red onion, sliced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.

Sauce and serve

Drizzle sour cream in a zig-zag or dot pattern across the pizza, or serve sour cream on the side. Add taco sauce or hot sauce to taste and squeeze lime wedges over the slices just before serving. Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately.