Taco Meat Pizza Recipe

Preheat and prepare

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 peel with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Stretch or roll the pizza dough to a 12-inch circle (or desired size). Transfer dough to the oiled baking sheet or onto a floured pizza peel.

Cook the meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it starts to brown, about 4–5 minutes.

Add the diced onion and continue to cook until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully browned, about 3–4 minutes more. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving about 1 tsp in the pan.

Push beef to the side and add minced garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook 30–45 seconds to bloom the spices.

Mix in tomato paste and 1/4 cup water, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lime juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Brush the stretched dough lightly with olive oil (about 1 tsp). This helps prevent sogginess from the meat.

Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch rim for the crust. Use a slotted spoon to reduce excess juices so the crust doesn't get soggy.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the meat, then the shredded cheddar. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion and sliced black olives on top.

Evenly distribute the lightly crushed tortilla chips over the cheese and toppings. The chips add crunch after baking.

Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

If you prefer extra-crisp chips, broil on high for 1 minute at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Dollop or spread salsa in several spots or serve salsa on the side for dipping.

Top the pizza with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, pickled or fresh jalapeño slices, and small spoonfuls of sour cream or dollops of sour cream across the pizza.

Sprinkle chopped cilantro if using and serve with lime wedges. Cut into 8 slices and serve immediately.