Meet your new comfort food obsession: Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos! Imagine the smoky, savory flavors of classic pizzeria pie, tucked into crispy taco shells for the ultimate hand-held experience. These delectable bites combine melty mozzarella, hearty Italian sausage, tangy pepperoni, savory bacon, and ham, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla shell with zesty pizza sauce. With a prep time of just minutes, this fusion favorite delivers big flavor and weeknight convenience in every cheesy, meat-stuffed bite. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or simply craving something seriously satisfying, Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are bound to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things blissfully simple and utterly delicious. Every component plays an important part, from the rich, meaty fillings to the gooey cheese and fresh basil finish. Here’s what to gather for pizza perfection, taco style:
- 8 small flour tortillas: The soft base crisps up beautifully to become handy, golden taco shells.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Brings that classic, tangy tomato flavor, tying all the pizza inspiration together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into every nook, ensuring every taco is incredibly gooey and cheesy.
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled): Adds a spicy, robust meaty element essential for that “meat lovers” profile.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (quartered): Infuses each bite with smoky, slightly spicy flavor familiar from your favorite slice.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled): Lends crisp, salty, and irresistible bacon goodness throughout.
- 1/4 cup diced ham: Rounds out the meaty medley with mild, savory sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that instantly brings out all the classic pizzeria aromas.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For brushing the tortillas, ensuring they crisp up perfectly in the oven.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A pop of color and brightness on top, if you want a fresh touch to finish.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
Step 1: Crisp Up the Taco Shells
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil – this helps them bake into perfectly crisp shells. Drape each oiled tortilla over the bars of an inverted muffin tin; this clever trick shapes them into an irresistible taco form. Bake for 6-8 minutes, checking for a light golden color as your cue that they’re just right. Let them cool slightly so they hold their shape for that glorious filling.
Step 2: Sauce and Cheese First
Once your taco shells are cool enough to handle, it’s time to start layering. Spread a thin, even swipe of pizza sauce inside each taco shell. Sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese over the sauce so it forms an essential melted barrier that holds in all those juicy toppings to come.
Step 3: Load Up the Meats
Now for the star of the show: the meaty medley! Fill each taco with a hearty layer of crumbled Italian sausage, then add a generous sprinkle of quartered pepperoni, crispy bacon, and diced ham. Don’t be shy – the more meaty goodness, the bigger the flavor punch your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos will deliver.
Step 4: Top and Finish Baking
Sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella cheese over the meat, then add a pinch of Italian seasoning to bring everything together. Place the packed tacos upright on a baking sheet and pop them back into the oven for another 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once they’re hot and melty, carefully take your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos out of the oven. If you like, scatter fresh basil on top for a little color and brightness. Serve them warm for maximum enjoyment!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
Garnishes
Addicted to toppings? A sprinkle of fresh basil or Italian parsley right before serving gives your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos a beautiful, vibrant finish that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty. Red pepper flakes or a quick drizzle of garlic oil can also add an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with some crispy garlic breadsticks, a crisp Caesar salad, or even a side of classic potato wedges. For dipping, set out bowls of extra pizza sauce or ranch so everyone can customize their taco experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos party-style on a big platter for make-your-own taco night, or stack them in a taco holder for easy grabbing. You can even set up a DIY toppings bar with extras like banana peppers or pickled onions for a fun twist that gets everyone involved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the pizza tacos cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic option for a quick lunch or a next-day snack.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, so you’ve always got a Meat Lovers Pizza Taco ready to satisfy those cravings.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your tacos in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the shells will be softer. Either way, you’ll get that deliciously gooey cheese and savory filling every time.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! While flour tortillas crisp up beautifully, corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. Just handle them gently as they can be a bit more delicate when baked into taco shells.
What other meats can I add to these tacos?
Feel free to get creative – cooked ground beef, grilled chicken, or even leftover steak all make tasty additions. Just be sure everything is cooked before assembling, and chop larger pieces into bite-sized bits for easy filling.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meat mix for roasted veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives. Add a little extra cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a meat-free pizza taco that’s just as fun and flavorful.
What’s the best way to keep the taco shells crispy?
Let the shells cool for a minute after baking so they hold their shape, and don’t overfill with sauce to avoid sogginess. If you’re making ahead, store the shells and fillings separately and assemble just before reheating.
Are Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos kid-friendly?
Kids absolutely love these! They’re just the right size for little hands, and you can customize fillings if there are picky eaters in the mix. Plus, getting everyone involved in assembling their own tacos is a guaranteed hit for family dinner night.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed twist on two beloved classics, Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are your answer. Don’t wait for a special occasion – try them out for your next family dinner or casual get-together and watch them disappear. Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are a delicious fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors, combining the best of both worlds in a fun and easy-to-make dish. Perfect for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these taco shells filled with all your favorite pizza toppings are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Taco Shells:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (quartered)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup diced ham
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish:
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Taco Shells: Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil and drape them over the bars of an inverted muffin tin to form taco shells. Bake for 6-8 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and cool slightly.
- Fill the Tacos: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce inside each taco shell. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then layer in the sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ham. Top with remaining mozzarella and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Place the filled tacos on a baking sheet and return to the oven for 5-6 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes before baking.
- You can also serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Assembly
- Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
