If you’ve ever been torn between craving pizza or tacos, this recipe is your dream come true. Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos combine everything you adore about a loaded meat pizza with the crispy, handheld convenience of tacos. It’s a fun twist that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or casual dinners when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The savory aroma of sizzling meats, melted cheese, and warm tortillas makes this dish irresistible. I tried this recipe using homemade taco shells and substituted traditional pizza sauce with spicy marinara—it worked wonderfully. Each bite bursts with flavor: smoky pepperoni, juicy sausage, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella. This recipe is hearty, indulgent, and guaranteed to satisfy every meat lover at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos deliver bold, cheesy, and meaty goodness in every bite. They’re easy to assemble, fun to customize, and perfect for using up leftover pizza ingredients. Plus, they’re kid-approved and make a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping party snack.
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos: The Ultimate Fusion of Two Classics
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Diet: Halal
Description
A fun fusion of two comfort food favorites — pizza and tacos. These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are packed with savory meats, gooey cheese, and classic pizza flavors all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell.
Ingredients
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef
- 1/4 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced onions, bell peppers, red pepper flakes, fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Warm the tortillas slightly in a pan or microwave to make them pliable.
- Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil and place them in a taco holder or drape them over the bars of an oven rack to form taco shapes.
- Bake for about 5-7 minutes or until crisp and golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce inside each taco shell.
- Layer with cooked ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the meat.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top.
- Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with optional toppings like olives, onions, or fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute any meats you like such as bacon or ham.
- Use low-carb tortillas for a lighter version.
- Serve immediately for best crispness.
- Great for game nights or parties!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Mexican)
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Every element in these Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what makes this recipe shine:
Ground beef – The hearty base of these tacos, ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor. I prefer using lean ground beef to keep things less greasy while maintaining that classic meaty taste.
Italian sausage – This adds depth and a touch of spice, making the tacos taste like authentic pizza. A mix of sweet and hot sausage gives a great balance.
Pepperoni slices – Their crisped edges bring that unmistakable pizza flavor. I like to lightly pan-fry them for extra crunch.
Crispy bacon – Smoky and salty, bacon adds irresistible texture and enhances the meaty richness.
Pizza sauce – A tangy tomato base ties everything together. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara.
Mozzarella cheese – The melty, stretchy cheese that brings that signature pizza pull. Shredded mozzarella melts evenly for the best texture.
Mini flour tortillas – These serve as your taco shells. When warmed slightly, they become soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.
Olive oil – Used for lightly brushing the tortillas before toasting, giving them a golden, crispy finish.
Italian seasoning and garlic powder – These spices elevate the flavor and give each bite an authentic pizzeria taste.
Fresh parsley or basil – A garnish that adds a pop of freshness and color before serving.
Directions
- Prepare the meats. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the bacon. In a separate pan, fry bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- Crisp the pepperoni. Lightly pan-fry the pepperoni slices until the edges curl for that perfect crunch.
- Warm the tortillas. Brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil and heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until lightly golden.
- Assemble the tacos. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each tortilla. Add a layer of cooked meats—beef, sausage, bacon, and pepperoni.
- Top with cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the filling.
- Melt and finish. Place the assembled tacos on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top before serving hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 tacos, serving 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again, or use an air fryer for 5 minutes for the best texture. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the tortillas soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving for extra heat.
Cheesy Overload: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a richer flavor.
Veggie Twist: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a supreme-style version.
Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter alternative.
BBQ Version: Swap the pizza sauce for smoky barbecue sauce and use shredded chicken or pulled pork.
Breakfast Edition: Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese for a hearty morning meal.
Margherita Style: Go simple with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil for a lighter variation.
Hawaiian Fusion: Add ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory surprise.
Loaded Supreme: Include olives, green peppers, and red onions to make it extra loaded.
Gourmet Touch: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with arugula for a more refined version.
FAQs
How can I make these tacos crispier?
Brush tortillas with olive oil and bake them briefly before filling for added crunch.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, though they’re more delicate—warm them gently so they don’t tear.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Mozzarella is classic, but a blend of mozzarella and provolone works beautifully.
Can I prepare the meat mixture in advance?
Absolutely. Store cooked meats in the fridge for up to 3 days and assemble when ready.
How do I make this recipe kid-friendly?
Skip the spicy sausage and red pepper flakes—kids love the mild, cheesy flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the meats with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Use the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness without drying out the filling.
Can I freeze these tacos?
Yes, freeze them individually wrapped in foil and reheat in the oven.
What’s a good side dish?
Garlic breadsticks, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Can I make these for a crowd?
Definitely. Double the recipe and use a baking sheet to melt all tacos at once.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are the ultimate comfort food mashup, delivering bold flavors in every crispy, cheesy bite. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for satisfying even the hungriest crowd. Whether you serve them for dinner, game night, or a casual get-together, these tacos are sure to become a new family favorite.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!