Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tacos bring the best of two weeknight favorites together—think bubbling mozzarella, zesty seasoned beef, and crispy pepperoni all tucked inside a taco shell. Perfect for game day spreads, casual get-togethers, or an easy family dinner, these handheld pizzas disappear as fast as you can bake them.
Ingredients
- 8–10 taco shells (hard or soft, your choice)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into quarters)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1- Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2- Season It Up
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour in the pizza sauce and stir to combine.
Simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
3- Build the Tacos
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish so they stand upright.
Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each shell.
Top each taco generously with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
4- Bake Until Melty
Transfer the baking dish to the oven.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and gooey.
5- Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.a
Serve hot with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Customize the Crunch: Hard taco shells give a pizza-nacho vibe, while soft flour tortillas create a cozy, calzone-like wrap. Warm soft tortillas first so they fold without tearing.
- Prep Ahead: The beef filling can be cooked and seasoned a day in advance. Reheat gently before stuffing shells.
- Go Veggie: Swap in sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for a meat-free version.
- Cheese It Up: Blend in a little provolone or Parmesan with the mozzarella for an extra-savory punch.
- Heat Level: Skip or double the red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet + Oven
- Cuisine: Italian-Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: ~260
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: ~550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: <0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: pizza tacos, pepperoni taco recipe, cheesy dinner, game-day snack, easy family meal