Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tacos – A Mouthwatering Mashup of Two Classics!
Craving pizza and tacos at the same time? These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are the perfect fusion of both! Imagine crispy or soft taco shells loaded with seasoned ground beef, rich pizza sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and spicy pepperoni – all in one bite. This easy dinner idea is kid-friendly, party-ready, and totally crave-worthy.
Ingredients:
- 8–10 taco shells (hard or soft, your choice)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 20–30 mini pepperoni slices
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Pizza Beef Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in pizza sauce and let simmer for 4–5 minutes to combine the flavors.
2. Assemble the Tacos
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions or toast them lightly in a pan.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the pizza beef mixture into each taco shell.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella (and cheddar, if using).
- Top with 2–3 slices of pepperoni.
- For extra cheesy goodness, place tacos on a baking tray and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and pepperoni crisps.
3. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Serve hot with ranch, garlic dip, or extra pizza sauce on the side!
Tips for Best Results:
- Use mini pepperoni for perfect taco-sized bites.
- You can swap the beef with shredded chicken or a vegetarian meat substitute.
- Leftover filling? Use it on a pizza, baked potatoes, or pasta!