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This Godfathers Taco Pizza brings together the best parts of a hearty, cheesy pizza and the familiar comfort of loaded tacos. Whenever my family cannot decide between taco night or pizza night, I roll out this recipe and watch everyone rush to the table. It is a fun showstopper to serve for gatherings or a unique twist for weeknight dinner.
The first time I made this, my kids declared it better than takeout and now it is our go to party pizza. The oven smells incredible as it bakes and everyone gets to pile on their favorite crunchy vegetables at the end.
Ingredients
- Pizza sauce: Adds tomatoey depth for the base. Choose one with a short ingredient list
- Taco sauce: Brings a tangy and spicy punch. Opt for mild or hot depending on your crowd
- Taco seasoning: Flavors the beef with classic Tex-Mex notes. Try to use a low sodium blend
- Refried beans: Help bind the toppings and give a creamy bite. Go for ones with no added lard if possible
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly and holds it all together. Shred it yourself if you can
- Ground beef: Gives the pizza its taco heart. Use an 85 percent lean blend for best flavor
- Tomato: Brings out freshness on top. Use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for sweetness
- Lettuce: Adds crunch and color. Romaine or iceberg works well and stays crisp
- Cheddar cheese: Gives a golden finish to the pizza. A sharp cheddar adds punch
- Olives (optional): Deliver a salty savory bite. Use sliced black olives or even jalapenos if you like heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Meat:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for about eight minutes breaking it up with your spoon until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat so your pizza does not get greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water and let it simmer for another two minutes until aromatic.
- Prepare the Dough and Sauces:
- Press your pizza dough into a greased baking sheet or stretch it out onto a pizza stone for a crispier base. Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the crust, then layer on the taco sauce, followed by gentle dollops of refried beans. Spread the beans with the back of a spoon for even coverage.
- Layer the Cheese and Meat:
- Scatter half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauced crust. Next, evenly distribute your seasoned taco meat, then top with the remaining mozzarella. Make sure to reach the edges for bubbly golden cheese in every bite.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Transfer your pizza to a preheated oven set at four hundred eighty degrees. Bake for eleven minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is deep golden brown. Check the underside for crispness before removing.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve:
- Once baked, scatter the shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, cheddar cheese, and optional olives over the hot pizza. Slice and serve immediately so the toppings stay fresh and cool against the warm pizza.
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My favorite ingredient in this pizza is the dollop of creamy refried beans tucked under the cheese as it keeps every bite moist and gives a nod to classic Tex-Mex flavor. One time we let everyone customize their own side of the pizza which turned into an all night laughter filled competition for the best topping combo.
Storage Tips
Leftover taco pizza stays tasty for up to three days in the fridge. Wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Warm on a baking sheet in the oven to keep the crust crisp. Serve with a fresh scattering of lettuce and tomato if you have extra.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or a vegetarian crumble for a lighter version. If you are out of mozzarella, try a pizza blend or even Monterey Jack. For a gluten free pie, use a cauliflower or gluten free crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this taco pizza alongside a simple avocado salad or a bowl of tortilla chips with salsa. For a party, try making mini individual pizzas so everyone can personalize their toppings. Top leftovers with a fried egg for a spicy brunch treat.
A Little Taco Pizza Backstory
This recipe takes its cue from the legendary Godfathers pizza chain where taco pizzas are a cult favorite. The melding of classic American pizza technique and bold Mexican flavors is what makes this dish so craveable. For us it is a mashup tradition that always gets my family excited for dinnertime.
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Once you try this Godfathers Taco Pizza you will want to put taco toppings on every pizza night. It delivers the best of both worlds and is sure to bring a smile to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken can be substituted for beef. Just season it well with taco seasoning for the desired flavor.
- → What makes the pizza sauce unique?
This creation combines pizza and taco sauces, delivering both classic and Southwestern-inspired zest.
- → Should I bake with the lettuce and tomato toppings?
For the best texture and freshness, add chopped lettuce and tomatoes after baking and slicing the pizza.
- → Are olives essential?
Olives are optional, letting you tailor the finishing touch to your preference for added flavor or texture.
- → How do I get a crispy crust?
Baking at a high temperature, like 480°F, helps achieve a crispier crust and melts the cheese nicely.
- → Can I customize the cheese?
Certainly! Swap mozzarella or cheddar for your favorites, or mix both for more depth and stretchiness.