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These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos started as a fun experiment in my kitchen one night when I couldn't decide between pizza and tacos. Now they're our favorite Thursday night dinner. The combination of that cheesy taco shell with all those pizza flavors inside creates something truly magical. My kids actually cheer when they see these on the menu.
A Family Favorite
What I love most about these tacos is how they bring together two of our favorite meals. The nacho cheese shells add an extra layer of flavor that makes them even more special. Every bite is loaded with that perfect combination of meat and cheese that pizza lovers crave. Plus they're so simple to put together on busy weeknights.
What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: ½ pound; cooked and crumbled for a hearty base.
- Italian Sausage: ½ pound; adds bold, savory flavor.
- Pepperoni: ½ cup, diced; for classic pizza taste.
- Pizza Sauce: 1 cup; store-bought or homemade for coating the meat.
- Cheese Taco Shells: 8 Old El Paso™ Bold Nacho Cheese Stand 'N Stuff™ Taco Shells; adds extra cheesy goodness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded; for gooey, melty topping.
- Green Onions: 2 tbsp, chopped; for a fresh garnish.
Let's Make Some Tacos
- Start with Your Meat
- Brown up your beef and sausage until it's nice and crumbly. Make sure to drain off the extra fat.
- Add the Pizza Touch
- Mix in those diced pepperoni pieces and your favorite pizza sauce. Let it simmer together so all those flavors can blend.
- Get Your Shells Ready
- Warm up those cheesy taco shells they're even better when they're heated just right.
- Time to Build
- Fill each shell with your meat mixture then top with lots of melty mozzarella and fresh green onions.
- Dig In
- Serve them up while they're hot and the cheese is all melty. We love dipping ours in extra marinara sauce.
Make Them Your Own
Sometimes I swap in ground turkey when we want something lighter. If you're not a fan of crunchy shells soft tortillas work great too. My kids love adding their favorite pizza toppings I keep mushrooms and olives on hand for them to customize their tacos.
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Plan Ahead
The meat filling keeps really well in the fridge for a few days which makes dinner prep super quick. Just heat it up when you're ready to eat. If you have any leftover assembled tacos pop them in the oven to reheat they'll stay nice and crispy that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different meats?
- Yes, you can customize the meat mixture with your favorite pizza toppings like bacon, ham, or chicken. Just make sure they're cooked before adding.
- → What can I substitute for the nacho cheese shells?
- Regular hard taco shells work well, or you can use soft flour tortillas warmed until slightly crispy. Any taco shell you prefer will work.
- → Can I add more pizza toppings?
- Yes, you can add mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the meat mixture. Just cook them with the meat until softened.
- → How do I keep the shells from getting soggy?
- Warm the shells before filling and don't prepare them too far in advance. The pizza sauce should be thick rather than watery.
- → Can I make the meat mixture ahead?
- Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Assemble the tacos just before eating for best results.