Description
These Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos bring together all the cheesy, meaty goodness of a loaded pizza — packed into a taco shell for the ultimate handheld meal! With savory ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella layered into taco shells and optionally baked until crisp, this recipe is a quick, crowd-pleasing fusion perfect for dinner, game day, or a fun family night.
Ingredients
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1/2 lb ground beef
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1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 1/4 cups marinara or pizza sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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20–25 pepperoni slices
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8 taco shells (hard or soft)
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Crushed red pepper (optional)
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
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Season and Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
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Prep Shells: Warm taco shells according to package instructions. If using soft tortillas, lightly toast in a dry skillet for extra flavor.
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Assemble Tacos: Spoon the meat mixture into each shell. Top with mozzarella, cheddar (if using), and 2–3 pepperoni slices per taco.
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Optional Bake: Arrange filled tacos snugly in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and edges begin to crisp.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot with dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
Use thick marinara or pizza sauce to avoid soggy tacos.
Add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or peppers for a deluxe version.
Bake tacos snugly to help them hold their shape and keep toppings in place.
For crispy shells, brush with olive oil before baking.
Want extra heat? Add crushed red pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Game Day
- Method: Skillet, Oven
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Keywords: pizza tacos, meat lovers tacos, taco pizza, fusion recipe, weeknight dinner, game day food