There’s something magical that happens when two comfort food legends join forces. Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are exactly that—an irresistible mash-up of savory meats, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce, all wrapped in a crispy or soft taco shell. This playful fusion combines the best of Italian-American pizza night with the grab-and-go fun of Tex-Mex tacos. It’s the kind of dish that turns dinner into a party.
This recipe has a special place in my heart. Growing up in a loud Italian-American household, Friday nights meant pizza. But when I moved to Texas, tacos were king. One night, while torn between the two, I decided—why not both? The result: these loaded, cheesy, juicy meat lovers pizza tacos. And let me tell you, they’re now a favorite for everything from game nights to family dinners.
Why Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos are a Must-Try
These tacos are the perfect dish for those who:
- Love bold flavors and hearty meals
- Want something new and fun for Taco Tuesday
- Need a crowd-pleasing recipe for gatherings
- Are obsessed with anything that involves cheese, meat, and crispy shells
What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility. You can:
- Use any meat combo you love
- Swap cheeses to suit your mood
- Make them in the oven or on the grill
- Serve them as appetizers, mains, or even brunch with a twist
Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
These ingredients are easy to find, and many are probably already in your pantry or fridge.
Meat Mixture
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni or mini pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Shells and Assembly
- 8 to 10 taco shells (flour or corn, soft or crispy)
- Olive oil spray or melted butter for brushing
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pizza Tacos
Prepare the Meat Lovers Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7–10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the chopped pepperoni.
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Toast the Taco Shells
You can use:
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange shells upright in a baking dish. Bake for 5–7 minutes until lightly crisp.
- Stovetop Method: Lightly oil a skillet and warm each shell for about 1–2 minutes per side.
Fill and Top
Layer each taco shell with:
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce
- A generous spoonful of the meat mixture
- A sprinkle of mozzarella cheese
- A touch of Parmesan
- Optional: onions, olives, or your favorite toppings
Bake the Tacos
- Place filled tacos upright in a baking dish or lined muffin tin.
- Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a smoky flavor, wrap them in foil and grill for 6–8 minutes over medium heat.
Garnish and Serve
After baking, top with:
- Freshly chopped basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Optional dips like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli
Flavor Tips and Substitutions
Cheese Swaps
- Provolone or fontina for more meltiness
- Cheddar for a sharp, tangy twist
- Vegan cheese for a dairy-free option
Meat Variations
- Turkey sausage or ground chicken for a leaner option
- Crumbled bacon or pancetta for added crunch
- Meatless crumbles for a vegetarian take
Sauce Upgrades
- Use pesto for an herby twist
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Mix in sun-dried tomato paste for richness
Serving Ideas and Pairings
Side Dishes
- Caesar salad
- Garlic breadsticks
- Crispy roasted potatoes
- Baked mozzarella sticks
Drinks
- Iced tea or sparkling lemonade
- Cold beer or sangria for adults
- Soda or mocktails for kids
Dipping Sauces
- Extra pizza sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy chipotle mayo
- Creamy garlic dip
Nutrition Information (per taco, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fats | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
This is based on standard ingredients. Adjust values depending on the shells and toppings you use.
How to Make Pizza Tacos Ahead of Time
Meal prepping these tacos is easy and makes your weeknight dinners a breeze.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the meat mixture up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.
- Pre-shred your cheese and chop toppings in advance.
- Pre-assemble tacos and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer Instructions
- Freeze the meat mixture separately for up to 3 months.
- Assemble tacos from frozen filling and bake directly without thawing—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Hosting a Party? Try These Fun Serving Ideas
These meat lovers pizza tacos are perfect for parties, game days, and birthdays. Here’s how to serve them:
Taco Bar Setup
- Provide a variety of meats and cheeses
- Offer soft and hard shell options
- Include a range of toppings: jalapeños, pineapple, fresh spinach, artichokes
Mini Pizza Taco Sliders
- Use mini tortillas or halved taco shells
- Fill and bake as usual
- Serve as appetizers with toothpicks
Common Questions About Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos
Can I use tortillas instead of taco shells?
Yes! Use soft tortillas and fold them like quesadillas. You can also toast them for extra crispness.
How do I prevent the taco shells from getting soggy?
Pre-bake or toast them before filling, and avoid over-saucing.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely. You can even make a “build-your-own taco” station for kids to customize theirs.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, but choose one with bold flavor. Look for low-sugar, garlic-rich versions for the best results.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap individual tacos in foil and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
Creative Variations for Every Mood
Vegetarian Pizza Tacos
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Grilled zucchini or eggplant
- Spinach and ricotta
- Vegan meat alternatives
Breakfast Pizza Tacos
- Scrambled eggs
- Breakfast sausage or bacon
- Hash browns
- Shredded cheddar
Supreme Tacos
- Add bell peppers, red onions, black olives, and jalapeños
- Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar
BBQ Tacos
- Swap pizza sauce with BBQ sauce
- Use shredded chicken or pork
- Add pickled red onions
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store assembled tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheating
- Oven: 375°F for 10 minutes
- Air fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes
- Microwave: Not ideal—shells may go soft
Freezing
- Freeze meat filling separately
- Reheat and assemble fresh for best results
Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos: A Family Favorite for Every Season
Whether it’s the middle of summer or a chilly winter night, these meat lovers pizza tacos fit right in. They’re:
- Easy to make
- Kid-approved
- Perfectly cheesy
- Boldly flavorful
- Great for casual dinners or festive gatherings
Make them once, and they’ll quickly become a regular in your kitchen. And don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!
Share Your Creations!
We love seeing your takes on our recipes. Made these meat lovers pizza tacos? Post your photo on Instagram and tag us, or leave a review in the comments. Add your own twist—try bacon bits, add a drizzle of ranch, or even dip them in garlic butter. Your creativity inspires others!