Pepperoni Pizza Tacos combine two beloved comfort foods—pizza and tacos—into a single fun and flavorful dish. With a savory meat filling, melty cheese, and zesty pepperoni, these tacos are perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or a creative twist on classic pizza night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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A Fun Fusion Dish: Combines the best elements of pizza and tacos into one handheld meal.
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Customizable Toppings: Easily switch up the toppings to suit your preferences.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
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Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
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Versatile Presentation: Use soft or hard taco shells for different textures.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8–10 taco shells (hard or soft, your preference)
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup sliced pepperoni
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Olive oil (if sautéing)
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Optional toppings: sliced black olives, bell peppers, fresh basil, red pepper flakes
directions
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Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in a little olive oil until soft. Add the cooked ground beef or sausage, and stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened. -
Prepare the Taco Shells
If using hard taco shells, warm them in the oven according to package instructions. For soft shells, lightly warm in a dry skillet or microwave. -
Assemble the Tacos
Spoon the meat mixture into each taco shell. Top with shredded mozzarella and slices of pepperoni. Add any other desired toppings. -
Melt the Cheese
Place assembled tacos on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning. -
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a dash of red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and timing
Yield: Makes 8–10 tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
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Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add jalapeños or chili flakes.
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Cheese Lovers’ Version: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.
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Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps in place of taco shells.
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Hawaiian Style: Add pineapple chunks and ham for a tropical twist.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store the meat mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble tacos fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating:
Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave. Reheat assembled tacos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and cheese is melted.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and broil the tacos just before serving.
What type of taco shell works best?
Both hard and soft taco shells work—choose based on your preferred texture.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, jarred pizza or marinara sauce works great. You can also make your own if preferred.
What’s the best cheese for pizza tacos?
Mozzarella is classic, but a pizza cheese blend or provolone also works well.
How do I keep hard taco shells from breaking?
Warm them slightly before filling to help prevent cracking.
Are these good for kids?
Yes! Kids love the fun combination of taco form and pizza flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives make great additions.
Can I bake them instead of broiling?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
What’s a good dipping sauce?
Serve with extra pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the cooked meat and sauce mixture freezes well. Thaw and reheat before using.
Conclusion
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos offer a creative, satisfying twist on traditional weeknight dinners. With gooey cheese, bold flavors, and crispy or soft shells, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether served for a casual dinner, game day snack, or fun family meal, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 tacos
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos combine the bold flavors of your favorite pizza with the fun and convenience of tacos! A delicious fusion meal featuring seasoned beef, melty cheese, tangy sauce, and crispy pepperoni—all packed into a taco shell.
Ingredients
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8-10 taco shells (hard or soft, your preference)
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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20-30 slices pepperoni
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
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Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Filling:
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook onion until soft.
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Add cooked ground beef or sausage, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through.
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Assemble the Tacos:
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Place taco shells on a baking sheet. Spoon meat mixture into each shell.
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Top with shredded mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni.
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Bake:
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Bake tacos for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
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Notes:
Notes
Customize with toppings like black olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Use mini pepperoni for easier assembly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
