Loaded Crescent Crust Taco Pizza: Your New Favorite Dinner!
Get ready for a fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal with this Loaded Crescent Crust Taco Pizza! This recipe brings together everything you love about tacos and pizza into one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Imagine a buttery, flaky crescent roll crust topped with savory seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheddar cheese, and a vibrant array of fresh, crisp taco toppings. It’s the perfect weeknight winner or a fantastic option for a casual get-together!
This pizza is a dream come true for anyone craving big taco flavors with minimal effort. The tender crescent crust provides a unique base that’s both comforting and delightful, making every bite a satisfying fusion of your favorite Tex-Mex and pizza elements.
Ingredients:
- 1 tube crescent roll dough (8 oz, or 1 lb homemade pizza dough for a thicker crust)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (1 oz packet, or homemade)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (about 1 medium tomato)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust, if using pizza dough)
- Optional: sliced black olives, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce for serving
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet (approximately 11×17 inches)
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- If using crescent roll dough: Unroll the crescent dough and arrange it on the baking sheet to form a rectangle. Pinch the seams together firmly to create a solid crust.
- If using pizza dough: Roll or press the pizza dough evenly onto the prepared sheet pan, stretching it to fit. Brush the entire surface of the dough lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the 1 lb lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season the Taco Meat: Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the 1 tbsp taco seasoning and ¼ tsp salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the beef is well coated in the seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Bake the Crust: Place the prepared crescent or pizza crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. This pre-baking step helps create a crispier base.
- Assemble & Bake Pizza: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef layer.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings & Serve: Remove the Loaded Crescent Crust Taco Pizza from the oven.
- Immediately top with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add dollops of sour cream over the toppings.
- Optional: Sprinkle with black olives, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Slice into squares and serve warm.
Tips & Variations:
- Customization is Key: This pizza is fantastic for personalization! Set out extra toppings like guacamole, salsa, or different cheeses for everyone to customize their slice.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice by using mild or hot taco seasoning, or by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef.
- Make Ahead: The seasoned ground beef can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Prepare all your diced and shredded veggies ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving to ensure the freshest taste and texture.
- Other Proteins: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.