Pizza Tacos with Ground Beef and Pepperoni

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and stand the taco shells upright in the dish.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
6. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
7. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce into each taco shell.
8. Fill each shell with the seasoned ground beef.
9. Sprinkle generously with the mozzarella and Italian cheese blend.
10. Top each taco with pepperoni slices and a few sliced black olives.
11. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.
13. Serve immediately with warm pizza sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Variations

• Substitute Italian sausage or ground turkey for the ground beef.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a loaded supreme pizza version.
• Use Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy twist with extra cheesy flavor.
• Swap the pepperoni for cooked bacon, ham, or spicy chorizo for a different take on pizza tacos.

Tips

• Arrange the taco shells snugly in the baking dish to help them stay upright while baking.
• Warm the pizza sauce before assembling for extra flavor throughout each taco.
• Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for perfectly browned, bubbly cheese.
• Serve with ranch dressing, garlic butter, marinara, or extra pizza sauce for dipping to make every bite even more delicious.