Description

This Easy Taco Braid is a delicious and quick twist on taco night, using pizza dough, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and salsa, all braided into a golden crust for a fun and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 can store-bought pizza dough

1 lb ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

1/2 cup water

1 cup refried beans

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

1/2 cup salsa

1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and water, stir well, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Roll out the pizza dough into a 10x14-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread a thin layer of refried beans down the center of the dough.
Layer the seasoned taco beef, shredded cheese, and salsa on top of the beans.
Cut slits along both long sides of the dough, about 1 inch apart, for braiding.
Fold the dough strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid. Pinch the ends to seal.
Brush the top with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve with extra salsa or sour cream.

Notes

Customize with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or extra veggies for a vegetarian version.

To prevent a soggy bottom, don’t overload with salsa and drain beef mixture well.

Reheats best in oven or air fryer for a crisp crust.

Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Freezable both before and after baking for convenient meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of braid
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 55mg