Name: Taco Pizza Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 1 can (16 oz) refried beans; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped green onions

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A taco pizza appetizer is one of my favorite fusion dishes because it brings together two beloved classics in one bite. I get all the bold, zesty taco flavors layered over a golden, cheesy pizza crust that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or family snacks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough

1 lb ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning mix

1 can (16 oz) refried beans

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup diced tomatoes

½ cup sliced black olives (optional)

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup chopped green onions

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Then I unroll the crescent dough onto a baking sheet and press the seams together to form a crust. I bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown, then let it cool slightly.

In a skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then drain the fat. I stir in the taco seasoning and prepare it as directed on the package.

I spread refried beans evenly over the baked crust.

I top the beans with the seasoned beef, then sprinkle cheese over the top.

I return it to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.

Once out of the oven, I add lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sour cream, and green onions.

I cut it into squares and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. Prep time takes around 15 minutes, cooking time about 20 minutes, so I can have it ready in just 35 minutes. Each serving is about 280 calories, which makes it light enough for an appetizer but satisfying enough to feel like a mini meal.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the occasion. Sometimes I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. I also enjoy adding jalapeños for extra spice, or swapping cheddar for a spicy pepper jack cheese. For a vegetarian version, I skip the meat and load up on extra beans, corn, and peppers.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop the slices into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes so the crust stays crisp. Microwaving works too, but it makes the crust a little softer.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I can bake the crust and prepare the taco meat a day ahead. When I’m ready to serve, I just reheat, assemble, and add the fresh toppings.

What other toppings can I add?

I sometimes add jalapeños, diced avocados, corn, or even hot sauce to give it more kick.

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of crescent rolls?

Absolutely! I’ve tried it with homemade dough and it turns out great—just make sure to prebake it until golden before layering on the toppings.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing it after adding fresh toppings, but I can freeze the baked crust with beans, meat, and cheese. When I’m ready, I reheat it in the oven and add fresh toppings.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I skip the beef and use extra refried beans, black beans, or sautéed veggies like peppers and onions.

Conclusion

This taco pizza appetizer is one of those recipes I always come back to because it’s simple, tasty, and adaptable. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and fresh, and I can serve it for just about any occasion. Once I put it out, it disappears fast—so I usually make extra.

Recipe:

Taco Pizza Appetizer

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

This Taco Pizza Appetizer combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the cheesy goodness of pizza. It's a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for parties, game nights, or casual family gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet and press the seams together to form a crust.
Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until golden brown, then let it cool slightly.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain the fat.
Stir in the taco seasoning and prepare according to the package instructions.
Spread refried beans evenly over the cooled crust.
Top the beans with the seasoned beef.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef layer.
Return to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives (if using), sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Cut into squares and serve warm.