Introduction

This Taco Pizza Appetizer combines the bold flavors of a taco with the fun, shareable form of a pizza. It’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings and comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

This image shows a square flatbread with five layers of toppings. The bottom layer is a golden-brown crust with a flaky texture. On top of that is a thick, smooth white creamy layer spread evenly near the edges. The third layer is crumbly ground beef, dark brown in color, spread fully over the cream. The fourth layer is shredded bright yellow cheese scattered across the beef. The last layer is a mix of chopped fresh green lettuce, diced red tomatoes, and small white onion pieces spread all over the top. The flatbread is placed on a baking tray with a white marbled surface in view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces crescent rolls (1 refrigerated tube)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces sour cream
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 taco seasoning packet
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded lettuce
Optional: jalapeños, chilies, or other toppings you like

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent rolls and press the dough evenly into a greased baking sheet to form the crust.
Step 2: Bake the crust for about 10-12 minutes until it’s golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet’s instructions.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 5: Spread the seasoned taco meat evenly over the creamy base.
Step 6: Sprinkle diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses over the meat layer.
Step 7: Return the pizza to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
Step 8: Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce and any optional toppings like jalapeños or chilies. Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, pre-bake the crust a few minutes longer before adding toppings.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without losing flavor.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier base with added protein.
Add black olives or diced avocado for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust.

How to Serve

A rectangular flatbread with a golden-brown, slightly puffy crust is topped with a thick, even layer of white creamy sauce at the bottom. On top of this, there is a dense layer of cooked ground beef spread over the flatbread, followed by a sprinkle of shredded yellow cheddar cheese scattered evenly. Above the cheese, freshly chopped green lettuce pieces and bright red diced tomatoes are spread across the entire surface, creating a colorful and textured topping. The dish sits on a baking sheet with a white marbled background visible at the bottom edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this taco pizza vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked beans or a plant-based meat alternative and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the crust and meat mixture ahead of time and assemble just before baking to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Taco Pizza Appetizer Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 683 reviews

This Taco Pizza Appetizer is a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, featuring a crescent roll crust topped with a creamy base, seasoned taco meat, and fresh toppings. Perfect as a party appetizer or snack, it combines the savory goodness of tacos with the cheesy delight of pizza in a convenient and easy-to-make dish.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 appetizer-sized servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

8 ounces crescent rolls (1 refrigerated tube)

For the creamy base:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces sour cream

For the taco meat:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 taco seasoning packet

For the toppings:

½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded lettuce

Optional toppings:

Jalapeños, chilies, or any other toppings you like

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven as directed on the crescent roll package (typically 375°F). Spread the crescent rolls evenly on a baking sheet to form the pizza crust. Press seams together to prevent gaps.
Bake the crust: Bake the crescent roll dough in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and firm. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Cook the taco meat: While the crust bakes, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season the meat: Add the taco seasoning packet and the amount of water recommended on the seasoning packet (usually 2/3 cup). Stir well, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the mixture thickens and is well combined, about 5 minutes.
Make the creamy base: In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble the pizza: Spread the creamy base evenly over the baked crescent roll crust. Then evenly distribute the cooked taco meat over the base.
Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the taco meat layer. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until cheese melts and bubbles.
Add fresh toppings: Remove pizza from oven and top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and any optional toppings such as jalapeños or chilies.
Serve: Slice into small squares or triangles and serve warm as a flavorful appetizer or snack.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
Adjust toppings according to personal preference or dietary restrictions.
For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños before baking or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Make sure to let the crust cool slightly after baking to prevent the creamy base from melting too much and becoming runny.
This appetizer can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: taco pizza appetizer, crescent roll pizza, party appetizer, Mexican-inspired snack, easy taco recipe