Name: Cheesy Taco Stuffed Crust
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternative); 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup salsa; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 pre-made pizza dough; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; to taste diced tomatoes; to taste sliced olives; to taste chopped green onions

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the beef. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld together.
Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy!
Sprinkle half of each cheese (cheddar and mozzarella) along the edges of the dough. This will become your stuffed crust.
Spoon the cooked taco meat over the cheese and then fold the dough over, pinching the edges to seal everything in.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Add the remaining cheese on top and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, and your favorite toppings!

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to serving Cheesy Taco Stuffed Crust, presentation is key! Slice it into wedges and serve it on a colorful platter. Pair it with a side of guacamole or a fresh garden salad for a wholesome meal. You can even set up a topping bar with diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped green onions so everyone can customize their slices just the way they like it.

How to store & freeze

If you have any leftovers (which I doubt you will), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply put it in a preheated oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy Crust texture. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They should stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Helpful cooking tips

Don’t skip the pinching: Make sure to seal the dough securely to keep all that delicious filling inside while baking.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add in your own seasonings to the meat mixture, such as cumin or chili powder, for added depth.
Keep an eye on the baking time: Ovens vary, so check your crust a couple of minutes early to prevent over-browning.

Creative twists

There are so many fun ways to put a personal spin on this recipe! Think about incorporating different proteins like chicken or black beans. You can also switch up the cheese types or even try adding jalapeños or corn into your meat mixture for an extra kick. Vegetarian? Load up on all your favorite veggies instead of meat!

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, making the entire process roughly 30-35 minutes.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the taco meat and dough in advance and assemble them right before baking. This way, you’ll have a freshly hot dish in no time!

Are there any substitutions for the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work beautifully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the protein you choose.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a casual family meal, this Cheesy Taco Stuffed Crust is sure to make an impression. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s a perfect new tradition for taco night!