If you love mouthwatering comfort food packed with bold flavors, then you are going to adore this Beef and Cheese Pizza Crust Taco Rolls Recipe. It’s a playful twist on classic taco ingredients, cleverly wrapped in soft, golden pizza dough spirals that bake to perfection. Every bite offers a satisfying blend of seasoned beef, melty cheddar cheese, and the crunch of bell peppers—all rolled into a fun, shareable snack that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you crave something deliciously different.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, from the tender pizza dough providing a soft envelope, to the beef mixture bringing in savory depth and a hint of spice, and the colorful peppers adding brightness and crunch.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation of your rolls, soft and pliable for rolling around the filling.
- 1 pound ground beef: Brings hearty flavor and richness that is the star of the filling.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Adds that unmistakable zesty, savory punch that makes the filling irresistible.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy bliss in every bite.
- ½ cup diced red and yellow bell peppers: Offers crunch and vibrant color that brighten up the rolls.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brush the rolls before baking for a beautiful golden finish.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Pizza Crust Taco Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Setting the temperature early means you won’t have to wait once the rolls are ready to bake. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this special touch keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleaning up a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned all the way through, with no pink left. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep your filling rich but not greasy—this makes a huge difference in texture.
Step 3: Season and Mix the Filling
Once the beef has cooled slightly, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir it all together so every morsel is perfectly seasoned. Then fold in the diced bell peppers and shredded cheddar cheese carefully; this creates a filling that is colorful, flavorful, and ready to steal the spotlight.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
Place your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, and use a rolling pin to shape it into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Keeping the surface floured helps prevent sticking and makes rolling easier. This shape ensures that you can spread the filling evenly and roll it up neatly.
Step 5: Spread Filling and Roll Log
Spread your seasoned beef mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to keep the filling inside while baking. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a compact log. The snug roll will expand beautifully as it bakes, so don’t roll it too tight or too loose.
Step 6: Slice and Bake Your Taco Rolls
Carefully slice the log into 1-inch thick spirals, giving you perfect bite-sized rolls. Arrange them cut-side up on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each so they can puff up. Brush the tops with olive oil to promote a golden crust, then bake for 18 to 22 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When your rolls come out of the oven, allow them to cool for a moment before sprinkling with fresh cilantro. This finishing touch brightens every bite. Serve warm, paired with your favorite dips, and watch everyone enjoy this irresistible fusion of taco and pizza magic.
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Pizza Crust Taco Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro add a refreshing lift that contrasts beautifully with the rich beef and melted cheese. You can also try a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy salsa to amp up the flavor and create a perfect bite every time.
Side Dishes
To complement these taco rolls, consider serving simple sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some Mexican street corn. Both add freshness and a hint of zest, balancing the hearty, cheesy rolls nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the Beef and Cheese Pizza Crust Taco Rolls Recipe on a large platter with small bowls of guacamole, pico de gallo, and chipotle sauce nearby for dipping. You can even skewer a couple of spirals on toothpicks for easy finger food that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your taco rolls, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, retaining their flavor and texture beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to save these for later, freeze the unbaked rolled log (before slicing) tightly wrapped in plastic and foil. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and bake as usual. This way, fresh and delicious rolls are never far away.
Reheating
To reheat, place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty, avoiding sogginess that microwaves sometimes cause.
FAQs
Can I use premade taco seasoning or make my own?
Both options work great! Premade seasoning offers convenience, but a homemade blend lets you customize the spices to your liking for an even more personalized Beef and Cheese Pizza Crust Taco Rolls Recipe.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the cooked beef?
Yes, draining excess fat ensures your rolls won’t be greasy and keeps the texture pleasant. It helps the filling stay rich without overwhelming oiliness.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can mix in diced onions, jalapeños, or corn to introduce different flavors and textures. Just keep the filling balanced so it doesn’t become too watery.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and gives great flavor, but feel free to try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend to suit your taste.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute pizza dough with a gluten-free version, but be sure it’s sturdy enough to roll and hold the filling. Adjust baking times as needed, since gluten-free doughs may bake differently.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Beef and Cheese Pizza Crust Taco Rolls Recipe. It’s an inviting, flavorful dish that brings together the best of two beloved foods in an easy-to-make roll that’s packed with personality and taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to something special, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
These Beef and Cheese Pizza Crust Taco Rolls combine the best of tacos and pizza in a fun, spiral-shaped treat. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices and mixed with cheddar cheese and colorful bell peppers is rolled inside a thin pizza dough crust, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these savory rolls offer a delicious fusion of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Filling
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red and yellow bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula and stirring occasionally until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat carefully to keep the filling flavorful without greasiness.
- Season and mix filling: Allow the beef to cool slightly, then add taco seasoning and stir thoroughly. Fold in diced bell peppers and shredded cheddar cheese to create a flavorful filling with a nice texture and color.
- Roll out dough: Place the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick, ensuring an even surface for spreading the filling.
- Spread filling and roll log: Evenly spread the seasoned beef mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spilling. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log shape, snug but with enough room for expansion while baking.
- Slice and prepare for baking: Slice the rolled log into 1-inch spirals. Arrange the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet with space between each. Brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake and garnish: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until the rolls are bubbly and golden on top. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid greasy taco rolls.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for more authentic flavor.
- These rolls can be served with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
- Rolling the dough tightly is important for neat spirals but leave some space for the dough to rise during baking.
- Leftover rolls can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
