Here’s a fun and easy recipe for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tacos with Seasoned Beef and Melty Mozzarella:
Ingredients:
For the Tacos:
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6 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
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1 cup pepperoni slices (mini or regular)
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1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, preferably fresh)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying tortillas)
For the Seasoned Beef:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning: chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder)
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1/4 cup water
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Salt & pepper to taste
For Toppings:
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Marinara sauce (for drizzling inside and on top)
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Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
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In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
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Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces with a spatula.
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Once browned, drain any excess fat and add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Stir to combine.
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Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it’s thickened and flavorful. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Fry the Tortillas:
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Heat a small amount of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
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Lightly fry the tortillas until they’re slightly crispy and golden. You don’t want them too crispy, just enough to hold the taco filling without falling apart. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave or oven.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
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Start with a layer of seasoned beef in each tortilla.
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Add a few slices of pepperoni and top with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.
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If you want extra cheesy goodness, add a small spoonful of marinara sauce into the taco.
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Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.
4. Melt the Cheese:
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Place the tacos under a broiler or in a hot oven (350°F/175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Finish and Serve:
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Once the cheese is melted and golden, take the tacos out and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
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Drizzle some marinara sauce on top for that pizza vibe.
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Serve hot and enjoy the perfect fusion of pizza and tacos!
Tips:
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Spicy: Add jalapeños or banana peppers for an extra kick!
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Substitutions: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner filling, or add some bell peppers to the beef mix for crunch and flavor.
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Make Ahead: The seasoned beef can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for later use.