Pizza Hut Taco Pizza Recipe

Pizza Hut restaurant mainly popular for their pizza menus, but one pizza always I love the most and that is Taco Pizza.

This pizza is special because it mixes the best of two worlds – the rich flavors of Mexican food and the cheesy comfort of Italian pizza. That is why Pizza Hut named it Taco Pizza.

It has the taste of tacos but comes in the form of a pizza. You get spicy beef, melted cheese, and crunchy lettuce all in one bite.

This recipe brings a mix of soft crust, creamy beans, seasoned meat, and crisp toppings. It smells so good while baking that it fills the whole kitchen with joy.

The mix of refried beans, cheese, and salsa makes every slice full of flavor.

Today, I am sharing my copycat version of the Pizza Hut Taco Pizza Recipe so you can make it at home anytime you want.

It tastes just like the one they used to serve years ago.

Did Pizza Hut Discontinue Taco Pizza?

Yes, Pizza Hut stopped selling the original Taco Pizza from their menu. The restaurant took it off sometime in the early 1980s.

Back then, the pizza was on their menu starting in 1979. It was called just “Taco Pizza” and had a simple recipe with refried beans, cheese, and seasoned beef.

Later, they brought back a different version called “Fiesta Taco Pizza” with chicken options. But that one was not the same as the classic recipe people loved.

Why Does Pizza Hut Pizza Taste Different?

Pizza Hut pizzas have a unique taste. This comes from their special dough recipe. They use a pan pizza style. The dough rises in oiled pans. This makes the crust crispy on the bottom.

The edges get golden and crunchy. The middle stays soft and chewy. Other pizza places use different methods. Some cook pizzas in deck ovens. Others use conveyor belt ovens. Pizza Hut’s pan method creates that special texture.

Their dough also has a sweet note to it. They add a bit more sugar than most recipes. The oil in the pan gives extra crunch.

When you compare Pizza Hut to other chains, you notice this right away. Domino’s has a thinner, lighter crust.

Papa John’s crust is more bready. Little Caesars is softer all around. Pizza Hut keeps that crispy-chewy balance.

The taco pizza uses this same base. That is why it tastes so good.

Choosing the Right Pizza Dough for Your Taco Pizza

Pizza Hut’s signature pan pizza dough is soft, slightly chewy, and golden-brown on the edges. Choosing the right dough helps hold the taco toppings without getting soggy.

Option 1: Homemade Pizza Dough

For a homemade version, use bread flour for a chewy bite. Mix flour, warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and a bit of oil. Let it rest until it doubles in size. This gives it that fluffy feel like the Pizza Hut pan crust. You can chill the dough for a few hours to get more flavor.

Option 2: Store-Bought Dough Alternatives

You can also use ready-made dough from the grocery store. It saves time and still works great. Look for dough that says “thick crust” or “pan style.” These hold up well under heavy toppings like beans, beef, and cheese.

Option 3: Using Pre-Made Pizza Crusts

If you want to make it quick, pre-baked pizza crusts are fine too. They bake faster, so keep an eye on the oven to avoid overbaking.

Dough Thickness

The dough should not be too thick. A medium-thick crust works best because the toppings are heavy. Too thick makes it bready; too thin makes it soggy.

Crispy Yet Chewy Texture Tips

Brush the pan with a little oil before adding the dough. This helps the bottom fry a bit and gives that crispy bite. Bake the crust first for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This keeps it from getting soggy.

Choosing The Perfect Beef

The meat is what brings the taco flavor to life.

Use ground beef with some fat for flavor. I like 80/20 (that means 80% meat and 20% fat). It stays juicy and adds more taste.

Lean beef like 90/10 works too, but it can get dry if cooked too long.

Pizza Hut Taco Pizza Ingredients

1 ball homemade or store-bought pizza dough: This forms the base of your pizza. You can substitute with a pre-baked 12-inch pizza crust.

1 (16-ounce) can refried beans: Adds a creamy, savory layer to the pizza. You can substitute by mashing canned pinto beans with a little water to achieve a similar texture.

1 pound ground beef (80/20): This serves as the main protein and provides a rich, hearty flavor. Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning: Gives the beef its signature taco flavor. You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Medium or sharp cheddar works best for flavor and melt. You can substitute with a Mexican-style cheese blend for a more traditional taco flavor.

Toppings (add after baking):

1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds a cool, crisp contrast to the warm pizza.

1 medium diced tomato: Use fresh, firm tomatoes for a juicy topping that balances the richness.

¼ cup chopped red onion: Adds a sharp, fresh flavor and a bit of color.

Taco sauce or salsa: Use a smooth taco sauce or a paste-style salsa as the final saucy topping for a true taco pizza finish.

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Mixing Bowl – for the dough.
• Rolling Pin – to roll out the dough.
• 12-inch Pizza Pan – to bake the pizza.
• Fork – to poke holes in the dough.
• Skillet – to cook the beef.
• Can Opener – for the beans.
• Measuring Spoons – for seasonings.
• Grater – for cheese, if you block.
• Oven – to bake everything.
• Pizza Cutter – to slice the pizza.

How to Make Pizza Hut Taco Pizza at Home

Step 1 | Prepare the Dough

First, heat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the pizza dough and roll it out on a flat surface into a circle that is a little bigger than the pizza pan.

Do not roll it too thin; keep a medium thickness. Lightly dust the pizza pan with flour and place the rolled dough onto the pan.

Step 2 | Shape the Crust

There will be extra dough hanging over the edge of the pan. Use a knife to cut off this extra dough.

Then fold the edge of the dough that remains on the pan over itself to form a nice, thick lip for the pizza crust.

Step 3 | Dock the Dough

Now, take a fork and poke holes all over the dough inside the crust. Do not skip this step. Poking holes stops big air bubbles from forming when the dough bakes.

Step 4 | Par-Bake the Crust

Put your prepared crust into the hot oven. Bake it for just 4 minutes. This is called par-baking. It makes the crust firm so it can hold the wet toppings.

Take the crust out of the oven. Lower the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5 | Prepare the Refried Bean Layer

While the crust is baking, warm your refried beans. Put the beans in a small pot. Add a little water, about two tablespoons. This will make the beans easier to spread.

You can also add a pinch of garlic powder and cumin for more flavor. Heat the beans on the stove, stirring until they are warm and soft.

Step 6 | Cook the Taco Beef

Put your ground beef in a skillet. Cook it on medium heat. Use a spoon to break the meat into very small pieces.

Cook until the meat is brown and no pink remains. Drain the extra fat from the pan.

Then, add your taco seasoning. Stir it well and cook for one more minute.

Step 7 | Assemble the Pizza

Take your par-baked crust. Spread the warm refried beans evenly over the crust. Leave the crust edge clean.

Next, sprinkle a light layer of cheddar cheese over the beans. Then, spread the cooked taco beef evenly over the cheese.

Finally, top the beef with the rest of your cheddar cheese.

Step 8 | Bake the Pizza

Carefully place the pizza in your 400-degree oven. Bake it for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch it carefully. The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Step 9 | Add the Fresh Toppings and Serve

Take the pizza out of the oven. Let it sit for 2 minutes. Then, use a pizza cutter to slice it.

Now, add the fresh toppings to each slice. Put shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and chopped red onion on top of the warm pizza.

Finish it with a drizzle of taco sauce or salsa. Your Homemade Pizza Hut Taco Pizza is ready to enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Taco Pizza Every Time

1. Roll Dough Correctly: Do not roll your dough too thin. A slightly thicker crust holds the heavy toppings better.
2. Drain Beef Well: Make sure to drain all the fat from the cooked beef. This keeps your pizza from getting greasy.
3. Thin Bean Spread: If your bean mix is too thick, add another teaspoon of water. It should spread like soft butter.
4. Cool Before Topping: Let the baked pizza cool for a few minutes before adding lettuce and tomato. This keeps the veggies crisp.

What Should I Do With Leftover Pizza

Leftover taco pizza stays good in the fridge for 3 days. Store it the right way to keep it tasty. Take off any cold toppings first.

Put just the pizza base in a container. You can also wrap slices in foil. Put them in the fridge.

When you want to eat it again, reheat in the oven. Set your oven to 350 degrees. Put the pizza on a baking sheet. Heat for 8 to 10 minutes. The crust gets crispy again.

The cheese melts fresh. Then add new cold toppings. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa make it taste just made.

Do not use a microwave. Microwaves make the crust soft and chewy. Oven reheating keeps that perfect texture.

You can also eat it cold right from the fridge. Some people love cold pizza for breakfast.

What to Serve with Taco Pizza

This pizza is a full meal by itself. But you can add a simple side dish. A small bowl of tortilla chips with salsa is a good choice.

You can also serve a simple side salad with ranch dressing. The cool salad tastes good with the spicy pizza.

For a drink, try iced coffee or lemonade. These all go well with the pizza and make a great meal.

FAQs About Pizza Hut Taco Pizza Recipe

1. My dough got too thick. What did I do wrong?

This happens if you do not roll the dough out enough. Next time, roll it into a larger circle.

It should be a little bigger than your pizza pan. A thicker dough is still tasty, but a thinner one will be crispier.

2. Why do I have to poke the dough with a fork?

Poking the dough stops big air bubbles from forming. When the dough bakes, air inside gets hot and expands. The fork holes let the air escape so your crust bakes flat and even.

3. Can I skip the par-baking step?

You really shouldn’t skip par-baking. This step is important for getting a crispy crust.

Without it, your pizza bottom will be soft and doughy. The refried beans have moisture that can make raw dough soggy.

Par-baking creates a cooked layer that acts like a shield. It only takes 4 minutes, so it’s worth doing. Your final pizza will turn out much better with this step.

4. My dough keeps shrinking back when I roll it. What should I do?

This happens when the gluten in the dough is too tight. Let your dough rest for 10 minutes after it starts shrinking.

Cover it with a towel so it doesn’t dry out. The gluten will relax during this rest period. Then try rolling again.

You can also stretch the dough with your hands instead of rolling. Hold the edges and gently pull outward. Rotate as you stretch to keep it round.

5. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings. Also, spread the refried beans thinly and let the beef cool a bit before placing it on the pizza.

This Pizza Hut Taco Pizza recipe brings back the classic taste you’ve been missing. Don’t be scared to try it at home. The steps are simple once you understand the process.

Try this recipe and see how close you can get to the original. Share your results and let others know how it turned out.