Description
This Taco French Bread Pizza combines the flavors of a taco into a delicious and easy-to-make French bread pizza. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza, featuring a seasoned ground beef base, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, black olives, and green onions baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe serves as a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for casual dinners or game day snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
Base and Toppings
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese)
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Beef: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef. Once browned, drain off the grease to remove excess fat. Add the taco seasoning mix to the beef following the package instructions, then simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat afterwards.
- Prepare the French Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long halves. Grease a large cookie sheet, then place both halves cut-side up on the sheet, ready for layering.
- Warm and Spread Beans: Place the can of refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring well in between until the beans are warmed through. Spread the warm refried beans evenly over the cut sides of both French bread halves, creating a creamy base layer for the toppings.
- Layer Toppings: Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef mixture over the refried bean layer on each bread half. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. Add the diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and sliced green onions evenly across the surface.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the cookie sheet with the assembled French bread pizzas into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Carefully remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing to allow toppings to set and prevent spills. Serve warm and enjoy your taco-flavored French bread pizza!
Notes
- For added heat, consider topping with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- If you prefer vegetarian, replace ground beef with seasoned sautéed vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or a Mexican blend, to vary the flavor.
- Store leftover pizza covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
