Nacho Pizza

When you can’t decide between nachos or pizza for dinner, why not have both? This tasty nacho pizza recipe is the best of both worlds. A hearty pizza crust is topped with a salsa and sour cream sauce, then is loaded with seasoned taco meat, tomatoes, olives and cheese. A topping of crumbled tortilla chips ensures each slice has a satisfying crunch. When served warm from the oven, this nacho pizza is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or shareable game-day snack.

Ingredients for Nacho Pizza

• Pizza crust mix: This recipe calls for store-bought pizza dough mix, but you can make your pizza dough from scratch or use a store-bought pizza crust if you prefer.
• Cornmeal: A light sprinkle of cornmeal in the pizza pan helps to prevent the dough from sticking as it bakes.
• Ground beef: Seasoned taco meat provides the bulk of the flavor for the nacho pizza. You can use 20% lean or 10% lean for this ground beef recipe.
• Chopped onion: Chopped onion is combined with the beef to add texture and flavor. Yellow and white onions are the best types of onion to use for this recipe.
• Seasonings: The taco meat gets a kick of heat from chili powder and is also seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Salsa crema: Instead of pizza sauce, salsa is mixed with sour cream to make a flavorful base for the pizza toppings. You can use homemade salsa or try one of our Test Kitchen’s preferred store-bought salsa brands.
• Tomato: Plum tomatoes are the best type of tomato to use as a pizza topper because their lower moisture content will prevent a soggy pizza. Place the chopped tomatoes on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pizza.
• Sliced ripe olives: The briny flavor of sliced black olives complements the spicy flavors of this pizza recipe. Buy pitted olives to simplify prep.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Use a medium or sharp cheddar for added flavor. Grating the cheese yourself will result in the best flavor and meltability, but store-bought shredded cheese will also work in this recipe.
• Tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips add a bit of crunch to each bite.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds color and zesty flavor to the pizza.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the crust

Prepare the pizza dough according to package directions. Coat a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray and sprinkle it with cornmeal. With floured hands, press the dough onto the pan. Bake it at 425°F for six to eight minutes or until it’s lightly browned.

Step 2: Cook the taco meat

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink.

Drain any excess grease, then stir in the chili powder, salt and pepper.

Step 3: Top the pizza

Combine the salsa and sour cream and spread them over the crust to within one inch of the edges.

Top the pizza with the ground beef mixture, tomatoes, olives and cheese.

Step 4: Bake the pizza

Bake the pizza for 10 minutes. Sprinkle it with crushed chips, then bake it for five to six minutes longer or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. If desired, top the pizza with cilantro.

Nacho Pizza Variations

• Pile on the toppings: Easily customize the flavors of this pizza with toppings like fajita veggies, sauteed zucchini, squash, mushrooms, carrots or bell peppers.
• Swap the meat: Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter take on taco meat. Or, for a vegetarian pizza, use soy crumbles or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
• Spice it up: Use packaged or homemade taco seasoning to season the beef. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or additional cayenne pepper for even more heat. Or, you could add sliced jalapeno peppers as a topping to amp up the spice levels.
• Change up the chips: Use flavored tortilla chips for added flavor. Lime tortilla chips or even Doritos would be great picks.
• Garnishes galore: In addition to cilantro (unless you’re a cilantro hater), you can also top this pizza with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa verde or queso.

How to Store Nacho Pizza

Leftover nacho pizza should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does nacho pizza last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, leftover nacho pizza lasts up to four days.

How should you reheat nacho pizza?

You can reheat pizza in the oven, on the stovetop or in the oven. For the best texture, we recommend reheating leftover pizza in the oven. To do so, preheat the oven to 375º. Place a baking sheet lined with foil in the oven for a few minutes to evenly heat it. Carefully remove the hot sheet pan from the oven and place the leftover pizza on it. Bake the pizza for 10 minutes or until it’s heated through.

Nacho Pizza Tips

What other types of crust can you use for nacho pizza?

You can easily substitute your favorite homemade pizza dough (thin crust would be delicious) or store-bought pizza crust to make this recipe. You can also use flatbread as the base of this pizza. For gluten-free pizza, try our cauliflower pizza crust recipe or use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust.

What can you serve with nacho pizza?

Serve this nacho pizza with Mexican-inspired side dishes such as corn and black bean salad, guacamole tossed salad or black beans mole.