Godfather’s Taco Pizza
Godfather’s Taco Pizza combines homemade pizza dough with jarred taco sauce, fresh veggies, spicy taco meat, and shredded cheese. This copycat version is unbelievably tasty and perfect for pizza night!
Homemade Taco Pizza
Some of you know that my hubby and I are high school sweethearts. We met in the 3rd grade when his family moved to town, and we attended the same private Catholic schools through high school. We had secret crushes on each other on and off during our childhood, and then we started dating after Mike got his license at 16.
So sweet, huh? He must have really liked me because I was sporting two black eyes on our first date after colliding with my friend’s elbow during basketball practice.
So what does all this have to do with pizza?
Mike and I ate Godfather’s taco pizza almost EVERY weekend during our high school dating years. You see, our small town didn’t have many options, but we didn’t care because we loved Godfather’s so much.
After our pizza fest, we headed straight to McDonald’s or the DQ for a vanilla cone. Date complete!
Why this Delicious Pizza Recipe Works:
- DELICIOUS COPYCAT VERSION – This copycat Godfather’s Taco Pizza Recipe has a unique flavor that reminds me of the real thing. We don’t have Godfather’s pizza in our area anymore so making your own is perfect for Taco Tuesday.
- A LITTLE SPICY – We enjoy using the spicy taco sauce in our version along with a thick crust and a spicy layer of taco meat. Make a large batch of DIY taco seasoning mix and keep it handy for all of your game nights!
- GREAT DATE NIGHT – This specialty pizza makes a great date night for Mike and me. By the way, leftover Godfather’s taco pizza is just as delicious as eating it fresh. There is something magic about leftover pizza.
- FAN FAVORITE – This super taco pizza ranks in the top three pizzas in our family. Give it a try next time you make pizza!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Taco Pizza:
- Homemade Pizza Dough (or use store-bought) – My homemade recipe is simple. I highly recommend it!
- Taco Sauce – We love the spicy bottled version (Taco Bell Brand). Tomato Sauce works ok too but it’s not preferred in our home.
- Ground Beef – I usually go with lean ground beef. You could also use ground sausage, ground chicken, ground turkey, or even a combo.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning (or use store-bought) – It’s a time-saver to make up a large batch of seasoning and keep it in a mason jar. Simple ingredients and way better than store-bought seasoning.
- Fresh Vegetables – Onions, bell pepper, jalapeño, fresh lettuce, and tomato.
- Cheese – A combo of mozzarella and cheddar cheese – or use whatever you have handy.
Other Delicious Pizza Recipes:
My quick pizza dough is my go-to for all things pizza. A simple 6-ingredient recipe that you should have in your arsenal!
Be sure to try out all of our best pizza toppings!
How to make Godfather’s Taco Pizza:
Step 1
Make dough. Use my homemade recipe to make the BEST DOUGH. Here in Texas, it doesn’t take long for it to rise because of our warmer climate. My recipe makes three medium-sized pizzas, so I double it when I’m having company.
Step 2
Sauté bell peppers. In a cast iron skillet, sauté the peppers until softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step 3
Cook taco meat. Use the same skillet to cook the taco meat. Simply add the beef and jalapeños to the pan and cook until the meat is cooked through. Then add the taco seasoning and cook for a few more minutes.
You can strain the meat (before adding seasoning) if you have a higher fat content. If the ground beef is lean, you may need to add a little water to the meat as it cooks.
Step 4
Arrange dough. To start, roll out the dough. For this occasion (pictured), we baked the pizza in an oven at a high temperature.
You can also grill the pizza on a pizza stone on your smoker at a high temp.
Step 5
Add toppings. Spread taco sauce on the dough. Then add the taco meat, sautéed veggies, tomatoes, and cheese.
Step 6
Bake (or grill) – Cook pizza at a high temp. We use 475-500 degrees in our oven or at least 500 degrees on our grill/smoker. The pizza is done when the crust is nice and golden brown.
Step 7
Serve – Serve pizza with some shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, sour cream, and an extra drizzle of taco sauce.
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is making homemade pizza dough worth it? YES! The secret to great pizza is the dough. My recipe is simple and delicious, and I’ve passed this recipe on to so many people.
- Should I pre-cook the dough? I personally never pre-cook the dough. But if you want a thicker crust (using more dough than normal), then you should pre-cook it (for best results).
- Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough several hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. About an hour before using, remove it and let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
- What pans can I use for homemade pizza? If grilling the pizza, you’ll need either a pizza stone or a cast iron skillet. If baking in the oven, you can use a stone, a skillet, or even a baking sheet.
- How can I make this recipe gluten free? You can use our cauliflower crust recipe to make gluten-free pizza if desired.
What to Serve with Homemade Taco Pizza:
- Start with a cocktail, like my tropical Mai Tais or Pink Lemonade Vodka Slush!
- How about a side salad – like this Classic Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze or my Arugula Caprese Salad.
- Let’s stay with a simple dessert, like Brown Butter Blondies or some No Bake Peanut Butter Bars.
Pizza Night done RIGHT! 😀
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Godfather’s Taco Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
For the taco meat:
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup onion – diced
- 1 small jalapeno – diced
- 1 Tablespoon homemade taco seasoning – or use store-bought
Remaining ingredients:
- 1 round pizza dough – I used my homemade pizza dough
- 3/4 cup taco sauce
- 1/2 medium bell pepper – any color
- 1 large Roma tomato – sliced
- 6 oz. shredded Mexican cheese
For serving:
- iceberg lettuce – shredded
- black olives, sour cream, extra taco sauce
Instructions
- Make dough. Use my homemade pizza dough recipe to make the BEST DOUGH. Here in Texas, it doesn't take long for it to rise because of our warmer climate. My recipe makes three medium-sized pizzas, so I double it when I'm having company.
- Sauté bell pepper. Sauté the sliced pepper in a cast iron skillet (with a drizzle of oil) over medium heat.
- Cook taco meat. In the same skillet, heat to medium-high heat and add the ground beef, diced onions, and jalapeños. Cook until the meat is cooked through completely. Then add the taco seasoning and simmer for another couple of minutes, stirring frequently.
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees or a grill/smoker to 500 degrees or more.
- Arrange dough. To start, roll out the dough. For this occasion (pictured), we baked the pizza in an oven in a large cast iron skillet at a high temperature.You can also grill the pizza on a pizza stone on your smoker at a high temp.
- Add toppings. Spread taco sauce on the dough. Then add the taco meat, sautéed veggies, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Bake (or grill) – Cook pizza at a high temp. We use 475-500 degrees in our oven or at least 500 degrees on our grill/smoker. The pizza is done when the crust is nice and golden brown.
- Serve – Serve pizza with some shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, sour cream, and an extra drizzle of taco sauce.
Love this! Made it today and it was amazing. Thanks so much for the recipe!
We love this one too, Lisa!
I’m definitely trying this recipe! And you brought back all kind of memories. I’m from a small town in the midwest and Godfathers Taco Pizza on a Friday night was an event growing up.
Oh yes, same here! I’m glad you’re going to give it a try, Bay!
I married my high school sweetheart too! I love your post and the recipe!
Thank you so much for your sweet comments, Stephanie!! 🙂
I love pizza and this is my favorite recipe. So much fun when the family is all together! The cast iron skillet suggestion is key though!