Description
This Easy Taco Braid transforms simple pizza dough into a handheld, flavor-packed braid filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and taco-inspired toppings. It’s a fun, portable twist on tacos that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacking, or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
– 1 (13.8-ounce) tube refrigerated pizza dough
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
– ¾ cup water
– 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
– ½ cup diced tomatoes
– ¼ cup sliced black olives
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for serving (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3️⃣ Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring to a simmer, then cook until the sauce is absorbed and the mixture is thick, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4️⃣ On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into an approximately 12×10-inch rectangle. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
5️⃣ Using a sharp knife, cut ½-inch-wide strips along both long sides of the rectangle, stopping about 2 inches from the center.
6️⃣ Spoon the cooled beef mixture down the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at each short end. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef, then top with diced tomatoes, olives, and green onions.
7️⃣ Working from one short end, fold the strips over the filling in an alternating pattern, creating a braided effect and overlapping slightly to seal. Tuck the ends under to secure.
8️⃣ Brush the braid lightly with a bit of olive oil. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, 18–20 minutes.
9️⃣ Let the braid rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro if desired.
Notes
Adjust the filling by swapping ground beef for cooked shredded chicken or crumbled chorizo.
For extra crunch, add a layer of crushed tortilla chips beneath the meat before braiding.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble the braid, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 8 hours; bake straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Leftover slices keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to keep the crust crisp.