Happy Joe’s Taco Pizza Recipe (Copycat)

Happy Joe’s Taco Pizza is not a regular pizza. It’s a fun mix of classic American pizza and bold taco flavors layered together in a way that tastes surprisingly perfect. The base is crispy, the middle is warm and cheesy with seasoned beef and beans, and the top is fresh, cool, and crunchy with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, tortilla chips, and a drizzle of sour cream and taco sauce.

What makes this pizza special is the contrast. You get hot and cold, soft and crunchy, cheesy and fresh, all in one slice. If you’ve ever tried it at the restaurant, you know how unique and addictive it is. The good news is you can easily make this famous taco pizza at home with simple pantry ingredients.

This copycat recipe brings you the same flavor, texture, and experience in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pizza Dough

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Taco Meat Layer

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• ¼ cup water

For the Bean Layer

• 1 cup refried beans

For the Cheese Layer

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh Taco Toppings (added after baking)

• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup crushed tortilla chips
• Sour cream for drizzling
• Taco sauce or mild salsa

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pizza Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This short rest makes it easier to roll.

Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat

Heat a pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.

Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick and flavorful.

Set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps create a crispy crust.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Roll the dough into a 12 to 14-inch circle.

Place it on a greased pizza pan or baking tray.

Step 5: Spread the Refried Beans

Spread refried beans evenly over the dough just like pizza sauce. Use the back of a spoon to create a thin, even layer.

Step 6: Add the Taco Meat

Spread the seasoned beef over the bean layer evenly.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously on top of the meat.

Step 8: Bake the Pizza

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Add the Fresh Taco Toppings

Remove pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2 minutes.

Now add:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced olives
• Crushed tortilla chips

Drizzle sour cream and taco sauce across the top.

Slice and serve immediately.

@thrillist

Why the Fresh Toppings Are Added After Baking

This is the secret to authentic taco pizza. If you bake the lettuce and tomatoes, they become soggy and lose their freshness. Adding them after baking gives the pizza its true taco texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Taco Pizza

• Spread beans thinly so the crust doesn’t get soggy
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
• Let the pizza cool slightly before adding toppings
• Use iceberg lettuce for the best crunch
• Don’t skip the tortilla chips; they add signature texture

Tasty Variations You Can Try

Chicken Taco Pizza

Replace ground beef with seasoned shredded chicken.

Spicy Taco Pizza

Add jalapeños and spicy salsa.

Vegetarian Taco Pizza

Use black beans, corn, onions, and bell peppers instead of meat.

Extra Cheesy Version

Add a layer of Monterey Jack cheese.

What Makes Happy Joe’s Taco Pizza Different

This pizza stands out because:

• Refried beans replace traditional pizza sauce
• Taco meat replaces Italian toppings
• Cold, fresh toppings are added at the end
• Tortilla chips add crunch
• Sour cream and taco sauce bring everything together

It truly tastes like tacos served on a pizza crust.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover slices in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat the base in the oven, then add fresh lettuce, chips, and sour cream before serving again.

Can You Make It Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can bake the pizza with beans, meat, and cheese ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat and add the fresh toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.

Can I use taco meat from leftovers?

Absolutely. Leftover taco meat is perfect for this recipe.

Can I freeze taco pizza?

Freeze only the baked base without fresh toppings. Add toppings after reheating.

What lettuce works best?

Iceberg lettuce gives the best crunch and freshness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure the taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza pairs well with:

• Salsa and guacamole on the side
• Mexican rice
• A simple corn salad
• Fresh lemonade or iced tea

Final Thoughts

Happy Joe’s Taco Pizza is one of those recipes that surprises everyone. It looks like pizza but tastes like tacos. The layers of beans, seasoned meat, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, crunchy chips, and creamy sauce create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Once you make this at home, it quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s fun, different, easy to prepare, and perfect for gatherings, parties, or a unique dinner night.