I made a standout taco pizza with a crisp crescent roll crust and a tangy cream cheese sauce. Ground beef, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions lend hearty flavor to each bite. This twist on taco pizza promises a delightful surprise for anyone looking for a playful party appetizer.

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I recently whipped up this Taco Pizza Appetizer that blends the best of both worlds and it’s quickly become a favorite at my get-togethers. I started with an 8 oz can of refrigerated crescent roll dough to form a light, crispy base, then mixed in a creamy sauce using 4 oz softened cream cheese blended with 2 tbsp sour cream and just the right amount of taco seasoning to give it that zesty kick.

I layered on 1/2 lb of browned ground beef, sprinkled 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and added 1/2 cup diced tomatoes along with 1/4 cup chopped green onions. On a whim, I even tossed on a few black olives and finished it off with shredded lettuce.

This recipe, reminiscent of loaded meatlovers pizza casserole ideas and other creative taco treats, is a tasty twist that I simply had to share. Enjoy this fun, easy, and irresistible party appetizer!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to make, even when I’m in a rush. I can just roll out the crescent dough and layer on all my fave taco toppings and it comes together so fast. I like the way the cream cheese sauce mixes with the taco seasoning and beef, making every bite burst with flavor. Plus, it’s really fun to switch up the toppings like adding olives or lettuce depending on what I’m in the mood for, which makes the whole thing feel extra personalized. Lastly, I love that it’s like a mashup of pizza and tacos, two of my absolute favorites, so I get to enjoy the best of both worlds in one tasty dish.

Ingredients

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Crescent roll dough gives you carbs and a tender, buttery, crispy base.
Cream cheese makes a rich, tangy sauce with healthy fats and protein.
Taco seasoning brings bold flavors and zesty spices in every bite.
Ground beef packs protein, iron, and a savory taste plus extra texture.
Cheddar cheese adds a gooey melt, calcium, and an irresistible cheesy aroma.
Diced tomatoes supply vitamin C, juicy freshness, and a tangy balance.
Green onions add crisp, mild spice plus antioxidants and vibrant color.
Sour cream blends tanginess and creaminess while lightening the rich flavors.
Black olives offer slight saltiness, healthy fats, and a unique briny tang.

Ingredient Quantities

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough

4 oz cream cheese (softened to make the sauce)

2 tbsp sour cream

1–2 tbsp taco seasoning (adjust according to taste)

1/2 lb ground beef, browned and drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped green onions

Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives

Optional: shredded lettuce for topping, if desired

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. Unroll the crescent roll dough onto the sheet making sure the perforations are facing up.

3. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning until it looks smooth.

4. Spread the mixture evenly on the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Evenly distribute the browned and drained ground beef all over the sauce.

6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef so it melts as it bakes.

7. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and if youre feelin adventurous, lay a few sliced black olives on top.

8. Put the whole thing in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden and the cheese is all melty.

9. Let it cool a bit then top with shredded lettuce if you want an extra crunch before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – for preheating to 375°F
2. Baking sheet – to place and bake the crescent roll dough
3. Small mixing bowl – to mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning
4. Spatula or knife – for spreading the sauce over the dough
5. Frying pan – to brown the ground beef (if not already pre-cooked)
6. Colander – to drain the ground beef
7. Knife and cutting board – to dice tomatoes, chop green onions, and slice olives

FAQ

Q: How can I store leftover taco pizza?

A: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp up the crust.

Q: Can I substitute the crescent roll dough with something else?

A: Sure, you can use pre-made pizza dough if you want a thicker crust. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change a bit.

Q: Do I have to use black olives?

A: No way, black olives are totally optional. If you're not a fan, you can just skip them or swap them with extra tomatoes or even some jalapenos for a little extra kick.

Q: How do I make the sauce for the taco pizza?

A: It’s super easy! Just mix together the soft cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until you get a smooth sauce. Then spread it over the dough before adding the meat and other toppings.

Q: Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yeah, you can prep all the ingredients beforehand. But its best to assemble the pizza and bake it just before serving so the crust stays nice and crispy.

Taco Pizza Appetizer (w/crescent Roll Crust) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Crescent roll dough can be replaced with refrigerated biscuit dough or puff pastry if you cant find crescent rolls.
If you dont have cream cheese, try using Neufchatel cheese or blend cottage cheese until smooth for a lighter twist.
Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken to keep it a bit leaner without losing that taco flavor.
Cheddar cheese works great but you can swap it with pepper jack or colby jack for a different kick.

Pro Tips

1. If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, nuke it in the microwave for about ten seconds before mixing. It makes for a smoother spread that really blends well with the sour cream and taco seasoning.

2. While browning the beef, don’t be shy about adding a little extra garlic powder or even a pinch of cumin if you have it. It’ll boost the flavor and make that beef taste even richer.

3. Keep an eye on your dough as it bakes. If you notice one side starting to brown too much, try gently rotating your baking sheet halfway through. That way, you get a even golden finish all over.

4. After taking it out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before cutting into it. This rest time lets the melted cheese and toppings firm up a bit, so you dont end up with all that sauce sliding off when you serve it.

Taco Pizza Appetizer (w/crescent Roll Crust) Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

445

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven – for preheating to 375°F
2. Baking sheet – to place and bake the crescent roll dough
3. Small mixing bowl – to mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning
4. Spatula or knife – for spreading the sauce over the dough
5. Frying pan – to brown the ground beef (if not already pre-cooked)
6. Colander – to drain the ground beef
7. Knife and cutting board – to dice tomatoes, chop green onions, and slice olives

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
4 oz cream cheese (softened to make the sauce)
2 tbsp sour cream
1–2 tbsp taco seasoning (adjust according to taste)
1/2 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Optional: shredded lettuce for topping, if desired

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto the sheet making sure the perforations are facing up.
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning until it looks smooth.
Spread the mixture evenly on the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Evenly distribute the browned and drained ground beef all over the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef so it melts as it bakes.
Add the diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and if youre feelin adventurous, lay a few sliced black olives on top.
Put the whole thing in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden and the cheese is all melty.
Let it cool a bit then top with shredded lettuce if you want an extra crunch before serving.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.