Taco Braid

This Taco Braid is a creative and delicious twist on the classic taco. Made with pizza dough, seasoned taco beef, refried beans, salsa, and plenty of melted cheese, it offers a fun and easy way to enjoy taco night with the whole family. The braid shape makes it as visually appealing as it is tasty, and it’s perfect for serving up a hearty meal in a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco Braid combines all your favorite taco flavors in a unique and easy-to-eat format. The pizza dough gives the dish a satisfying, soft base that perfectly complements the seasoned beef, refried beans, and gooey melted cheese. The braid shape is not only fun but also allows the filling to stay securely in place. Whether you’re making it for Taco Tuesday or just looking for a new family dinner idea, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 13.8-ounce tube refrigerated pizza crust

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1.25-ounce packet taco seasoning

• ¾ cup water

• 1 cup refried beans

• 1 cup salsa

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend shredded cheese)

• 2 cups finely diced tomatoes, divided use

• 2 Tablespoons melted butter

For serving (optional):

• Chopped lettuce

• Sour cream

• Salsa

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Taco Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain the excess grease. Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, mixing well. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.

2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the refrigerated pizza dough on a large piece of parchment paper and roll it out to measure approximately 10×15 inches.

3. Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make slices along both long sides of the dough (1½ inches thick and 3 inches long).

4. Assemble the Braid: Microwave the refried beans for 45 seconds to soften them enough to spread. Evenly spread the refried beans down the center of the dough. Top with the seasoned ground beef, then spread salsa over the beef. Add the shredded cheese and half of the diced tomatoes on top.

5. Braid the Dough: Starting from one end of the braid, fold the end up and wrap the first two slices of dough over the filling to secure it. Continue this process with the remaining slices until you reach the last two. Fold the remaining end up and wrap the last two slices over to seal the braid.

6. Brush and Bake: Brush the top and sides of the braid with melted butter. Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the braid onto a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the taco braid to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped lettuce and the remaining diced tomatoes, if desired. Serve with sour cream and taco sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly option.

• Add Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle some chili powder into the taco seasoning.

• Use Chicken: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter version.

• Extra Cheese: Feel free to add more cheese, or use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.

• Guacamole: Serve with a side of guacamole for an extra creamy and flavorful addition to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Taco Braid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes! You can use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated pizza crust for a different twist.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the braid ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

3. Can I freeze the Taco Braid?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked braid for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

4. How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain the beef mixture well and spread the salsa and refried beans evenly, avoiding excess moisture in one spot. You can also pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the filling to create a crispier base.

5. Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a meat-free filling like roasted vegetables or beans for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I use a store-bought salsa?

Yes! Store-bought salsa works just as well as homemade, but for a fresher taste, try using a chunky salsa with a good balance of flavor.

7. Can I make this spicier?

Yes, add some diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or use a spicier taco seasoning to heat things up.

8. How do I know when the braid is done?

The braid is done when the dough is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. You can check the filling with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

9. Can I make the Taco Braid in a different shape?

Yes, you can make a circular braid or even roll the dough like a traditional burrito. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

10. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Yes, feel free to add onions, bell peppers, or even corn to the filling to boost the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Taco Braid is a fun, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner that takes the best parts of tacos and transforms them into a portable, easy-to-serve dish. With its crispy, golden crust and savory filling, it’s sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table. Customize it with your favorite toppings and fillings, and enjoy a delicious twist on Taco Tuesday!