Description
This Taco Braid is a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, featuring pizza dough filled with seasoned taco beef, refried beans, cheese, salsa, and tomatoes. It’s a savory and hearty family dinner that combines all the flavors of tacos in an easy-to-make, baked braid form. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any weeknight!
Ingredients
- 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
- Chopped lettuce, for serving (optional)
- Sour cream and salsa, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water to the beef, mixing well. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Place the refrigerated pizza dough on a large piece of parchment paper and roll it out to measure 10×15 inches. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make slices (1½ inches thick and 3 inches long) along both long sides of the dough.
- Assemble the Braid: Microwave the refried beans for 45 seconds until soft enough to spread. Spread the refried beans evenly down the center of the dough. Top with the seasoned ground beef, then spread salsa over the beef. Add shredded cheese and diced tomatoes on top.
- Braid the Dough: Starting from one end, fold the first two slices over the filling to secure it. Repeat 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.
- Bake the Braid: 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.
- Serve: Allow the taco braid to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped lettuce and tomato, if desired. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or hot salsa to the filling.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Family Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
