Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (approximately 1 ounce)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
• 1/2 cup salsa (for dipping)
• Sour cream (optional, for dipping)

Steps to Make Taco Pizza Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your Taco Pizza Rolls bake evenly and come out golden brown and crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the amount of water specified on the packet (usually about 2/3 cup). Cook according to the package instructions, typically for an additional 5 minutes, or until the beef is fully coated and the mixture is thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pizza Dough

1. On a clean, floured surface, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough. If you made your own dough, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
2. If desired, you can stretch the dough a bit more to ensure it’s large enough to roll up with the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Rolls

1. Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef, ensuring even coverage. Feel free to add more cheese if you want an extra cheesy roll!
3. Starting from one end, carefully roll the pizza dough over the filling, making sure to keep it tight but not too tight that it squeezes out the filling.
4. Pinch the seams together to seal the roll, then cut it into 1-inch thick slices.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Place the sliced rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving some space between each piece.
2. If using, brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil to enhance browning.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve with Dipping Sauces

1. Remove the Taco Pizza Rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per roll, based on 12 rolls)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and keep them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even meat substitutes like lentils or beans can be used to cater to your preferences.

3. What can I serve with Taco Pizza Rolls?
These rolls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with sides like Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh salad.

4. Can I freeze Taco Pizza Rolls?
Yes! To freeze, assemble the rolls and cut them into slices, then lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. Can I customize the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite taco toppings, such as diced onions, jalapeños, olives, or black beans. You can also substitute different cheeses or add fresh herbs like cilantro.

Tips for Making Taco Pizza Rolls

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground meat and high-quality cheese will elevate the flavor of your rolls.
2. Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in more filling, overfilling can make it difficult to roll and may cause the rolls to burst during baking.
3. Experiment with Seasonings: If you like more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef.
4. Try Different Sauces: In addition to salsa and sour cream, try serving with guacamole, queso, or a spicy chipotle sauce for a twist.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: As mentioned earlier, you can freeze the rolls before baking. This makes for a quick snack or meal option later. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Taco Pizza Rolls are a delicious and creative way to combine two beloved comfort foods into one tasty treat. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to fun get-togethers with friends and family. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your ingredients and get rolling; you’ll have a plate of Taco Pizza Rolls ready in no time! Enjoy!