If you have ever dreamed of a fun, handheld meal that combines all the best flavors of a taco with the flaky, golden crust of a braid, then you are going to adore this Taco Braid Recipe. It’s a brilliant way to transform simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece that’s both satisfying and shareable. You get seasoned taco meat wrapped in a beautifully braided pizza dough crust, making every bite a delightful twist of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, game day, or a casual get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Braid Recipe lies in its simplicity, using fresh and pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the pizza crust provides a tender base, the seasoned meat adds rich flavor, and the fresh veggies bring bright pops of color and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 (14-ounce) tube refrigerated pizza crust: Acts as the golden, flaky canvas for the taco filling and makes assembly a breeze.
- 1 pound ground beef (or chicken/turkey): The hearty protein that absorbs the bold taco seasoning perfectly.
- 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning: Pumps up the flavor with classic spices for that authentic taco taste.
- ½ cup water: Helps create a luscious sauce with the seasoning for juicy meat.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds creamy tang that balances the spices beautifully.
- ½ cup grated cheese: Melted into the filling for gooey, rich goodness.
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes (for filling): Freshness and subtle sweetness to brighten each bite.
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes (for garnish): Adds vibrant color and fresh flavor for a pretty finish.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Crisp and cool topping that brings a refreshing crunch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed on the braid for a golden, shiny crust.
How to Make Taco Braid Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your taco braid bakes evenly and develops that beautiful golden crust. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, or give it a quick spray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Having a prepared workspace saves you time when it’s go-time for assembly.
Step 2: Make the Perfect Taco Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until fully cooked and no pink remains. Draining any excess grease is key to keeping the braid from becoming soggy. Once drained, stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer on low heat until the mixture thickens—about five minutes. This step ensures your meat is juicy and packed with flavor without being watery. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly before assembling.
Step 3: Shape the Dough for Braiding
Unroll your refrigerated pizza crust onto the baking sheet and gently roll it out into a rectangle roughly 10 by 15 inches. Using scissors, make 1½-inch long strips down each side of the rectangle, about one inch apart. Be careful to leave the middle section uncut, as this is where all your delicious filling will go. These strips are what you will braid over the filling to create that stunning visual and secure the ingredients inside perfectly.
Step 4: Layer the Tasty Filling
Now the fun part! Spoon your slightly cooled taco meat evenly down the center of the dough. Next, dollop sour cream over the meat and sprinkle grated cheese on top to get that irresistible melty goodness. Finally, scatter half of the chopped tomatoes over the cheese. This layering helps keep the filling moist and full of fresh flavor with every bite.
Step 5: Create the Braid
Begin folding the strips of dough over the filling one by one, alternating sides in a crisscross pattern to form the braid. This technique traps the filling inside while giving the braid a gorgeous texture when baked. To finish, fold the top and bottom edges inward and press to seal the filling completely. This shape holds together beautifully while baking and looks impressive on the table.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the entire braid with olive oil to help it brown evenly and develop a beautiful shine. Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the crust turns a lovely golden brown. Baking at the right temperature for this amount of time ensures the crust is crispy, while the inside stays warm and melty.
Step 7: Finish With Fresh Toppings
Remove the braid from the oven and give it a few minutes to cool so the filling firms up slightly and won’t spill out when slicing. Finally, pile shredded lettuce and the remaining chopped tomatoes on top for crisp texture and a fresh burst of flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican condiments like salsa, guacamole, or extra sour cream for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Taco Braid Recipe
Garnishes
The Taco Braid Recipe truly shines with simple and fresh garnishes. A handful of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes sprinkled on top add crunch and brightness. For a little extra kick, some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the experience without overpowering the taco flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is so comforting and filling that it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Think classic sides like Mexican rice or refried beans to complement without competing. If you want to keep things fresh, a crisp corn salad or a bowl of black bean salsa can add delightful texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, slice the taco braid into individual servings and arrange them on a colorful platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs or lime wedges for that inviting touch. You can also serve it on a large wooden board with bowls of dipping sauces to invite everyone to mix and match to their heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Taco Braid Recipe, any leftovers should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days to keep the dough from drying out and the filling fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the braid either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic and then foil, storing in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow baking instructions. For freezing cooked leftovers, cool completely before wrapping and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust is crispy again. Microwaving can make the crust soggy, so the oven is your best bet to keep that braid crisp and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in the Taco Braid Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully with this recipe. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and adjust the seasoning as needed for the best flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meat with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms or use a meat substitute. The taco seasoning still adds plenty of flavor to the filling.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated crust?
Definitely. Homemade dough can add an extra touch of love and flavor. Just roll it out to the same dimensions and proceed with the recipe as usual.
How spicy is this taco braid, and can I adjust it?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. For milder flavors, opt for a mild taco seasoning, or add extra chili powder if you want more heat. You can also serve it with cooling toppings like sour cream or guacamole to balance the spice.
What kind of cheese works best in the Taco Braid Recipe?
Cheddar is classic for tacos, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for extra gooey texture. Pick a cheese that melts well and complements the taco flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Braid Recipe is such a joyful dish to make and serve because it combines so many favorites into one beautiful package. It’s easy to tweak for your tastes and always impresses friends and family without fuss. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try soon and create your own memorable moments around this fun and flavorful meal!
Print
Taco Braid Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Taco Braid is a delicious and visually stunning dish featuring a braided pizza crust filled with seasoned ground beef, sour cream, cheese, and fresh tomatoes. Perfect for a fun and easy meal, it combines Mexican flavors with a flaky, golden crust, topped with crisp lettuce and extra tomatoes for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
For the Taco Braid
- 1 (14-ounce) tube refrigerated pizza crust
- 1 pound ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated cheese
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes (½ cup for filling, ½ cup for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil, or spray it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Taco Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling from becoming oily. Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup water, then simmer the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before assembling.
- Prepare Pizza Crust: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto the prepared baking sheet. Roll it out gently to form an approximate 10 x 15-inch rectangle. Using scissors, cut 1½-inch strips about 1 inch apart along both long sides of the rectangle, leaving the center uncut for the filling.
- Assemble Taco Braid: Spoon the cooled, seasoned taco meat down the center uncut section of the crust. Spread the sour cream evenly over the meat, then sprinkle with the grated cheese and ½ cup of chopped tomatoes.
- Create the Braid: Starting from one end, fold the strips of dough over the filling in an alternating crisscross pattern to form a braid. Fold the top and bottom edges over the filling and pinch them to seal the braid completely.
- Bake: Brush the olive oil evenly over the top of the braid to help it brown beautifully. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pizza crust turns golden brown and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the braid from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Top with the shredded lettuce and the remaining ½ cup of chopped tomatoes. Serve with favorite Mexican accompaniments such as salsa, guacamole, and additional sour cream if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers to the taco meat while cooking.
- Use your favorite type of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for best results.
- Make sure to let the meat cool slightly before assembling to prevent the sour cream from melting.
- This braid can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for leftovers.
