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
Scale
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.
