Description
Craving a fun, flavor-packed dish that combines the hearty goodness of a meat lovers pizza with the handheld joy of tacos? Look no further than Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Pizza Tacos! This irresistible recipe features a savory blend of ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, and sausage, slow-cooked with pizza sauce, bell peppers, and onions, then piled into warm tortillas with melty mozzarella and black olives.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
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Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides a savory, hearty base.
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Substitution: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for vegetarian or lighter options.
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Pepperoni (½ cup, diced): Adds spicy, smoky flavor.
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Substitution: Turkey pepperoni, salami, or omit for less intensity.
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Cooked Bacon (½ cup, crumbled): Brings smoky, crispy richness.
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Substitution: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or vegan bacon bits.
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Sliced Sausage (½ cup, cooked): Enhances meaty depth (e.g., Italian or breakfast sausage).
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Substitution: Chorizo, kielbasa, or plant-based sausage.
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Pizza Sauce (½ cup): Delivers tangy, tomatoey pizza flavor.
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Substitution: Marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes with ½ tsp Italian seasoning, or BBQ sauce for a twist.
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Bell Pepper (¼ cup, diced): Adds sweet crunch and color.
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Substitution: Green beans, zucchini, or omit for simplicity.
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Red Onion (¼ cup, diced): Provides sharp, savory depth.
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Substitution: Yellow onion, shallots, or ½ tsp onion powder.
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Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses savory warmth.
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Substitution: 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced, or ½ tsp garlic salt (reduce added salt).
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Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Brings classic pizza herb flavor.
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Substitution: Dried oregano, basil, or a mix of thyme and rosemary.
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Salt and Pepper (to taste, about ½ tsp each): Enhances overall flavor.
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Substitution: Sea salt or white pepper for variation.
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For the Tacos
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup): Melts into gooey, pizza-like goodness.
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Substitution: Provolone, cheddar, or vegan mozzarella.
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Black Olives (¼ cup, sliced): Adds briny, savory contrast.
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Substitution: Green olives, mushrooms, or omit.
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Tortillas (8, flour or corn): Serves as the taco base.
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Substitution: Lettuce wraps for low-carb, or flatbreads for a pizza-like twist.
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For Garnish (optional)
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Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (chopped): Adds vibrant color and freshness.
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Substitution: Basil, cilantro, or no garnish.
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Why They’re Important: The mix of ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, and sausage creates a meaty, pizza-inspired filling, while pizza sauce and mozzarella bring classic pizza flavor. Bell peppers, onions, and olives add texture and balance, and tortillas provide a soft, handheld base. Garnishes elevate the dish with a fresh, polished finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Mixture
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb ground beef until cooked through (5-7 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if desired.
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Add ½ cup diced pepperoni, ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon, ½ cup sliced cooked sausage, ¼ cup diced bell pepper, ¼ cup diced red onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and flavors blend.
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Stir in ½ cup pizza sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine.
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Tip: For leaner beef, draining fat may not be necessary. If skipping the skillet, add raw beef and vegetables to the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour to brown, then drain fat before adding other ingredients (but skillet method is quicker and enhances flavor).
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Step 2: Slow Cook the Filling
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Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld and the filling is rich and aromatic.
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Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even cooking. If the filling looks too watery, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes on high to thicken. Add 1-2 tbsp broth if it seems dry.
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Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
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About 15 minutes before the filling is done, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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Place 8 tortillas (flour or corn) on the baking sheet and warm in the oven for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Set aside, covered with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
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Tip: Warm tortillas in batches if needed, ensuring they don’t overlap to heat evenly. If using corn tortillas, wrap in foil to prevent drying out.
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Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
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Stir the slow-cooked meat filling to ensure a cohesive mix. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if desired.
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Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce (from an additional ¼ cup, if desired) on each warm tortilla for extra flavor.
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Spoon an even portion of the meat mixture (about ⅓ cup per taco) onto the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided evenly) and ¼ cup sliced black olives.
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Tip: Don’t overfill tacos to ensure easy folding or eating. Place filling slightly off-center for easier folding if serving folded tacos.
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Step 5: Bake the Tacos
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Arrange the filled tortillas on the baking sheet, either flat (like mini pizzas) or folded into taco shapes (use a taco rack or prop with foil to hold shape).
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tacos to cool slightly for handling.
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Tip: For crispier tortillas, brush lightly with olive oil before baking. Watch closely to avoid overbaking, as tortillas can harden.
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Step 6: Serve
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Garnish the tacos with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a vibrant, fresh finish.
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Serve hot, either flat as open-faced tacos or folded as traditional tacos, with optional extra pizza sauce or hot sauce on the side for dipping.
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Pair with sides like a Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks, or cucumber slices for a complete meal.
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Tip: For a fun presentation, arrange tacos on a platter with garnishes scattered over the top, or serve in taco holders for a festive look.
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