Cool Ranch Taco Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, creative, and packed with flavor. Starting with a frozen cheese pizza saves time, and from there I get to pile on all my favorite taco toppings. It’s perfect for casual dinners, parties, or when I want to change up the usual taco routine. Each slice delivers that cool ranch tang, taco spice, and melty cheese all in one bite.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 frozen cheese pizza (such as Home Run Inn brand)

• 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

• 1/4 cup sliced black olives

• 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

• Optional: sliced jalapeños, green onions, or avocado

• Olive oil spray (optional)

directions

1. I preheat the oven according to the frozen pizza’s package instructions (typically 425°F / 220°C).

2. While the oven preheats, I brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, I drain any excess fat.

3. I stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened and flavorful.

4. I remove the frozen pizza from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.

5. I evenly spoon the cooked taco meat over the top of the frozen pizza, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

6. I bake the pizza according to the package directions, usually for 15–18 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

7. I let the pizza cool for a few minutes after baking, then top it with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, olives, and crushed tortilla chips.

8. I drizzle ranch dressing over the whole thing and add any optional toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or avocado before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, for a total time of 25 minutes. Each serving is approximately 410 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I use a thin crust or cauliflower crust pizza for a lighter version. I’ve also tried it with ground chicken or even meatless crumbles for a vegetarian twist. If I’m craving extra heat, I add a drizzle of hot sauce or spicy chipotle ranch instead of regular ranch.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Microwaving works too, but the texture is softer.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of frozen?

Yes, I can. I bake the dough with cheese and meat first, then add the fresh toppings just like with the frozen pizza method.

What type of ranch dressing works best?

I use a classic ranch or a yogurt-based version for a lighter touch. Chipotle ranch is great if I want extra spice.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prepare the meat mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated. When I’m ready, I assemble and bake the pizza fresh so it stays crispy.

What’s the best way to crush tortilla chips for topping?

I put a handful in a sandwich bag and lightly press with my hand or rolling pin for just the right texture—crunchy, not powdery.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. I keep it mild and let everyone customize their own slices with toppings they like. It’s a fun and family-friendly meal.

Conclusion

Cool Ranch Taco Pizza is a flavorful mashup that brings together everything I love about tacos and pizza in one easy-to-make dish. It’s bold, cheesy, and packed with textures—from crispy crust to crunchy chips and creamy ranch. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just making a fun weeknight dinner, this recipe always delivers big-time flavor with very little effort.