Taco Braid
Tired of the same old taco night routine? Enter the taco braid—a deliciously creative and easy way to enjoy all your favorite taco flavors wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust. With seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings like lettuce and tomato, this dish brings the perfect combination of comfort and fun to your table. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also simple to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Taco Braid
What sets the taco braid apart is its stunning presentation. The braided crust looks fancy enough to impress guests, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make. Bonus: it’s completely customizable! Add your favorite taco toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a meal that’s tailored to your tastes. For more taco-inspired ideas, check out Walking Taco Casserole—another family favorite that’s just as flavorful and fun!
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or entertaining friends, this taco braid recipe is sure to be a hit. The balance of savory beef, gooey cheese, and the crispy crust is a flavor-packed experience, while the lettuce and tomato add freshness and crunch. Ready to shake up your taco game? Let’s get started!
What You Will Love About This Recipe
Quick & Easy: With a pre-made pizza crust and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s like tacos, but better! The unique braid presentation is always a conversation starter.
Customizable: Switch up the filling with your favorite proteins, cheeses, and toppings to make it your own.
All-in-One Meal: This dish has it all—protein, carbs, and fresh veggies for a complete meal.
How to Make Taco Braid
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and chopped onion over medium heat and cook until soft. Add in the ground beef and cook until brown. Add in ½ cup of water and the taco seasoning, and mix until well combined.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Place pizza dough onto the parchment paper and roll it out so it measures approximately 10×15.
- Using a pizza cutter make slices that are about 1 ½ inches thick down each side of the dough.
- Place the ground beef down the center of the dough, then top with ¾ cup of cheese and tomato.
- Start to close up the dough by braiding it. Start at one end of the dough, fold the end up and wrap the first two slices over to seal up the end.
- Repeat the braiding with opposite slices until 2 remain and then wrap the last slices up to secure the other end.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Before serving, cover with chopped lettuce, and additional tomato if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use cold dough: Pizza dough is easier to work with when it’s slightly chilled. Let it rest on the counter for about 10 minutes before rolling out.
- Customize your filling: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
- Keep it neat: When braiding, fold the dough slices tightly to avoid filling spilling out while baking.
- Cheese variety: Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a mix for extra flavor.
- Serve fresh: Add lettuce and tomatoes just before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.
FAQs
Taco Braid
Taco Braid is the best Mexican dinner when you are short on time! All you need is refrigerated pizza crust, ground beef, cheese, and toppings and you are ready to serve your family in a snap!
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pizza crust
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 3 TBSP Homemade Taco Seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese or a favorite of your choice
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- Optional: Salsa and sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and chopped onion over medium heat and cook until soft. Add in the ground beef and cook until brown. Add in ½ cup of water and the taco seasoning, and mix until well combined.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Place pizza dough onto the parchment paper and roll it out so it measures approximately 10x15.
- Using a pizza cutter make slices that are about 1 ½ inches thick down each side of the dough.
- Place the ground beef down the center of the dough, then top with ¾ cup of cheese and tomato.
- Start to close up the dough by braiding it. Start at one end of the dough, fold the end up and wrap the first two slices over to seal up the end.
- Repeat the braiding with opposite slices until 2 remain and then wrap the last slices up to secure the other end.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Before serving, cover with chopped lettuce, and additional tomato if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 591Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 943mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 31g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
