Growing up, taco night was a weekly tradition in our household. The sizzle of seasoned ground beef in the skillet, the aroma of melting cheese, and the vibrant colors of fresh veggies made it an eagerly anticipated event. But one evening, craving something a little different yet still comforting, I decided to get a bit experimental in the kitchen. I wanted to capture all the essence of our beloved tacos but present them in a novel way. Thus, the Taco Braid was born.
This Taco Braid combines the comforting elements of traditional tacos—savory seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and fresh tomatoes—into a visually impressive braid encased in golden, flaky pizza dough. It’s a fun dish that can be easily customized and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. And, as with any recipe, the beauty lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this dish can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
To make this Taco Braid, you will need the following ingredients:
1 canister refrigerated pizza crust
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 lb. Zaycon Fresh 93 / 7 Super Lean Ground Beef
3 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 cup Fiesta Blend shredded cheese, divided
1 tomato, diced, plus additional for topping, if desired
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
Sour cream and taco sauce for serving, if desired
Instructions
1. Preparation
Start by preparing your workspace. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Taco Braid won’t stick and will be easy to transfer in and out of the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake your creation.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your beef.
Add 1 pound of Zaycon Fresh 93 / 7 Super Lean Ground Beef to the skillet. Break up the beef with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take around 7 to 10 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Homemade Taco Seasoning over it. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and stir to combine. The seasoning will blend into the beef, and the water will help create a cohesive mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a richly seasoned beef mixture.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough
While the beef is simmering, prepare your pizza dough. Transfer the piece of parchment paper to a clean work surface. Unroll or unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto the parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to measure approximately 10 x 15 inches. The dough should be rolled out evenly so that it bakes uniformly.
Using a pizza cutter, make slices along both long sides of the dough. These slices should be 1 1/2 inches thick and about 3 inches long. These cuts will create the “braid” effect.
4. Assemble the Taco Braid
With the dough prepared and the beef mixture ready, it’s time to assemble your Taco Braid. Spread the cooked beef mixture down the center of the dough, leaving a small border on either side.
Sprinkle 3/4 cup of Fiesta Blend shredded cheese evenly over the beef. Next, add the diced tomato on top of the cheese. If you like, you can also reserve some diced tomato to sprinkle on top of the braid before baking for added freshness and color.
To create the braid effect, start at one end of the dough. Fold the end up slightly, then wrap the first two slices of dough over the beef mixture to enclose it. Continue this process, alternating sides, to form a braided appearance. When you reach the last two slices, fold them over to secure the braid.
Brush the top of the braid with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. This will give the dough a beautiful, golden-brown finish and enhance its flavor.
5. Bake
Transfer the parchment paper with the assembled Taco Braid onto the prepared baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, remove the Taco Braid from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. This will help the filling set and make it easier to cut.
6. Serve
Slice the Taco Braid into portions and serve warm. You can top each slice with additional diced tomato, chopped Romaine lettuce, sour cream, and taco sauce if desired. The fresh lettuce adds a crisp texture, while the sour cream and taco sauce enhance the taco flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
The Taco Braid is wonderfully versatile. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Ground Beef Alternatives: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different take on the dish.
Cheese Options: Swap out the Fiesta Blend cheese for any cheese of your choice, such as shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use black beans or lentils as a protein source. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have homemade taco seasoning, store-bought seasoning works just fine. Adjust the quantity to your taste preferences.
Summary
The Taco Braid is a delightful way to reinvent classic taco night. It combines the flavors of your favorite tacos into a visually stunning and fun-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The braided presentation not only looks impressive but also makes for easy serving and sharing. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to tailor it to various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this Taco Braid is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to prepare, fun to assemble, and absolutely delicious. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy taco night!
