Taco Braid

Elevate your Taco Tuesday with a creative and delicious twist – the Taco Braid. This recipe takes the classic taco ingredients and transforms them into a beautiful, braided masterpiece. Perfect for impressing guests or simply adding a touch of flair to your family dinner, the Taco Braid is a must-try for any Tex-Mex enthusiast.

Who is this Recipe For?

This recipe caters to anyone looking to spice up their taco night with a visually appealing and tasty dish. It’s great for those who enjoy the convenience of using refrigerated pizza crust for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The Taco Braid is a crowd-pleaser, making it suitable for family dinners, game nights, or potluck gatherings.

Why it’s Great

Visual Appeal: The braided presentation adds a touch of elegance to a casual meal, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Versatile Ingredients: Customizable with your favorite taco toppings, this braid allows you to get creative with flavors.
Quick and Easy: Using refrigerated pizza crust cuts down on prep time, making this a convenient option for busy evenings.

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 the top, if desired
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
Sour cream and taco sauce for serving, if desired

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Rimmed baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large skillet
Pizza cutter

Recipe Directions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3-5 minutes). Add Zaycon Fresh 93 / 7 Super Lean Ground Beef and cook until brown. Stir in Homemade Taco Seasoning and water, simmering for 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on the parchment paper, creating a 10×15-inch rectangle.
Braid the Taco: Using a pizza cutter, make 1 1/2-inch thick slices 3 inches along both long sides of the dough. Place the taco filling down the center, top with 3/4 cup of cheese and diced tomatoes. Begin folding the end and wrapping the slices over to secure, repeating until the last two.
Bake to Perfection: Brush the braided dough with melted butter and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Finish and Serve: Top the baked braid with chopped Romaine lettuce and additional diced tomatoes. Serve with sour cream and taco sauce if desired.

Kitchen Tips and Shortcuts

Time-Saving Tip: Use pre-chopped onions or frozen diced onions to cut down on prep time.
Double the Batch: Prepare two Taco Braids and freeze one for a quick and delicious future meal.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Twist: Add extra cheese inside the braid for an even gooier, more indulgent experience.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with black beans or sautéed vegetables for a meat-free alternative.
Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.

How to Store Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to maintain the crispiness of the crust.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning if you’re short on time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Certainly! Prepare the braided taco and refrigerate before baking. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.