Description
This Taco Braid recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make savory braid featuring seasoned ground beef, refried beans, salsa, and cheddar cheese all wrapped in a flaky pizza dough. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, it combines bold Mexican-inspired flavors with the comforting texture of baked dough braided beautifully for an impressive presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 can (13.8 ounces) refrigerated Pillsbury Pizza Dough (or use homemade pizza dough)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough and brown the beef: Unravel the pizza dough and place it on a greased cookie sheet to rest while you cook the beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, then drain the grease. Add the taco seasoning and 1 cup water to the beef mixture, stir well, and let it simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Shape and cut the dough: Once the dough has rested and reached room temperature, shape it into a large rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut one-inch strips down both sides of the dough, leaving the center intact for filling.
- Layer the fillings: Spread the refried beans down the center strip of the dough. Next, evenly spread the seasoned ground beef over the beans. Drizzle the salsa over the beef, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Braid and bake: Starting at one end, braid the one-inch dough strips over the filling, alternating sides to cover the center. Bake the braid in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Allow the braid to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or jalapeños to the beef while browning.
- If you prefer, homemade pizza dough can be used instead of refrigerated dough.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa for dipping.
- Ensure the dough rests to make it easier to braid without tearing.
