Description
These ultimate handheld bites combine savory seasoned ground beef and melted cheese in a golden pizza crust, topped with a rich, creamy queso drizzle, perfect for game day or any party.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
2 cans (13.8 oz each) refrigerated pizza dough
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 pound processed cheese (like Velveeta), cubed
1/2 cup milk
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, undrained
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Diced red onion (for garnish, optional)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a 3-inch round cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out 12 circles from each dough sheet (24 circles total). You may need to re-roll dough scraps to get enough circles.
Step 5: Place a heaping tablespoon of the seasoned ground beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. Top with about a tablespoon of shredded Mexican cheese blend.
Step 6: Fold the dough over the filling, bringing opposite sides together to form a half-moon shape. Firmly pinch the edges closed to seal, ensuring no filling can escape. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security and a decorative touch. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Step 7: Arrange the assembled pizza bombs on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of the bombs with the beaten egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. While the bombs are baking, prepare the queso drizzle.
Step 9: For the queso drizzle, combine the cubed processed cheese, milk, and diced green chilies in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to scorch the bottom.
Step 10: Once baked, remove the taco pizza bombs from the oven. Drizzle generously with the warm queso sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling. These bombs can be assembled and frozen uncooked; bake from frozen at the same temperature, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pizza bombs
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg