Taco Braid

This Easy Taco Braid is a delightful twist on traditional taco night. It’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or any casual gathering. With its flaky pizza dough wrapped around seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Taco Braid can be prepared in just 50 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun shape and delicious flavors, making dinnertime more enjoyable for everyone.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap in different fillings to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup as everything bakes together on one sheet, saving you time after the meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The braided design looks fancy but is easy enough for anyone to master.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Taco Braid, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat evenly without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife: Makes slicing the dough quick and precise for that beautiful braid effect.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for softening refried beans quickly without hassle.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your Taco Braid to perfection.

Ingredients

This Easy Taco Braid uses pizza dough, seasoned taco beef, refried beans, cheese and salsa to create the most delicious family dinner!

For the Dough and Filling

• 13.8 ounce tube refrigerated pizza crust
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1.25 ounce packet taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend shredded cheese)
• 2 cups finely diced tomatoes, divided use
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter

For Serving (Optional)

• Chopped lettuce
• Sour cream
• Salsa

How to Make Taco Braid

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Add Seasoning

Add the taco seasoning and water into the pan with the beef. Mix well until fully incorporated. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. On a large piece of parchment paper, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough until it measures approximately 10 x 15 inches.

Step 4: Slice the Dough

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make slices along both long sides of the dough (each about 1 -1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long).

Step 5: Spread Refried Beans

Place refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl and warm them in the microwave for about 45 seconds until soft enough to spread easily. Evenly spread the warm refried beans down the center of the dough.

Step 6: Add Ground Beef

Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the layer of refried beans down the center of the dough.

Step 7: Top with Salsa and Cheese

Spread salsa evenly over the ground beef. Then sprinkle shredded cheese followed by diced tomatoes on top.

Step 8: Create the Braid

Starting at one end of the braid, fold up that end and wrap the first two slices over to secure it. Continue wrapping with each slice until reaching the last two slices.

Step 9: Seal It Up

Fold up the remaining end of dough and wrap those last two slices over it to secure everything tightly.

Step 10: Brush with Butter

Gently brush melted butter over the top and sides of your Taco Braid for a golden finish.

Step 11: Bake

Carefully transfer your parchment paper with Taco Braid onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 12: Cool & Serve

Allow your Taco Braid to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Optionally cover with chopped lettuce and tomato. Serve alongside sour cream and extra salsa as desired.

How to Serve Taco Braid

Taco Braid is a fun and interactive dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile and appealing to everyone at the table.

Toppings

• Chopped Lettuce: Fresh lettuce adds a crunchy texture and bright color to your dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Sprinkle diced tomatoes on top for an extra burst of freshness and flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a creamy contrast to the savory taco filling.
• Salsa: Serve additional salsa on the side for those who love an extra kick of flavor.

Sides

• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole complements the flavors of the Taco Braid perfectly.
• Mexican Rice: A side of seasoned Mexican rice rounds out the meal with hearty grains.
• Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory braid.
• Refried Beans: Extra refried beans on the side are always a hit for bean lovers.

How to Perfect Taco Braid

To make your Taco Braid even more delicious, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use your favorite spices or add jalapeños to kick up the heat in your beef mixture.
• Even Spreading: Ensure that you evenly spread the refried beans and toppings down the center for balanced flavor in every bite.
• Properly Bake: Keep an eye on the baking time; it should be golden brown. Adjust your oven if necessary for even cooking.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the braid cool for a few minutes helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Taco Braid

Pairing sides with your Taco Braid can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tasty options to consider:

1. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make a classic and enjoyable appetizer.
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice creates a delightful fusion of flavors.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish enhances your meal with its zesty cilantro and lime flavor profile.
4. Black Bean Salad: A healthy black bean salad offers protein and fiber while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices echo taco flavors in a new form.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters provide a unique twist that pairs well with the flavors of the braid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Taco Braid, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your final dish. Here are some frequent mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold Dough Preparation: Failing to roll out the pizza dough properly can lead to uneven baking. Ensure you spread it to the right size for even cooking.
• Bold Overfilling: Adding too much filling can make it hard to braid. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning the beef sufficiently may result in bland flavors. Always follow the taco seasoning instructions closely for maximum taste.
• Bold Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking or underbaking your Taco Braid can affect texture. Keep an eye on it and use a timer for precision.
• Bold Neglecting Cooling Time: Cutting into the braid immediately can cause fillings to spill out. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving for better presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing Taco Braid

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• • Containers: Wrap well in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Taco Braid

• Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices in 30-second increments until warm, being careful not to overcook.
• Bold Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Taco Braid?

A Taco Braid is a delicious dish made with seasoned beef, refried beans, cheese, and salsa wrapped in pizza dough, creating a fun and tasty family meal.

Can I customize my Taco Braid?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, use chicken instead of beef, or switch up the cheese for variety.

How do I know when my Taco Braid is done?

Your Taco Braid should be golden brown on top. You can also check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I make Taco Braid ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

The Easy Taco Braid is a delightful dish that combines classic flavors with fun presentation. Its versatility allows you to customize fillings and toppings according to your family’s preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any night of the week!

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