A Quick, Delicious, and Nutritious Family Favorite
Nights after school have been crazy and I keep racking my brain to come up with menu items:
- The family LOVES
- Nutritious!
- And let’s not forget, something that I can make when I come tired in 15 minutes or less
So . . .
If you’re looking for a meal that’s fast, filling, and packed with nutrition, these Mini Taco Pizzas made in the air fryer are exactly what you need. With a crispy whole wheat flax oat bran pita base, savory taco meat, and fresh toppings, this is the perfect dinner for busy evenings.
Best of all, it’s so easy that the kids can pitch in or even take charge!
How to Make Mini Taco Pizzas
Here’s the quick and simple recipe:
- Base: Use whole wheat flax and oat bran pita bread (available at Aldi), which provides a sturdy, fiber-rich base.
- Toppings: Spread a layer of black beans or refried beans, and sprinkle with your favorite taco seasoning. Add pre-cooked taco meat (lean ground beef) for extra protein, and top with shredded cheese.
- Air Fryer: Bake at 400°F in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the pita is crispy.
- Garnish: Once baked, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crumbled tortilla chips, and a drizzle of taco sauce. For extra flavor, add fresh salsa and guacamole.
With the taco meat pre-cooked, you can have these ready in less than 10 minutes!
Plus, each mini taco pizza is packed with 6 grams of fiber per serving, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Health Benefits of Each Ingredient
Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of the key ingredients:
1. Whole Wheat Flax & Oat Bran Pitas
These pitas not only provide a hearty, satisfying base for your pizzas but are also a great source of dietary fiber, with 2 grams per serving. Whole grains like this help support digestion, keep you fuller longer, and provide steady energy. The flax adds a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
2. Black Beans
Black beans (or refried beans) are an excellent plant-based source of protein and fiber. They help regulate blood sugar levels, promote gut health, and support heart health. With beans as your base, you’re adding an extra layer of fiber and nutrients to each bite.
3. Lean Ground Beef (90% or more lean)
Using lean ground beef for the taco meat gives you a rich source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Lean beef is also a good source of iron and B vitamins, which support energy levels and red blood cell production. Pre-cooking the meat makes this meal super quick to throw together!
4. Shredded Cheese
Cheese adds that creamy, melty texture everyone loves. It’s a great source of calcium, which is vital for bone health, and contains protein to make your meal more satisfying. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your fat intake.
5. Fresh Salsa & Guacamole
Topping your mini taco pizzas with fresh salsa gives you a dose of vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Guacamole, made from heart-healthy avocados, adds healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium. Together, these toppings bring flavor and health benefits to the table.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Families
Quick & Easy: With the taco meat prepped, you can have these mini taco pizzas ready in less than 10 minutes.
Filling & Fiber-Rich: Each serving provides around 6 grams of fiber, making it a hearty meal that will keep everyone satisfied.
Kid-Friendly: Not only do kids love eating these mini taco pizzas, but they can also help make them. This is a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and interested in cooking.
Balanced Nutrition: With fiber-rich pitas, protein-packed beans and beef, healthy fats from guacamole, and fresh veggies, this meal hits all the nutritional bases.
Ingredients
- 4 whole wheat flax and oat bran pita breads (found at Aldi)
- 1 cup black beans or refried beans
- 1 lb lean ground beef cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled tortilla chips
- Taco sauce or salsa, for drizzling
- Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, fresh salsa
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
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Spread a layer of black beans or refried beans on the pita bread, Top with cooked taco meat.
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Sprinkle cheese over the beans and bean.
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Place pitas in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. (You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of the air fryer and pita breads)
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Top and serve! Remove the pizzas from the air fryer and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, guacamole, taco sauce, crushed chips and any other toppings you enjoy!
Notes
– This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger groups or meal prep!
Nutrition Facts: 220 calories, 7 grams fat, 18 grams protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber
Final Thoughts
If you’re short on time but want a filling, fiber-rich dinner that the whole family will love, these mini taco pizzas are a go-to option. They’re easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings, and with the air fryer, they come together quickly.
Plus, it’s a perfect recipe for getting the kids involved in cooking or even putting them on dinner duty!
Give these mini taco pizzas a try the next time you’re looking for a healthy, quick, and delicious meal. Your family will love them!