Taco Pie Recipe: A Delicious One-Dish Meal
This Taco Pie recipe has been a long-time favorite of mine. I initially lost the recipe and couldn’t find anything quite like it, so I searched all over for a taco pie with a pie crust and finally rediscovered it. This version combines the comfort of a hearty pie with all the flavors of a classic taco, making it a perfect one-dish meal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or any occasion when you crave a simple yet satisfying dinner. The blend of seasoned beef, salsa, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips all nestled in a flaky pie crust is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make, quick to prepare, and customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
Recipe Information
| Category | One-Dish Meal |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mexican-inspired |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5, based on 18 reviews) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1/2 lb (225g) | For the base of the filling, providing flavor and protein. |
| Salsa | 1 cup (240ml) | Adds moisture and flavor, infusing the pie with taco seasoning. |
| Shredded cheese | 3 cups (300g) | A blend of your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar or a taco blend. |
| Tortilla chips | 1 cup (about 8 chips) | Crushed, to create a crunchy texture in the layers of the pie. |
| Lettuce | 2 cups (shredded) | Fresh lettuce to add a crunchy, refreshing element when serving. |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 cup (fresh or canned) | A juicy and tangy topping, balancing out the richness of the pie. |
| Black olives | 1/2 cup (sliced) | For added flavor and texture. You can omit if you prefer. |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup (for topping) | Optional but adds a creamy, cooling effect when serving. |
| Pre-made pie crust | 1 (9-inch) | A store-bought pie crust makes it simple, but homemade works too. |
| Taco seasoning mix | 1 packet (or homemade) | To season the ground beef, giving it that unmistakable taco flavor. |
| Canned beans (optional) | 1/2 cup (refried or black) | For an extra layer of flavor and texture (optional). |
Nutritional Information per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 441.8 kcal |
| Fat | 23.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 48.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1199 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 37.2 g |
| Fiber | 5.8 g |
| Sugar | 2.9 g |
| Protein | 21.8 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by baking the pie crust according to the package instructions. If you prefer a homemade crust, feel free to use your favorite recipe. Make sure it is baked and slightly cooled before assembling the pie. -
-
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the pie to perfection, ensuring that the cheese melts beautifully and the crust gets golden. -
Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy. -
Season the Beef
Once the beef is cooked and drained, stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. If you’re using homemade taco seasoning, this is the time to add your blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the seasoning. -
Prepare the Bean Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the salsa and beans. You can use refried beans, black beans, or any beans of your choice. The beans will help hold the layers together while adding richness and flavor. -
Assemble the Taco Pie
Spread the bean mixture evenly on the bottom of the baked pie crust. Layer half of the seasoned ground beef on top, followed by half of the crushed tortilla chips. Add half of the shredded cheese on top of that. -
Add the Second Layer
Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining ground beef, followed by the second half of the crushed tortilla chips, and finishing with the remaining shredded cheese. This double layering creates a satisfying depth of flavor and texture. -
Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a slightly browned top, leave it in for a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking. -
Cool and Set
Once baked, remove the taco pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice without spilling. -
Serve and Garnish
Slice the pie into wedges and serve with your choice of fresh toppings. We recommend adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Feel free to add guacamole or salsa on the side to make it even more irresistible.
Optional Toppings & Variations
This taco pie is very customizable. You can get creative with your toppings and variations. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Toppings: Try adding diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños for a little heat.
- Add-ins: Swap out the salsa for taco sauce for a different flavor profile, or even add some chopped green onions for extra freshness.
- Protein options: Ground turkey or chicken can easily replace the ground beef for a lighter version.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Pie
This Taco Pie is the perfect combination of flavors and textures—crispy tortilla chips, savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and a flaky, buttery pie crust. It’s easy to make, comes together in less than an hour, and is a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a quick weeknight meal, this Taco Pie will undoubtedly become one of your go-to recipes.
Final Thoughts
Taco Pie is a fantastic dish to add to your rotation of family-friendly recipes. With its simple ingredients, quick cooking time, and versatility, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal planning. Plus, it’s fun to make and even more fun to eat! Enjoy this hearty and satisfying pie with your loved ones for an unforgettable meal.
