Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taco pie is the perfect combination of Tex-Mex flavors and the comfort of a hearty casserole. It takes everything you love about tacos—seasoned meat, melted cheese, tortillas, and zesty toppings—and transforms them into a layered pie that is easy to prepare and even easier to serve. Unlike traditional tacos, this dish holds together beautifully, making it a practical choice for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. With its bold seasoning and customizable layers, taco pie offers plenty of room for creativity, allowing you to add beans, vegetables, or even extra spice to suit your family’s tastes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Whether you are looking for a fun twist on taco night or a new comfort food classic, taco pie is a versatile and satisfying recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Taco Pie – A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Taco Pie is a flavorful layered dish combining seasoned ground beef, cheese, and tortillas (or crescent dough) baked into a hearty, cheesy pie perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 (8 oz) can crescent roll dough or 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- If using crescent dough, press into the bottom of the pie dish to form a crust. If using tortillas, layer them on the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the crust.
- Top with salsa, then spread sour cream over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with diced tomato, black olives, and green onions.
Notes
- Customize with jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
- Serve with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
The star of the filling, ground beef provides hearty flavor and substance, seasoned to perfection with taco spices.
Onion
Diced onion adds savory sweetness and enhances the depth of the meat mixture.
Taco seasoning
A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and herbs that delivers the signature Tex-Mex flavor.
Tomato sauce
This creates a saucy layer that binds the filling and adds tangy richness.
Black beans
Optional but delicious, beans add extra protein and texture to the filling.
Corn kernels
Sweet corn adds a burst of flavor and balances the savory meat and spice.
Flour tortillas
Used to layer the pie, tortillas serve as the “crust” and structure of the dish.
Cheddar cheese
Melted cheddar gives the pie its gooey, cheesy richness, tying the flavors together.
Sour cream
A cooling contrast to the spiced meat, sour cream is perfect for serving.
Salsa
Adds freshness and tang, and can be mild or spicy depending on preference.
Green onions
Chopped green onions bring brightness and a touch of sharpness to each slice.
Fresh cilantro
Sprinkled on top, cilantro adds a fresh herbal note that complements the bold flavors.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven and lightly greasing a round baking dish or pie pan. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, then add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, beans, and corn, allowing the mixture to simmer until thickened.
To assemble, place a tortilla at the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread a portion of the meat mixture over the tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a tortilla topped generously with cheese.
Bake the pie until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sour cream, salsa, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6 servings, ideal for a family dinner. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, while baking requires 25–30 minutes. The dish is ready in under an hour, making it a practical choice for busy evenings.
Storage/reheating
Taco pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for quick meals. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and reheat directly from frozen when needed.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Taco Pie
Swap ground beef for shredded chicken seasoned with taco spices.
Vegetarian Taco Pie
Use beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables as the filling instead of meat.
Spicy Taco Pie
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat.
Cheesy Deluxe Taco Pie
Layer in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for added richness.
Guacamole Topping
Serve with fresh guacamole instead of sour cream for creamy freshness.
Tortilla Chip Crunch
Add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Breakfast Taco Pie
Use scrambled eggs and chorizo as the filling, topped with salsa.
Low-Carb Taco Pie
Replace tortillas with thin layers of zucchini or eggplant slices.
Mexican Rice Layer
Include a layer of cooked rice to make the dish even more filling.
Individual Taco Pies
Assemble the pie in muffin tins for personal-sized portions.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas work as well, though the texture will be slightly different.
Do I need to pre-cook the tortillas?
No, the tortillas soften naturally as the pie bakes.
Can I prepare taco pie in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
How do I prevent the pie from becoming soggy?
Allow the meat mixture to simmer until thick before layering.
Conclusion
Taco pie is a fun and flavorful twist on taco night, offering all the bold Tex-Mex flavors you love in a comforting, layered casserole. Easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it is a recipe you can adapt endlessly to suit your preferences. Whether enjoyed with classic toppings or customized with creative variations, taco pie is sure to bring excitement and satisfaction to the table.