Taco Pie Recipe
If you are craving a crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with bold flavors and layers of deliciousness, you will absolutely adore this Taco Pie Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melted cheddar cheese, and a medley of vibrant toppings all baked inside a warm, soft flour tortilla. Whether you want an easy weeknight dinner or a fun dish to share with friends, this taco pie brings together all the best elements of a taco in one cozy, sliceable pie that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this Taco Pie Recipe truly shine. Each item plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and a splash of color that makes it as visually inviting as it is delicious.
- Ground beef (1 pound): This is the hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor and satisfies those hunger pangs.
- Small onion, chopped (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked with the beef.
- Taco seasoning mix (1 packet): Brings in that signature zesty and smoky taco flavor that defines the dish.
- Water (¾ cup): Helps the seasoning blend with the beef for that perfect saucy consistency.
- Flour tortilla (1, 8-inch): Serves as the soft, chewy crust—much more fun than traditional pie dough!
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gooey layer that pulls everything together.
- Sour cream (½ cup, for serving): Offers a cool, creamy contrast to the spiced beef.
- Salsa (½ cup): Adds a fresh, tangy kick to brighten each bite.
- Refried beans (½ cup): Create a smooth, savory layer that adds moisture and richness.
- Diced tomatoes (½ cup): Bring juicy bursts of freshness to every forkful.
- Sliced black olives (¼ cup): Introduce a salty, briny note that pairs amazingly well with the other flavors.
- Chopped green onions (¼ cup): Add a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color to the topping mix.
- Salt and black pepper (¼ teaspoon each): Season just right to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
How to Make Taco Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This will ensure it’s perfectly preheated so your taco pie bakes evenly and the cheese melts to bubbly perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and the chopped onion together, stirring occasionally. Once the beef is fully cooked and the onions have softened, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy pie.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Water
Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the browned beef and stir in the water. Let the mixture simmer gently for about five minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld into a rich, flavorful filling base.
Step 4: Prepare the Pie Dish
Grease a 9-inch pie dish lightly with cooking spray or a bit of oil. Press the flour tortilla into the bottom of the dish, creating a soft, edible crust that will hold all the layers together with a nice chewiness.
Step 5: Layer with Refried Beans
Spoon the refried beans evenly over the tortilla to form a creamy, hearty base layer. This helps anchor the filling and adds a smooth texture contrast to the spiced meat.
Step 6: Add Beef Mixture, Salsa, and Cheese
Spread your seasoned beef evenly on top of the beans. Then drizzle with salsa to add juicy tang and finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. This cheese layer will melt beautifully, binding the flavors together.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling
Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt fully and bubble up around the edges, signaling it’s time to take it out.
Step 8: Cool and Add Fresh Toppings
Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the filling to firm up slightly for cleaner slices. Then, top with dollops of sour cream, diced tomatoes, black olives, and a sprinkle of green onions for freshness and crunch.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Cut your taco pie into wedges and serve warm for maximum flavor impact. Each slice delivers a perfect harmony of warm spices, melty cheese, and crisp, cool toppings.
How to Serve Taco Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes elevates your Taco Pie Recipe from good to unforgettable. Sour cream balances the spices beautifully, while diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions add pops of color and texture that make every bite fun and fresh.
Side Dishes
This taco pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or seasoned rice. You can even serve with tortilla chips and guacamole for a festive touch that turns the meal into a true taco night celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your taco pie in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized presentation. You can also top each slice with avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce to suit your spice preference and add layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover taco pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this taco pie either baked or unbaked. Wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover taco pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this Taco Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth in place of water with the seasoning. It will still deliver plenty of flavor and protein.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don’t have refried beans on hand, you can substitute mashed black beans or pinto beans. Just season them lightly to keep the rich, creamy layer that the beans provide.
Is it possible to use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas create the soft crust, you can layer corn tortillas for a slightly different texture and more traditional taco flavor. Just be sure to stack several for sturdiness.
How spicy is this Taco Pie Recipe?
The heat level depends on the taco seasoning you use. You can control the spice by choosing mild or hot seasoning mixes, or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! The seasoned beef mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble the pie and bake as usual for a quick dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Pie Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that manage to feel both comforting and festive at the same time. Its easy assembly, layered textures, and bold southwestern flavors make it a perfect choice when you want a satisfying meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes one of your go-to dinner favorites!
Print
Taco Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Taco Pie recipe is a delicious, layered savory pie perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is combined with beans, salsa, and cheese baked in a tortilla-lined pie dish, then topped with fresh veggies and sour cream for a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning)
Pie Layers and Toppings
- 1 (8-inch) flour tortilla
- ½ cup refried beans
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the pie.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning mix and water to the skillet with the cooked beef and onions. Stir to combine thoroughly, then simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Pie Dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking, then place the 8-inch flour tortilla at the bottom, forming the base of the pie.
- Layer the Filling: Spread a layer of refried beans evenly over the tortilla. Next, add the seasoned beef mixture over the beans, followed by dollops of salsa. Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, signaling the pie is heated through and ready.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the taco pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set slightly and make slicing easier.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top the pie with sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions to add freshness and additional flavor layers.
- Serve: Slice the taco pie into 6 servings and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with extra salsa, guacamole, or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free adaptation.
- Adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or hot sauce if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a layer of shredded lettuce or avocado slices after baking can enhance texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
