If you’re craving a meal that feels like a fiesta in your mouth, this Taco Pie Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a comforting Tex-Mex pie loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty cheeses, and zesty salsa all tucked inside a golden, flaky crust. Easy to make and impossible not to love, this dish combines hearty, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a guaranteed winner for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—bringing depth, texture, and vibrant colors to your dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that gives the pie a rich and savory base flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Adds that signature Tex-Mex spice and seasoning, making this dish pop.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps to simmer the taco seasoning and keep the beef juicy and tender.
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade): A buttery, flaky shell that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Classic sharpness that melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy layer.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a creamy, mild touch that balances the cheddar’s boldness.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Brings freshness and a hint of spice to the top of the beef layer.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: A cool, tangy topping that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a burst of color and a mild onion flavor that livens up the dish.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional): For a bit of briny contrast that complements the warming spices.
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips: Provides a delightful crunchy topping that finishes off the pie with flair.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps your pie crust from sticking and ensures an easy release from the dish.
How to Make Taco Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray so the crust won’t stick. Gently press your refrigerated or homemade pie crust into the bottom and up the sides of the dish, making sure to smooth out any folds or air pockets. This buttery base is essential for holding all the flavorful fillings together.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the pie from becoming greasy. The browned beef provides that hearty, meaty flavor foundation that any taco lover craves.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked beef and pour in the 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything together, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. This step infuses the beef with those iconic Tex-Mex spices and binds the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spread the seasoned beef evenly over your pie crust base. Next, dollop the salsa on top of the beef in an even layer—it adds vibrant color and a juicy bite. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously on top of the salsa. This cheese duo melts to create a luscious, bubbly layer that ties all the flavors together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust with bubbly, melted cheese topping. This baking not only melds the flavors but crisps the pie crust to a delightful texture.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Once baked, let your Taco Pie Recipe rest for about 5 minutes—this helps everything set so it slices cleanly. Then top with dollops of sour cream, sprinkle on your green onions, black olives if you’re using them, and finish it off with crushed tortilla chips. These garnishes add creaminess, brightness, and a satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Taco Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make the dish pop both visually and in flavor. Besides the classic sour cream, green onions, black olives, and crushed tortilla chips, you might consider adding chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zesty kick. These little touches brighten the overall dish and balance the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Taco Pie with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lime or a bowl of fluffy Mexican rice. Both sides complement the bold and cheesy pie without overpowering it. You could also offer some warm tortilla chips and guacamole for a full Tex-Mex experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit adventurous? Serve slices of Taco Pie with a drizzle of chipotle ranch or salsa verde. You can also present it in small individual ramekins for a personal-sized pie or even use crescent roll dough as a fun alternative crust for a different texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Taco Pie can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a quick reheat for lunch the next day. Be sure to keep the garnishes separate until serving to maintain freshness and crunchy textures.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Wrap the unbaked assembled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer by adding extra baking time until the crust is golden and the filling is heated through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices of Taco Pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed thoroughly and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving is faster but may make the crust less crispy.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully in this Taco Pie Recipe and offer a leaner option if you’re looking to cut down on fat. Just season as directed and cook until fully done.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef with seasoned black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute. Adding diced vegetables like bell peppers and corn can also boost the flavor and texture for a hearty vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of a pie crust?
If you want a gluten-free or lower-carb alternative, try using a tortilla shell as the base, or even make a crust from crushed tortilla chips mixed with a bit of melted butter for extra crunch and flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger dish like a 9×13-inch casserole dish. The flavors will scale perfectly for bigger appetites or gatherings.
How spicy is this taco pie?
The spice level mainly depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. You can easily adjust by selecting mild, medium, or hot seasoning mixes and salsas to suit your taste buds and those of your family.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Pie Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something easy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor that everyone loves. It’s a fantastic way to bring the spirit of Tex-Mex right to your dining table with minimal effort but maximum flavor. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly it disappears at your next meal!
Print
Taco Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This hearty Taco Pie combines seasoned ground beef, melty cheeses, and a crisp pie crust for a delicious Tex-Mex main course perfect for family dinners. Layered with salsa and topped with sour cream, green onions, olives, and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional tacos baked into a satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
- nonstick cooking spray
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
Toppings
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Press the refrigerated pie crust firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the dish, creating an even base for the filling.
- Cook Beef: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat carefully to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water into the cooked beef. Simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, intensifying the flavors.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the prepared pie crust. Spoon 1/2 cup of salsa over the beef layer. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust that melts during baking.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, spread 1/4 cup sour cream over the top, then scatter chopped green onions, sliced black olives (if using), and crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a lighter version.
- Add diced jalapeños or chopped bell peppers into the beef mixture for extra kick and flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
