Taco Pie Recipe

If you love all the lively flavors of taco night but want a dish that’s easy, comforting, and perfect for sharing, Taco Pie is destined to be your next favorite. This crowd-pleasing bake layers seasoned beef, creamy filling, gooey cheese, and a golden pie crust into a savory, sliceable masterpiece. Whether for a family dinner, game day gathering, or weeknight craving, Taco Pie brings all the best taco fixings together in a form that’s hearty, colorful, and fun to make—and even more fun to eat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of Taco Pie is just how unfussy the shopping list is. Every ingredient here pulls more than its weight, from the savory meat to the melty cheeses, and even the pops of color and crunch from optional toppings. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll want every single bite!

• Ground beef: Delivers rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture as the hearty base of each bite.
• Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and gentle sharpness that melds perfectly with taco spices.
• Taco seasoning (1 packet): The flavor powerhouse—turns simple beef into craveable, taco-inspired filling in seconds.
• Water (1/4 cup): Helps dissolve the seasoning and keeps the mixture juicy, so every wedge stays tender.
• Refrigerated pie crust (9-inch): Your shortcut to a flaky, buttery base—ready-made so assembly is a breeze!
• Salsa (1 cup): Adds zesty, tangy moisture and a kick of flavor right in the base of the pie.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): For that iconic melted, golden blanket classic to every good Taco Pie.
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Brings mild creaminess and a smooth melt—especially pretty when combined with cheddar.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Makes the filling impossibly creamy and balances the spices with a little tang.
• Large egg: Binds everything together so you get picture-perfect pie slices every time.
• Crushed tortilla chips (1/2 cup, optional): For those who live for the crunch—scatter over top before baking for extra texture.
• Chopped green onions, tomatoes, and olives (for garnish, optional): These fresh toppers add color, pop, and even more of that classic taco spirit to your finished pie.

How to Make Taco Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Savory Beef Mixture

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, then cook them together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 6–8 minutes. Once any excess grease has been drained, sprinkle in the taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir it all together until the beef is well coated and simmer for a couple more minutes to let those flavors really sink in. Remove from heat and savor the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Assemble the Taco Pie Layers

Press that wonderful ready-to-use pie crust into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Next, spread the salsa in an even layer right over the crust—think of it as the flavor-packed foundation. In a mixing bowl, combine your beef mixture with the sour cream and the egg, stirring until everything is blended and creamy. Spoon this hearty mixture over your salsa layer, making sure it spreads evenly to the edges for every bite to be equally delicious.

Step 3: Cheese It Up and Top It!

Now comes the cheesy magic. Sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese all over the beef layer. You want a generous, even blanket of cheese! If you’re a fan of crunch, go ahead and scatter crushed tortilla chips on top—they’ll turn delightfully golden as the pie bakes. This step really takes Taco Pie into “must-make again” territory.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the assembled pie into your preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes. The edges of the crust should turn beautifully golden, and the center of the pie will be set and bubbling. When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes—just long enough to make perfect slices without losing that glorious melted cheese topping.

How to Serve Taco Pie

Garnishes

No Taco Pie is truly complete without a flurry of fresh garnishes! Sprinkle heaps of sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives right over the top before serving. Not only does it make your pie look downright irresistible, but it adds layers of fresh, bright flavor in every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Taco Pie with classic sides to fill out your fiesta! Fresh corn salad, zesty cilantro-lime rice, a scoop of refried beans, or even a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette are all wonderful matches. They enhance the experience without stealing the spotlight from your main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to elevate your Taco Pie for guests or a family fun night? Try slicing it into neat wedges and arranging them on a platter surrounded by bowls of extra salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños for easy, interactive toppings. Serve it in individual ramekins for a personal-sized treat or even bake mini Taco Pies in muffin tins for impressive party appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Taco Pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just transfer individual slices or the entire pie (once cooled) to an airtight container. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your second-day slice sometimes even better than the first!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for busy nights, Taco Pie freezes well. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion out individual slices in freezer-safe bags. It’ll keep its magic in the freezer for up to two months. Just remember to label so you don’t forget it’s waiting for you!

Reheating

To reheat, let your Taco Pie thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm slices in the oven at 350°F until heated through (usually about 10–15 minutes), which keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty. The microwave works in a pinch, but the crust may lose a little of its signature snap.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or make Taco Pie vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter take, or use seasoned black beans or a crumbled vegetarian meat substitute for a satisfying meatless version. Either way, Taco Pie shines with all its classic flavors.

How spicy is this Taco Pie?

This recipe is mild to medium as written, but you control the heat. Using hot salsa or pepper jack cheese kicks up the spice, while choosing a mild salsa and classic cheeses keeps it family-friendly and gentle.

Can I make Taco Pie ahead of time?

Definitely! You can fully assemble the pie, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if going straight from the fridge. It’s a weeknight lifesaver!

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Let your Taco Pie cool for about 10–15 minutes after baking—it helps the filling set. Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe between slices for those beautifully tidy wedges. A pie server helps lift them out easily.

Can I add extra toppings inside the pie?

You sure can! Try corn, diced peppers, or even a swirl of refried beans in the beef mixture before baking. Just keep the ratios balanced so your pie stays sturdy and sliceable.

Final Thoughts

If you love tacos and you love pie, Taco Pie is simply the best of both worlds—bold flavors, irresistible textures, and a recipe that invites creativity. Try it once and it’s sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation, with everyone at the table asking for seconds. Enjoy every delicious, cheesy slice!

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