If there’s one dish guaranteed to bring smiles to the dinner table, it has to be Taco Pie. This hearty, fun-to-eat casserole cleverly transforms all the bold, zesty flavors of classic tacos into a bubbly, comforting pie that’s simple enough for weeknights but festive enough for a crowd. With layers of seasoned beef, melty cheese, tangy sour cream, and crunchy chips baked inside a golden crust, Taco Pie packs in both nostalgia and excitement with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Taco Pie lies in its simple, familiar ingredients, each one chosen for its role in building a dish full of satisfying texture and flavor. You likely have most of these on hand already, and each component brings something vibrant to the table.
- Ground beef: Rich, juicy base packed with flavor and protein.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweet depth and a touch of crunch to the meat mixture.
- Taco seasoning mix: The quick route to classic taco flavor (use homemade for extra flair!).
- Water: Helps distribute the seasoning and creates a saucier filling.
- Refrigerated pie crust: Flaky, buttery bed for all the delicious layers; homemade works too.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, gooey richness to each bite.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Mild and creamy, balancing the stronger cheddar.
- Sour cream: A cool, tangy layer that melts into the hot cheese and beef.
- Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips: Crunchy crown that plays up the taco inspiration.
- Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions: Optional toppings that add color, freshness, and even more texture at the table.
How to Make Taco Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, unroll your refrigerated pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to nestle it along the sides. Use a fork to prick the bottom a few times—this little trick helps avoid sogginess later on.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring and breaking up the beef until it’s browned and the onion turns soft and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat for a lighter, neater pie.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and pour the water over the beef. Stir everything together well and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. This short simmer allows the flavors to really marry and the mixture to thicken up—crucial for a hearty Taco Pie filling!
Step 4: Layer the Pie
Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into your pie crust. Next, scatter the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the warm meat, making two tempting, cheesy layers. Dollop the sour cream on top and spread it out—don’t stress about making it perfect, it’ll melt beautifully in the oven. Finally, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips evenly over everything for unbeatable crunch.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Slide your pie into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until you see the crust turn golden and the filling bubble up around the edges. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes—this makes slicing much easier (and keeps those scrumptious layers looking sharp!).
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Just before serving, pile on your favorite taco toppings—think crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, or snappy green onions. Each bite of Taco Pie feels like a taco party in your mouth!
How to Serve Taco Pie
Garnishes
Serving Taco Pie is your moment to get creative! Fresh garnishes like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or green onions bring color, zest, and crunch—offering that classic taco “salad” vibe right on your fork. A dollop of guacamole or extra sour cream is equally welcome!
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a scoop of Mexican rice or a bowl of refried beans to round out the meal. Corn on the cob or a tangy slaw also pairs beautifully with the warm, spicy notes of Taco Pie, making any dinner feel like a fiesta without fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun gatherings or family-style dinners, try serving Taco Pie in individual ramekins or muffin cups for adorable, personal portions. Or pile the pie onto a platter and let everyone pick their own toppings from a “taco topping bar” for a build-your-own experience that delights kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Taco Pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the pie dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the next day’s lunch surprisingly delicious!
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly too! To freeze, cool the pie completely, then wrap it tightly (either whole or sliced) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave off any fresh toppings until you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Taco Pie in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through (about 15–20 minutes for a whole pie, or less for individual slices). The oven keeps the crust crisp and the cheese perfectly melty. Microwave works in a pinch, but the chips won’t stay crunchy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative makes a fantastic filling. The seasoning and cheese will keep the flavor party going, no matter which protein you choose.
Is it possible to make Taco Pie gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free pie crust (store-bought or homemade) and be sure your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free. Opt for tortilla chips made without wheat as well.
Can I prepare Taco Pie ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire pie up to a day ahead, cover, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake as directed and add your fresh toppings for the complete experience.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Pricking the crust with a fork helps, but you can also par-bake the crust for about 5 minutes before adding the filling. Avoid overloading with liquidy ingredients and be sure your beef mixture isn’t too soupy.
What’s the best way to crush tortilla chips for the topping?
Place chips in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan for rustic, uneven pieces—these are perfect for catching all the cheesy goodness on top of your Taco Pie.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a new crowd-pleaser or a weeknight dish that feels a little extra special, I hope you’ll give Taco Pie a try. It’s a true family favorite—warm, colorful, and always the first thing to disappear at any get-together. Gather your toppings and dig in!
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: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Pie recipe is a flavorful twist on classic tacos, featuring a savory beef filling with layers of cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips baked in a golden pie crust. Customize with your favorite toppings for a fun and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Taco Pie:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie crust
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
For Toppings (Optional):
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season the beef: Add taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened.
- Prepare the crust: Press pie crust into a dish, add beef mixture, cheeses, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest before slicing. Top with optional toppings and serve.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
- Add refried beans under the meat for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
