Taco Pie Recipe
Are you ready to dive into a delicious and easy family meal that brings the flavors of a taco night right to your dinner table? This Taco Pie Recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. With layers of seasoned ground beef, vibrant salsa, and gooey cheese baked in a warm tortilla crust, it’s comfort food that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Top Reasons to Make Taco Pie Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish can be assembled in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Delicious Leftovers: Taco pie keeps well in the fridge, and it’s even tastier the next day!
- Fun for Everyone: Kids and adults alike love the combination of flavors and the interactive nature of creating your own toppings.
Shopping List
- 2 pounds ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- 12 ounces can corn, drained
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 5 flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, grated or shredded
- Green onions, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, or black olives for garnishing
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
- Spatula: To help mix the ingredients and layer the pie.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Taco Pie Recipe: How It’s Done
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Add the garlic powder, taco seasoning, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Add Corn and Salsa
Stir in the drained corn and salsa into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortilla Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay 3 tortillas on the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Overlap them slightly to cover the entire base.
Step 5: Layer the Filling
Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and finish with a generous topping of cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Taco Pie
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let the Taco Pie rest for about 5 minutes. This helps with slicing and serving.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with your favorite garnishes such as diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. Serve warm and enjoy!
Swap Guide
- Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor and texture.
- Salsa: Use homemade salsa or your favorite jarred variety; a spicy salsa can add extra heat!
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option; just ensure to adjust the baking time as they may cook faster.
- Cheese: Feel free to swap the Mexican blend cheese for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Author’s Commentary
This Taco Pie Recipe has become a staple in my household. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to the table. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can make it your own by experimenting with different spices or toppings. Whether you choose to keep it classic or get adventurous with your favorite ingredients, it’s bound to be a hit! Plus, the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.
Save It for Later
Make sure to bookmark this Taco Pie Recipe for your next family dinner or gathering. It’s a dish that everyone will rave about, and you’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare. Don’t forget to take a picture of your creation and share it on social media!
FAQ
Can I make Taco Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What are some good toppings for Taco Pie?
Some popular toppings include fresh diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, and black olives. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes!
Can I freeze Taco Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Taco Pie! Just prepare it as usual, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Is Taco Pie healthy?
While Taco Pie can be indulgent, you can make it healthier by using lean ground meat, whole wheat tortillas, and loading up on veggies. Balancing it with fresh toppings also adds nutritional value.
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In Closing
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious meal that everyone in the family will enjoy, this Taco Pie Recipe is it. Easy to make and even easier to customize, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to dig into a slice of taco goodness that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!
Taco Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 80-85% lean
- 1 onion chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning adjust to taste
- 0.25 cup water
- 12 ounces corn canned, drained
- 1.5 cups salsa
- 5 flour tortillas 8-inch
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese grated or shredded
- green onions, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, or black olives for garnishing
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the garlic powder, taco seasoning, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the drained corn and salsa into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay 3 tortillas on the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Overlap them slightly to cover the entire base.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and finish with a generous topping of cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, let the Taco Pie rest for about 5 minutes. This helps with slicing and serving.
- Top with your favorite garnishes such as diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Notes
- You can prepare the pie a day ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time on busy days.
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free variation; watch the baking time closely.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge and often taste even better the next day.
- Get creative with toppings like black olives, guacamole, or extra veggies to personalize your taco pie.
