Homemade taco pie is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the classic taco flavors in a warm, hearty, and easy-to-make pie form. With layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy crust, taco pie is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or a casual potluck, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. The beauty of taco pie is its versatility—you can customize the ingredients to fit your taste, dietary preferences, or even what you have on hand. It’s also perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: The seasoned beef, cheese, and taco toppings bring bold, irresistible flavors to every bite.
- Simple to make: Using common ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Family-friendly: Taco pie’s cheesy, savory layers are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: You can adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences.
- Meal prep winner: It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a game day gathering, or a cozy dinner at home, taco pie fits the bill.
- Freezer-friendly: You can make it ahead and freeze for those busy nights when you need a quick, delicious dinner.
- Tons of topping options: From sour cream to guacamole to salsa, you can load this dish up with all your favorite taco toppings.
Preparation Time and Servings:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Serving size: 1 slice
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful homemade taco pie:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust (or homemade crust if you prefer)
- 1 cup refried beans (optional but adds a delicious layer of flavor)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a taco blend)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect taco pie:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch pie dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well to coat the beef evenly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the crust: Roll out the pie crust and press it into the prepared pie dish, trimming any excess dough around the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up.
- Layer the beans: Spread a thin, even layer of refried beans (if using) on the bottom of the crust. This adds flavor and helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Add the beef: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the beans, spreading it evenly across the crust.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Add extras: If desired, sprinkle diced tomatoes, green chilies, and black olives over the cheese layer for added flavor and texture.
- 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 melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the taco pie cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Ingredient Background
- Ground beef: A classic taco filling, ground beef adds richness and a hearty texture to the pie. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option.
- Pie crust: The crust forms the base of the taco pie, providing structure and a crispy, buttery texture. A homemade crust offers extra flavor but is optional.
- Refried beans: While optional, refried beans add a creamy layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasoned beef.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a taco cheese blend adds gooey richness and complements the taco flavors beautifully.
- Taco seasoning: A mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder gives the pie its signature taco taste.
Technique Tips
- Prevent a soggy crust: Use a thin layer of refried beans or sprinkle a small amount of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the crust to absorb any excess moisture.
- Fully brown the meat: Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked and drained of excess grease before layering it into the pie to prevent it from becoming too oily.
- Customize the spice level: Use mild taco seasoning or add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
- Bake evenly: Check the pie halfway through baking to ensure even browning. If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool before slicing: Let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set, making it easier to slice.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Mini taco pies: Use a muffin tin to create individual-sized taco pies. Simply cut the crust into smaller circles and press them into the muffin cups before layering the fillings.
- Taco pie casserole: Skip the crust and layer the ingredients in a casserole dish instead. Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Stuffed tortillas: Wrap slices of taco pie in large flour tortillas for a fun and portable meal.
- Deconstructed taco pie: Serve the layers separately as a taco pie bar, allowing guests to customize their servings.
- Nacho-style serving: Cut the taco pie into squares and serve them on top of a bed of tortilla chips for a loaded nacho platter.
Additional Tips for Success
- Make it ahead: Assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
- Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the ingredients and bake two pies side by side.
- Use leftover taco meat: This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover taco meat from another meal.
- Serve with sides: Pair the taco pie with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or a refreshing fruit salad to complete the meal.
- Get creative with toppings: Think beyond the classics—try pickled onions, cotija cheese, or roasted corn for unique flavors.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian taco pie: Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Low-carb version: Swap the pie crust for a crust made of finely crushed pork rinds or use a cauliflower crust for a keto-friendly option.
- Spicy taco pie: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or spicy salsa to the filling for an extra kick.
- Breakfast taco pie: Replace the ground beef with scrambled eggs and sausage, then top with cheese and bake. Serve with a dollop of salsa or hot sauce.
- Seafood twist: Substitute the beef with cooked shrimp or fish seasoned with taco spices for a seafood-inspired taco pie.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerating: Store leftover taco pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: Wrap the baked pie tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating from frozen: Bake the frozen pie at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, covering it with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Whole-grain crust: Use a whole-grain pie crust for added fiber and nutrients.
- Lighten up the cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheese or use just a small sprinkle to reduce the calorie content.
- Load up on veggies: Add layers of sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to boost the vegetable content.
- Lean protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to cut down on saturated fat.
- Skip the crust: Make a crustless version by layering the ingredients directly in a greased pie dish or baking dish.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Game day spread: Serve taco pie alongside chips, salsa, and guacamole for a winning game-day feast.
- Taco Tuesday twist: Swap traditional tacos for taco pie to shake things up on Taco Tuesday.
- Potluck favorite: Bring a taco pie to your next potluck—it’s easy to transport and guaranteed to impress.
- Family dinner: Pair with a side of Mexican rice and a green salad for a well-rounded family meal.
- Themed parties: Use the taco pie as the centerpiece of a Mexican-themed dinner party, complete with margaritas and churros for dessert.
Special Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Skillet
- Rolling pin (if using homemade crust)
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make taco pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving. - Can I use a homemade crust?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds extra flavor and flakiness, but a store-bought crust works just as well for convenience. - What toppings work best with taco pie?
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crushed tortilla chips are all excellent choices. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with seasoned beans or sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover taco pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze taco pie?
Yes, taco pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. - What side dishes go well with taco pie?
Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or tortilla chips with salsa or queso all pair wonderfully. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works perfectly in this recipe.
Conclusion
Homemade taco pie is the ultimate fusion of classic taco flavors and comforting pie goodness. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, taco pie delivers every time. With its crispy crust, savory filling, and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Try it today, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!
Print
Homemade Taco Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust (or homemade crust if you prefer)
- 1 cup refried beans (optional but adds a delicious layer of flavor)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a taco blend)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch pie dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well to coat the beef evenly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the crust: Roll out the pie crust and press it into the prepared pie dish, trimming any excess dough around the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up.
- Layer the beans: Spread a thin, even layer of refried beans (if using) on the bottom of the crust. This adds flavor and helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Add the beef: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the beans, spreading it evenly across the crust.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Add extras: If desired, sprinkle diced tomatoes, green chilies, and black olives over the cheese layer for added flavor and texture.
- 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 melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the taco pie cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g