Ultimate Easy Taco Pie Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite for Any Taco Night
Transform your ordinary taco night into an extraordinary culinary experience with this incredibly delicious and easy taco pie recipe. Far from your typical deconstructed tacos, this baked marvel brings all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic taco into a convenient, crowd-pleasing pie format. It’s generously loaded with savory ground beef, vibrant onions and bell peppers, zesty salsa, creamy refried beans, and sweet corn, all nestled within a perfectly baked pie crust and crowned with a layer of bubbling shredded cheese. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a wholesome, satisfying, and utterly delightful meal that is destined to become a new, cherished family favorite in your weekly rotation.
🌮 Why This Taco Pie Will Become Your Family’s New Favorite
This easy taco pie isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for delicious, hassle-free weeknight meals and a guaranteed hit for any gathering. Here’s what makes it truly special and why you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again:
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Perfectly Distributed Flavors in Every Bite
Unlike traditional tacos where fillings can spill out or certain ingredients dominate a bite, this taco pie ensures a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every single forkful. Each slice offers the ideal ratio of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy beans, and melted cheese, creating a consistently delicious experience from crust to topping. Say goodbye to messy plates and uneven mouthfuls – this pie guarantees perfection in every bite.
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A Crowd-Pleasing, Family-Friendly Dinner
Tacos are inherently fun, but taco pie elevates that excitement by presenting familiar flavors in an exciting new format. It’s a fantastic way to mix things up and introduce a fun twist to your dinner routine. Kids and adults alike adore it for its vibrant taste and easy-to-eat structure, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even game day feasts. It’s a meal that genuinely appeals to all ages and palates.
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Effortlessly Easy & Incredibly Versatile
The beauty of this taco pie recipe lies in its sheer simplicity and adaptability. You have complete control over how hands-on or hands-off you want to be. For ultimate convenience, leverage store-bought ingredients like a pre-made pie crust, jarred salsa, and pre-packaged taco seasoning. If you enjoy a more involved cooking process, feel free to whip up your own homemade salsa or blend your own signature taco seasoning. This flexibility makes it perfect for seasoned cooks and beginners alike.
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The Secret to a Simple, Savory Crust
One of the key elements that makes this recipe so wonderfully easy is the use of a pre-made, frozen pie crust. It saves significant time and effort without compromising on taste or texture, providing a flaky, golden base for your savory filling. While a homemade savory pie crust is always an option for those who love to bake from scratch, the convenience of a ready-to-bake crust allows you to get dinner on the table faster. For a unique and equally delicious twist, consider using flaky, buttery crescent roll dough instead of a traditional frozen pie crust – it creates a delightful, soft texture that perfectly complements the hearty filling.
👩🏼🍳 Expert Tips for Taco Pie Perfection
Achieving the perfect taco pie is simple with these chef-inspired tips. They’ll help you enhance flavors, ensure ideal textures, and master the art of leftovers:
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Elevate Every Slice with Flavorful Drizzles
Just before serving your easy taco pie, consider adding a fresh, vibrant drizzle across the top. A little avocado salsa or cilantro lime dressing can add an incredible burst of freshness and tang that perfectly balances the rich, savory flavors of the pie. Other fantastic options include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. These small additions can make a big difference, transforming a great dish into an absolutely DELICIOUS one!
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Achieving the Perfect Golden Crust
The secret to a non-soggy, beautifully textured taco pie starts with the crust. It’s crucial not to over-bake the pie crust during its initial trip through the oven. You’re aiming for just a light golden brown color, indicating it’s par-baked and ready to hold up to the hearty filling. If your filling isn’t quite ready when the crust reaches this stage, don’t hesitate to remove the crust from the oven and set it aside. Over-baking the crust initially can lead to a dry or tough base once the entire pie is baked, so a gentle pre-bake is key for that ideal crisp-tender foundation.
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Smart Storage & Reheating for Delicious Leftovers
This recipe is truly fantastic for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week! To store, allow any leftover slices to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making meal prep a breeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop a slice into a 400° Fahrenheit pre-heated oven for 15-25 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. For longer storage, you can also freeze your baked pie. Ensure it’s completely cooled, then wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven for best results.
🥘 Ingredients Spotlight: Crafting Your Perfect Taco Pie Filling
The magic of this taco pie comes from its combination of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the stars of the show and how to make the most of them, along with some easy substitutions to fit your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Ground Beef: We recommend a lean ground beef (e.g., 90/10 or 85/15) for a less greasy pie, but any fat content works. Ensure it’s browned thoroughly and crumbled finely for optimal texture throughout the pie. For a lighter option, consider ground turkey or chicken. Plant-based ground crumbles are also an excellent substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-smoke-point oil perfect for sautéing your vegetables. Olive oil or any other cooking oil can be used as a substitute.
- Bell Pepper & Onion: Diced green bell pepper and white onion form the aromatic base, adding depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness. Feel free to use red or yellow bell peppers for a different color and slightly sweeter taste. Other additions like diced jalapeños (for heat!), black olives, or even a small can of diced green chiles can be incorporated for extra flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: A 2-ounce packet offers convenience and consistent flavor. For a more controlled spice level or to avoid certain additives, consider making your own homemade taco seasoning blend. Adjust the water content according to the packet instructions or your preferred consistency.
- Salsa: Your favorite jarred salsa works wonderfully. Choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference. Chunky or smooth, red or even tomatillo green salsa can provide different flavor profiles. Our tomatillo red chili salsa is a fantastic homemade option.
- Refried Beans: A 16-ounce can of refried beans adds a creamy, hearty layer. For a healthier or homemade touch, consider making your own Instant Pot refried beans. Black beans or pinto beans can also be used, mashed or left whole, for a different texture.
- Corn Kernels: Whether defrosted from frozen, or drained and rinsed from a can, corn adds a burst of sweetness and pleasant texture. Fresh corn cut off the cob is also a superb choice when in season.
- Shredded Mexican Cheese: A classic choice for taco flavors, this blend melts beautifully. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar would also be excellent. For a dairy-free version, use your preferred plant-based shredded cheese.
🍽️ Other Delicious Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, easy meals, and Mexican-inspired dishes, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen. They pair perfectly with taco night or stand alone as incredible meals!
- Homemade Taco Sauce
- Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
- Chimichurri Rice
- Instant Pot Carne Asada
- Mexican Tortilla Wrap Hack (TikTok Hack)
- Baked Chicken Tacos
- Burrito Suizo
- Walking Taco Casserole
- Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa
- Air Fryer Empanadas
- Shredded Chicken Tacos
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For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Easy Taco Pie Recipe
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch ready-to-bake pie crust
For the Taco Pie
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper approximately 1 medium green bell pepper
- ½ cup diced white onion approximately half of 1 medium white onion
- 1 2-ounce packet taco seasoning or make your own
- ½-¾ cup water according to instructions on packet of taco seasoning
- ½ cup jarred salsa of choice
- 1 16-ounce can refried beans or make your own
- ¾ cup corn kernels defrosted if frozen, drained and rinsed if canned
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
Suggested Toppings (All Optional)
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- avocado sliced or diced
Equipment
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Oven
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Pie dish
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Fork
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Large skillet
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Large spoon or silicone spatula
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Medium Bowl
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 400° Fahrenheit (200° Celsius). This ensures your pie crust bakes perfectly and evenly.
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Carefully place your 1 9-inch ready-to-bake pie crust into a standard pie dish. Gently crimp the edges of the pie crust as desired to create a decorative finish, then use the tines of a fork to poke several small holes across the bottom surface of the crust. This helps to prevent air bubbles and ensures even baking.
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Transfer the pie dish to the preheated oven. Bake the pie crust for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it achieves a beautiful light golden brown color. This par-baking step is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom once the filling is added.
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Once the crust is golden and firm, carefully remove the pie dish from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
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While the pie crust is baking, place a large skillet on your stovetop over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up into fine crumbles with a large spoon or spatula, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Once the ground beef is completely browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Discard the fat responsibly. Transfer the browned ground beef to a medium bowl and set it aside for later use.
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Return the same skillet to the stovetop over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon avocado oil and allow it to warm, tilting the skillet occasionally to ensure the oil lightly coats the entire cooking surface.
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When the oil is hot and shimmering, add 1 cup diced green bell pepper and ½ cup diced white onion to the skillet. Stir to incorporate the vegetables with the oil and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes or until the peppers and onions have softened and become translucent.
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Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Add 1 2-ounce packet taco seasoning and ½-¾ cup water (always refer to your specific taco seasoning packet for the precise amount of water recommended) to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all the ingredients, then allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until all the water has been absorbed into the meat and seasonings. This creates a rich, flavorful base for your pie.
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Once the liquid has been fully absorbed, add ½ cup jarred salsa of choice, 1 16-ounce can refried beans, and ¾ cup corn kernels to the skillet. Stir meticulously until all these ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is well-combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for just 1 minute more to heat through and meld the flavors.
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Carefully transfer this rich taco filling mixture into your prebaked pie crust. Spread the mixture out evenly across the pie crust, ensuring the bottom of the crust is completely covered with the delicious filling.
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Generously sprinkle 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese over the top of the pie filling, creating an even layer that will melt into a golden, bubbly topping.
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Place the assembled taco pie back into the preheated oven. Bake the pie for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbling.
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Once the cheese has melted to perfection, carefully remove the hot pie dish from the oven. Let the pie cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before slicing it into 8 generous pieces. This cooling time allows the filling to set, making for cleaner slices. Top with fresh shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, creamy sour cream, fresh avocado slices or diced, or any other favorite taco toppings as desired. Serve warm and enjoy your ultimate taco pie!
Dietary Adaptations for Everyone
This taco pie is wonderfully adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. Here’s how you can customize it:
- Ground Beef Choice: You can use ground beef with whatever fat content you prefer, from extra lean to regular. For a different flavor or a lighter meal, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted. For a plant-based option, use your favorite meatless crumbles.
- Make it Keto: To make this recipe keto-friendly, start by using the crust from our keto meat pie recipe or another low-carb crust option like a cheese crust or fathead dough. Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content for more satisfying macros. Carefully select a keto-friendly taco seasoning and a salsa with no added sugar, checking labels diligently. Crucially, leave out the refried beans and the corn, as both are high in carbohydrates. Onions can be included in moderation, depending on your daily carb limits. Consider adding extra bell peppers or other low-carb vegetables.
- Make it Gluten Free: Ensuring this dish is gluten-free is simple. Use a certified gluten-free frozen pie crust (many brands offer these now). Double-check that your taco seasoning is also labeled gluten-free, as some commercial blends may contain hidden gluten ingredients. All other main ingredients are typically naturally gluten-free.
- Make it Dairy Free: For a dairy-free version, carefully select a pie crust that does not include any dairy ingredients (some may contain butter or milk). Replace the shredded Mexican cheese with your favorite vegan or dairy-free shredded cheese alternative, which melts well. For toppings, use a dairy-free sour cream or a plant-based Greek yogurt alternative.
- Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground crumble or a mixture of finely diced mushrooms and walnuts. Ensure all other ingredients, including refried beans and cheese, are suitable for a vegetarian diet. For a fully vegan pie, also ensure your pie crust is vegan (no butter or milk), use vegan shredded cheese, and opt for a dairy-free sour cream or avocado crema for topping.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Pie
Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this delicious taco pie and make it your own.
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Can I make taco pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire pie up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can cook the ground beef mixture, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, assembling the pie just before baking.
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How can I make this taco pie spicier or milder?
To increase the heat, choose a hot salsa, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the ground beef mixture, or mix in some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. For a milder version, opt for a mild salsa and omit any additional chili spices. Using a less spicy taco seasoning blend also helps keep the heat down.
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What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
This recipe is highly customizable! Feel free to add diced zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, black olives, or even a can of drained and rinsed black beans (in addition to or instead of refried beans). You can also mix in some fresh spinach towards the end of cooking the beef mixture for an extra boost of greens.
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Can I use different types of cheese?
Of course! While Mexican cheese blend offers a classic flavor, Monterey Jack, Colby, sharp cheddar, or even a pepper jack for a little kick would all be delicious. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses.
This easy taco pie is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, convenience, and family togetherness. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe provides a foolproof way to bring joy to your dinner table. Enjoy the process of creating this savory masterpiece and savor every perfectly balanced bite!