Name: Taco Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion (diced); 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade); ¾ cup water; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough; 1 cup crushed tortilla chips; ½ cup salsa; ½ cup sour cream (optional); sliced olives, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions (for topping)

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If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and fun to make, Taco Pie is truly a weeknight hero. Imagine all the best parts of taco night baked into a golden, cheesy pie—every bite delivers savory seasoned beef, gooey cheese, crisp tortilla chips, and zesty salsa wrapped in a flaky crescent crust. Taco Pie isn’t just a meal; it’s a family favorite that never fails to bring everyone to the table with a smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Taco Pie is refreshingly simple, and each ingredient plays a special role in giving the dish its unmistakable Tex-Mex flair. Here’s what you’ll need, with a quick tip for each to help make your pie even better!

Ground beef: The classic base for Taco Pie, but feel free to swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to complement the savory beef.
Taco seasoning: Use a store-bought packet or your own homemade mix for fully customizable spice.
Water: Helps dissolve and spread the seasoning evenly through the beef.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a tangy, gooey layer of flavor.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy meltiness and pairs perfectly with cheddar.
Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The shortcut to a golden, buttery shell that holds everything together.
Crushed tortilla chips: Bring essential crunch and authentic taco texture inside the pie.
Salsa: Provides a fresh, zesty kick—choose mild or spicy based on your crowd.
Sour cream (optional): To dollop on top for a cool, creamy finish.
Sliced olives, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions: Fresh toppings to add color, flavor, and a crisp bite at serving time.

How to Make Taco Pie

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir frequently and break up any large clumps, cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any grease to keep the filling rich without being greasy.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Add your taco seasoning and water right into the skillet with the browned beef and onions. Stir well to evenly coat the meat, then let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce will thicken and infuse the beef with that signature taco flavor. If you like a little heat, this is a great moment to stir in some chopped jalapeños.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust

Unroll your crescent dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate or round baking dish. Be sure to keep the seams pressed together so you get an even crust—it doesn’t have to be perfect, just sturdy enough to cradle all that delicious filling. This buttery base is what makes Taco Pie such a cozy, comforting meal.

Step 4: Add Crunch with Chips

Before you fill the crust, sprinkle the bottom generously with crushed tortilla chips. This clever trick keeps the crust from getting soggy and adds a welcomed surprise crunch with every bite.

Step 5: Layer the Filling

Spoon your warm beef mixture over the bed of chips, spreading it out evenly to every edge. Next, add your salsa, spreading a thin, even layer right on top of the beef for fresh flavor in every forkful. Finally, shower the whole pie with both shredded cheeses—cheddar and Monterey Jack meld together into a bubbly, golden blanket as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place your pie in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The crescent crust should cook up golden brown around the edges, and the cheese will be perfectly melted and bubbly. Let it cool for just a few minutes before cutting—this makes slicing easier and allows the filling to set slightly.

Step 7: Finish with Toppings

Right before serving, it’s time for the best part: toppings! Dollop the top with sour cream, then scatter on sliced olives, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. This finishing touch gives your Taco Pie color, freshness, and classic taco flavor.

How to Serve Taco Pie

Garnishes

Taco Pie just isn’t complete without a sprinkle of festive toppings. I love serving mine with a big spoonful of cool sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and a shower of bright green onions. If you want a little heat, a few jalapeño rings or a dash of hot sauce are fun additions too. These garnishes not only make your Taco Pie pop visually, but they add a burst of freshness and flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

While Taco Pie is a satisfying meal on its own, it also pairs beautifully with classic Tex-Mex sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad, Spanish rice, or simple black beans. You could also add a bowl of extra salsa and guacamole with tortilla chips for dipping and scooping. No matter what you choose, Taco Pie will be the flavorful star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is endlessly customizable for special occasions or family fun nights. Try baking Taco Pie in individual ramekins for personalized servings, or cut it into small wedges for party appetizers. For a family dinner, serve it straight from the baking dish at the table and let everyone garnish their own slice. However you present it, Taco Pie is guaranteed to spark conversation and smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra slices? Taco Pie actually tastes fantastic the next day. Let the pie cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or move slices to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making lunchtime extra exciting.

Freezing

If you want to make Taco Pie ahead for future cravings or busy nights, simply bake as directed, allow it to cool, and then wrap individual slices or the whole pie in a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Taco Pie is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again, about 15–20 minutes. For quick results, you can also use the microwave. If you want to restore some crispness to the crust and chips, the oven method is definitely worth the extra few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Pie vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or canned black beans. The seasonings and toppings still deliver all that classic Taco Pie comfort, just in a meatless form.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust?

The key is those crushed tortilla chips—layering them directly on the bottom of the crust creates a barrier and adds crunch. Also, don’t go overboard with moist ingredients like salsa; spread a thin, even layer for best texture.

Can I assemble Taco Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the layers, cover the unbaked pie tightly, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What other cheeses could I use?

Feel free to experiment! Pepper Jack adds a spicy twist, or try a Mexican cheese blend for extra meltiness. Even mozzarella works if you’re in a pinch, though cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic.

Can kids help make Taco Pie?

Definitely! Kids love pressing the crescent dough into the dish and scattering on the cheese and toppings. It’s a fantastic family kitchen project, and everyone can personalize their slices at serving time.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort dinner, Taco Pie is destined to become your new favorite. It’s easy, joyful to make, and even more delightful to eat. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes the star of your family’s weekly menu!

Taco Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Taco Pie is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines all the flavors of tacos in a convenient pie form. This easy-to-make recipe features a flavorful beef filling with a crispy crescent roll crust, topped with gooey melted cheese and all your favorite taco toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
¾ cup water

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
½ cup salsa
½ cup sour cream (optional)
sliced olives, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions (for topping)

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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 grease, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
Prepare the Crust: Unroll crescent dough in a pie plate, press seams to form a crust. Sprinkle with tortilla chips.
Assemble: Layer beef mixture, salsa, and cheeses over the chips.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Top with sour cream, tomatoes, olives, and green onions before serving.