Taco Pie Recipe (with Video)

Taco Pie Recipe: Craving a delicious dinner that’s easy to whip up, full of flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser? Taco pie is here to save your night! This hearty dish combines the best of tacos and casseroles into one cheesy, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this taco pie recipe will not disappoint.

Let’s walk through every step so you can confidently make it from scratch.

What Is Taco Pie?

Taco pie is exactly what it sounds like—a savory, layered “pie” made with all your favorite taco ingredients. Think ground beef seasoned with taco spices, shredded cheese, salsa, and a golden crust or biscuit base. Some versions even use crescent rolls or tortillas for a creative twist.

Unlike traditional tacos that are handheld and can get a bit messy, taco pie is baked in a pie dish or casserole pan, making it neater and perfect for serving a crowd. It slices beautifully like a lasagna and can be customized in countless ways depending on what you have on hand.

You’ll love the warm, cheesy center, the crisp edges, and the rich layers of flavor that come from the taco meat, melted cheese, and toppings like sour cream, lettuce, or even jalapeños.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why taco pie deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

• Quick to Make – You can have it in the oven in under 20 minutes.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
• Versatile – Use beef, turkey, or make it vegetarian.
• Customizable – Add whatever taco toppings you love most.
• Great for Leftovers – It reheats beautifully the next day.

Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a weeknight craving, this recipe brings bold flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Taco Pie

Essential Ingredients

To make the ultimate taco pie, here are the must-have ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef – You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 Packet Taco Seasoning – Or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
• 1 Can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) – Adds a flavorful kick.
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
• 1/2 Cup Salsa – Use mild, medium, or hot based on your heat preference.
• 1 Tube Crescent Roll Dough or Pie Crust – For the base. Crescent rolls add a buttery layer.
• 1/2 Cup Sour Cream – Optional, for extra creaminess.
• 1 Egg (Optional) – Helps bind the sour cream and cheese layer.
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Onion – Sautéed with the beef for flavor.

Optional Add-Ons and Substitutions

Make this recipe your own with these extra toppings and substitutions:

• Black Beans or Corn – Mix into the beef for added texture.
• Tortilla Chips – Sprinkle on top before baking for crunch.
• Jalapeños or Hot Sauce – Spice things up!
• Fresh Cilantro – Adds freshness at the end.
• Lettuce and Tomatoes – For serving, like a classic taco.

Don’t worry if you’re missing a few ingredients—this dish is flexible and still tastes amazing with swaps!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Equipment

Keep it simple! Here are the essentials:

• 9-Inch Pie Dish or 8×8 Casserole Pan – Your vessel for baking.
• Large Skillet – For browning the meat.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula – To stir and break up meat.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accuracy in seasoning and layering.
• Oven Mitts – Safety first when baking!

Helpful Extras

These tools aren’t mandatory but can make the process smoother:

• Meat Chopper Tool – Breaks up ground beef quickly and evenly.
• Cheese Grater – If using block cheese for better meltability.
• Serving Spatula – Makes it easy to lift out clean slices.
• Aluminum Foil – To tent the top if it browns too fast.

Being prepared with the right tools sets you up for an effortless cooking session!

Step-by-Step Taco Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you turn on the stove or preheat the oven, get all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go. Dice the onions, grate the cheese, open the cans, and roll out the dough if using a pie crust.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when you are.

Place your pie dish nearby and spray it lightly with non-stick spray. This keeps the bottom crust from sticking and makes cleanup easier later.

Set everything out in bowls for quick access. This prep step saves you time and reduces stress once you start cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and chopped onions. Break up the meat as it cooks, and stir occasionally to ensure even browning.

Once it’s fully browned and no longer pink, drain any excess grease.

Next, add in your taco seasoning along with about 1/4 cup of water (or follow the packet directions). Stir to coat the beef evenly and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Then, stir in your canned diced tomatoes with green chilies and let it heat through. This mixture becomes your flavorful filling!

Step 3: Layering the Taco Pie

Now that your filling is ready, it’s time for the fun part—layering! Think of this like assembling a lasagna, but with Mexican flair.

Start by unrolling your crescent roll dough or pressing your pie crust into the bottom of your prepared dish. If you’re using crescent rolls, press the seams together to form one solid layer. Gently push the dough up the sides to form a little edge; this helps hold everything in place.

Next, spoon the cooked taco meat mixture evenly over the crust. Spread it out so every bite has flavor.

Then, add a generous layer of shredded cheese. Cheddar works great, but you can blend in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. If you’re using sour cream and egg as a creamy middle layer, whisk them together and spread this mixture on top of the meat before adding cheese.

Want extra crunch or veggies? Sprinkle on black beans, corn, or crushed tortilla chips at this stage too.

The goal is to layer in a way that gives you meat, cheese, and crust in every forkful!

Step 4: Baking the Taco Pie

Slide your assembled taco pie into the preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) and bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over it midway through the bake time.

Once it’s done, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let the taco pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This lets everything set, so you get nice, clean slices without the cheese and filling running everywhere.

Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven or dish, so keep an eye on the crust. You want it firm and slightly crisp—never soggy.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

When the pie comes out of the oven, give it a few minutes to rest. This is crucial—resting helps the cheese firm up a bit and allows all the layers to meld together, making it easier to serve.

Use a sharp knife to cut into wedges or squares, depending on your dish shape. A wide spatula works best to lift each piece cleanly.

Now comes the best part—serving! Taco pie is incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. Set out a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own slice. Popular options include:

• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced olives
• Jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Hot sauce

Pair it with tortilla chips and guacamole, a fresh green salad, or Mexican rice. However you serve it, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Taco Pie

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to save time during the week? Taco pie is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Here’s how you can plan it out:

• Cook the Filling in Advance – Prepare the ground beef mixture 1–2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Assemble and Refrigerate – You can assemble the entire pie a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it into the oven. You may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze Before or After Baking – Taco pie also freezes well. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, or thaw overnight before baking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Taco pie makes great leftovers—maybe even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to blend.

Storage:

• Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• You can also freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers.

Reheating:

• Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per slice.
• For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This helps the crust stay crisp.

Avoid reheating too long in the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. A toaster oven is a great tool for this too!

Variations of Taco Pie

Low-Carb Taco Pie

Watching your carbs but still craving something hearty and flavorful? Good news—you can totally enjoy taco pie without the crust or carb-heavy fillers.

Here’s how to make a low-carb version:

• Skip the Crust: Instead of a biscuit or crescent base, use a “meat crust” by pressing the seasoned ground beef mixture directly into a greased pie dish and baking it for 10 minutes to form a solid base.
• Add a Creamy Egg Layer: Mix eggs, sour cream, and cheese together and pour over the meat base. This not only binds everything but adds richness.
• Load Up on Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat mixture before baking.
• Use Low-Carb Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and jalapeños are all keto-friendly.

The result is a cheesy, protein-packed taco pie that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. It’s also gluten-free and satisfying enough that you won’t miss the crust!

Vegetarian Taco Pie

Whether you’re cutting back on meat or cooking for a vegetarian crowd, you can make taco pie just as delicious without the beef.

Here’s a plant-based twist:

• Replace Meat with Veggies or Beans: Use black beans, pinto beans, or lentils as your main protein. You can also sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty filling.
• Add Tofu or Meat Alternatives: Crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based crumbles mimic the texture of ground beef.
• Use the Same Seasonings: Don’t skip the taco seasoning—this is what brings all the flavor.
• Layer with Cheese or Vegan Cheese: Depending on dietary needs, you can go full dairy or dairy-free with shredded plant-based cheese.

Vegetarian taco pie is just as bold and filling, and it’s a great way to get your veggies in while enjoying classic taco flavors.

FAQs about Taco Pie Recipe

1. Can I make taco pie ahead of time?

Yes! Taco pie is a great make-ahead meal. You can fully assemble it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it into the oven and cook until heated through.

2. What’s the best meat for taco pie?

Ground beef is the most popular choice, but ground turkey or chicken also work well. You can even use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I freeze taco pie?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely after baking, then wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until warm.

4. What toppings go best with taco pie?

Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese. Customize it to your taste!

5. Is taco pie spicy?

It depends on the seasoning. If you use mild taco seasoning, it won’t be spicy. For extra heat, add hot sauce or spicy salsa.

6. What can I serve with taco pie?

Serve it with Mexican rice, refried beans, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad to make it a complete meal.

Conclusion

There you have it—your ultimate step-by-step guide to making taco pie! Whether you stick to the classic version or switch things up with a vegetarian or low-carb twist, this dish is a guaranteed hit. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and versatile options, taco pie is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

So the next time you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—delicious, easy, and satisfying—pull out this recipe and dig in. Your taste buds will thank you!