Taco Pie Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a Tex-Mex twist on comfort food, Taco Pie is about to become your new favorite dinnertime hero. Imagine everything you love about tacos — the savory beef, zesty spices, gooey cheese, and punchy toppings — all tucked inside a flaky pie crust for a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving something cozy on a weeknight, this crowd-pleasing dish transforms simple ingredients into a fiesta that brings big smiles to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Taco Pie absolutely shines because it leans on pantry staples and supermarket finds, but each ingredient plays an important role in crafting layers of flavor, texture, and color. Trust me, these essentials come together in a way that feels both hearty and festive.
- Ground beef: Rich, savory, and classic; you can swap for turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
- Taco seasoning mix: Just the right balance of spices for bold, familiar taco flavor in every bite.
- Water: Helps the seasoning cling to the meat and create a jammy, flavorful filling.
- Refrigerated pie crust (or homemade): A flaky, buttery base that holds your layers together and saves you time.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly and brings sharp, creamy goodness.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds mild, melty smoothness and a touch of richness.
- Salsa: Lends brightness, spice, and moisture for a true taco vibe.
- Sour cream: Cools things down and delivers a tangy contrast.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh, peppery crunch for topping.
- Sliced black olives (optional): Add salty depth and a pop of color, if desired.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Irresistible crispy garnish that echoes classic taco texture.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your pie slices come out easily, with a perfect crust every time.
How to Make Taco Pie
Step 1: Prep the Crust and the Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give a 9-inch pie dish a generous mist of nonstick cooking spray for no-stress slicing later. Gently press the refrigerated (or homemade) pie crust into the bottom and up the sides — a rustic look is totally welcome here! This golden-baked shell is about to cradle all your favorite taco flavors.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Beef
Grab your trusty skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned and crumbled. Drain away any excess fat so you don’t end up with a soggy pie. Sprinkle on the taco seasoning mix and pour in the water, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens and smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Fill and Layer the Taco Pie
Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the awaiting pie crust. Smooth it out, then dollop over your favorite salsa (as chunky or smooth as you like). Next, shower the filling with a generous mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese — don’t be shy, the melted cheese layer is the best part!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pie into the hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden crust and bubbly, gooey cheese on top. Letting it rest for 5 minutes makes slicing easier and keeps those layers neat and gorgeous.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Just before serving, pile on the sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, and a scattering of black olives if you’re using them. For the final touch, crunch up some tortilla chips for a satisfying, taco-inspired finish. Your Taco Pie is now ready for its big debut!
How to Serve Taco Pie

Garnishes
Toppings are where your personal style shines! A classic dollop of sour cream, a pinch of fresh green onions, and a few sliced black olives bring color, freshness, and a burst of briny flavor. If you’re feeling wild, sprinkle on extra cilantro, diced avocado, or even pickled jalapeños. And don’t forget a mound of those crunchy crushed tortilla chips for the ultimate taco crunch.
Side Dishes
Taco Pie is hearty all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with zippy sides. A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette lightens everything up, or go all-in with Mexican rice or refried beans. For a colorful feast, add grilled corn, a scoop of guacamole, or a bright cucumber tomato salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party or potluck? Cut your Taco Pie into wedges and serve on a platter garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs for a festive look. Or, make individual mini pies using muffin tins for adorable, hand-held versions. You can even layer the garnishes in colorful stripes on top for a true show-stopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Pie keeps surprisingly well! Simply cover the pie dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes an awesome next-day lunch, and the flavors get even better after they’ve mingled overnight.
Freezing
Looking to meal prep for future cravings? Cool the baked pie completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can also freeze individual slices for quick grab-and-go meals.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the cheese is melty again (about 10 to 15 minutes). Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the crust crisp. Top with fresh garnishes just before serving!
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this Taco Pie?
Absolutely! If you have a go-to pie crust recipe or just love baking from scratch, homemade dough will only add to the flavor and charm. Just be sure to chill the crust before pressing it into your pie dish.
What’s the best way to make it vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for crumbled plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms and black beans. Season generously with taco seasoning, and you’ll have all the meaty flavor with a vegetarian twist.
Can I make Taco Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven and enjoy fresh, melty goodness with zero stress.
What other toppings go well with Taco Pie?
There are so many ways to dress up this dish! Try shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce. It’s all about mixing and matching to your family’s taste.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I make it milder or hotter?
This version is pretty family-friendly, but you control the heat! Want it milder? Use a mild salsa and taco seasoning. Craving more kick? Add diced jalapeños, use a hot salsa, or sprinkle on your favorite chili flakes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new weeknight winner, or just want to see big smiles around your dinner table, give Taco Pie a try. It’s flavorful, cozy, and easy enough for any night — go on, make it once and you’ll crave it again and again!
Print
Taco Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Taco Pie is a delicious Tex-Mex dish that combines all the flavors of a classic taco in a comforting pie form. With layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheeses, zesty salsa, and crunchy toppings, this easy-to-make Taco Pie is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb
Taco Seasoning Mix:
1 packet
Water:
1/2 cup
Pie Crust:
1 refrigerated or homemade
Cheddar Cheese, shredded:
1 cup
Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded:
1/2 cup
Salsa:
1/2 cup
Sour Cream:
1/4 cup
Green Onions, chopped:
1/4 cup
Black Olives, sliced (optional):
1/4 cup
Tortilla Chips, crushed:
1/2 cup
Nonstick Cooking Spray:
as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the pie crust: Spray a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick cooking spray. Press the pie crust into the bottom and sides.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the pie: Spread the cooked beef mixture into the pie crust. Top with salsa, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the pie rest for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, green onions, olives, and crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Add diced jalapeños or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or Mexican rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg