When you think of tacos, you probably imagine warm tortillas filled with seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and plenty of cheese. Now, imagine all those delicious elements coming together in a comforting, layered casserole you bake in the oven—a dish that combines the best of taco flavors with the ease of a pie. This is Taco Pie, a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos that’s perfect for feeding a family, serving at gatherings, or enjoying as a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Taco Pie is a baked casserole that uses flour tortillas as the crust, layered with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a hands-off, crowd-pleasing dish that allows you to enjoy classic Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal fuss. Plus, it can be topped with fresh ingredients like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream to add a refreshing crunch and creamy finish.
In this article, you’ll find a complete guide on how to prepare Taco Pie, tips for getting the best results, ways to customize it, and ideas for serving and storing leftovers.
Why Taco Pie is a Must-Make Recipe
- Combines classic taco flavors into one easy, layered dish
- Uses common supermarket ingredients you likely already have
- Efficiently feeds multiple people with minimal prep work
- Easily customizable with a variety of toppings to suit everyone’s taste
- Comforting and satisfying, with warm cheese, hearty beef, and the familiar tang of taco seasoning
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather the following:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce or 28 grams) taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
- 2 large (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup (115 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 grams) refried beans
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the pie dish
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, sour cream, sliced olives, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Greasing helps the tortillas from sticking and ensures easy removal of slices later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy pie.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Stir in the packet of taco seasoning and the water. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the beef mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Place one flour tortilla flat on the bottom of the greased pie dish, pressing gently to cover the base evenly. Spread the refried beans evenly over the tortilla layer, creating a creamy base that complements the beef. Spoon half of the seasoned beef mixture over the beans and smooth it out. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef. Lay the second tortilla over the cheese, pressing lightly to even it out. Add the remaining beef mixture on top of the second tortilla and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese on top and slightly crisped tortilla edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief cooling allows the layers to set, which makes slicing easier and helps keep each piece intact. Serve slices of Taco Pie warm, topped with your favorite fresh toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for a refreshing contrast.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Taco Pie
- Avoid too much liquid: If the beef mixture is too watery, the tortillas may become soggy. Drain excess water from canned beans and use just enough water to simmer the beef.
- Use fresh tortillas: Flour tortillas that are too old or dry may crack when layering or baking. Fresh, pliable tortillas work best.
- Don’t overfill the pie: Overloading with too much filling can make slicing messy. Aim for balanced layers.
- Let the pie rest: Don’t skip the resting step after baking. This helps the filling set and keeps the layers from sliding apart.
- Customize cheese types: Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added creaminess or spice.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Taco Pie is a versatile base recipe. Here are some ways to mix things up depending on what you have or the occasion:
- Add black beans or corn kernels into the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- Try a mix of cheeses like queso fresco or mozzarella for a different cheesy profile.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter version.
- Top with guacamole or salsa verde for fresh, tangy accents.
- Add sliced olives or chopped green onions to toppings for additional flavor layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, but keep in mind corn tortillas have a different moisture content and texture. You may need to bake slightly longer to get the right consistency.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is leaner and will work well. Just monitor cooking times and be mindful it can dry out faster.
Can I make Taco Pie ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the pie up to 12 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if starting from chilled.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain texture better than microwaving.
- Avoid freezing Taco Pie if possible, as tortillas can become soggy and unappealing after thawing.
- Always add fresh toppings like lettuce, sour cream, or tomatoes after reheating for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Taco Pie with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Fresh guacamole or salsa
- A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Refried beans or black beans
- Warm corn or flour tortillas on the side
Taco Pie combines the best of taco night with the convenience of a casserole, delivering a hearty, flavorful meal everyone will love. It’s a simple recipe that’s flexible, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a regular in your dinner rotation.