Taco Pie

Taco Pie is a weeknight favorite that turns family dinner into a fun, taco-inspired feast with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. It’s easy to make and hands-down the best way to enjoy the flavors of a taco in a delicious, cheesy pie form.

What I love about Taco Pie is how simple it is to make. You can whip up a fun and filling meal with a few pantry staples and a tube of refrigerated pizza crust. Plus, the optional toppings let everyone customize their slice exactly how they like it—whether piling on sour cream and olives or keeping it simple with a squeeze of lime.

Trust me, once you try this Taco Pie, it’ll become one of your go-to dinners. It’s quick, customizable, and delivers big on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser! Kids and adults alike will enjoy the familiar taco flavors in a fun new form.
• Customizable: The optional toppings let everyone personalize their slice, making it a hit for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.
• Comfort Food Vibes: The golden crust, savory filling, and melty cheese make this a warm and satisfying dish.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples, this recipe won’t break the bank.
• Great for Leftovers: If there’s any left (and that’s a big if!), Taco Pie reheats beautifully for an easy next-day meal.
• Party-Perfect: Serve it at your next game night or casual gathering for a dish everyone will rave about.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Refrigerated Pizza Crust: Forms the golden, flaky base of the pie and holds all the delicious layers together. You could also use refrigerated crescent roll dough. Just make sure to pinch the seams together.
• Lean Ground Beef: The hearty, flavorful protein that makes up the filling.
• Refried Beans: Add a creamy texture and boost the classic taco flavor in the filling.
• Chunky Salsa: Brings a tangy, slightly spicy kick and keeps the filling moist.
• Minced Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor and gives the filling a tasty depth.
• Taco Seasoning: Packs the signature taco flavor that ties everything together.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that’s irresistibly good.

How to Make Taco Pie

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Follow along to learn how to make taco pie!

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 375℉. Spray a 10-inch pie dish with cooking spray and set aside.
• Step Two: Stretch the pizza dough over the pie dish and cut any excess away to prevent it from hanging over the edge. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Step Three: In a large skillet, add the ground beef and brown for 7 to 10 minutes or until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
• Step Four: Add the refried beans, salsa, garlic, and taco seasoning. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.

• Step Five: Pour the meat mixture into the crust and smooth it out. Top with cheese.
• Step Six: Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden.
• Step Seven: Slice into wedges and serve with your favorite taco toppings.

What to Serve With It

• Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing side like a simple green salad or Mexican-inspired salad with lettuce, corn, black beans, and a zesty lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the pie.
• Rice and Beans: Serve it with Mexican rice or black beans for a classic pairing.
• Chips and Salsa/Guacamole: Keep the taco theme with tortilla chips and your favorite dips for a fun, snackable addition.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn with a sprinkle of chili powder and a squeeze of lime makes a delicious complement.
• Drinks: Pair with a refreshing drink like a sparkling limeade, horchata, or a classic margarita (if you’re feeling festive).
• Dessert: Round out the meal with something sweet, like churros, flan, or a simple fruit salad to keep things light.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different twist on the filling.
• Make It Spicy: Kick up the heat with spicy salsa, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat altogether and use black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of beans and veggies like bell peppers and corn for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Try a Different Cheese: While Monterey Jack is delicious, you can use cheddar, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack for added flavor.
• Use a Tortilla Crust: Instead of pizza dough, layer large flour tortillas in the pie dish for a lighter, thinner crust.
• Add More Veggies: Sneak in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza crust or tortilla to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Change the Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, or queso fresco for a fresh twist.
• Make It Mini: Use a muffin tin to create individual taco pies—perfect for serving at parties or for kids’ meals.
• Breakfast Taco Pie: Replace the ground beef with cooked sausage or bacon, swap refried beans for scrambled eggs, and top with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a morning-friendly version.
• Change the Dish: You can also make it in an 8×8-inch casserole dish. Keep in mind that the edges may brown faster. If they get too dark before the inside is set, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Let the pie cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer the slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Taco Pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier crust, reheat at 350℉ for about 10–15 minutes in the oven.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Keep the Crust Cool: Chill the pizza dough in the pie dish while you prepare the filling. This helps prevent it from getting too soft and makes it easier to work with.
• Drain the Grease: After browning the ground beef, drain the excess grease to avoid a soggy crust.
• Spread the Filling Evenly: Use a spatula to smooth out the meat mixture for even layers and a more uniform bake.
• Check the Crust: Keep an eye on the edges of the crust while baking. Cover them with foil if they start to brown too quickly to prevent burning.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded—it melts better and gives a creamier texture.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and taco seasoning to suit your family’s taste.
• Don’t Skip the Toppings: Toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado add texture and flavor, elevating the dish to the next level.
• Slice Neatly: Let the pie cool for a few minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, make two pies at once—they’ll disappear faster than you think!

Taco Inspired Recipes

• Taco Chili
• Taco Pizza
• Walking Tacos
• Taco Casserole
• Taco Soup

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