If you love the bold, comforting flavors of a taco but want something a little different and irresistibly satisfying, this Taco Pie Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It combines all the deliciousness of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, crispy tortilla chips, and creamy sour cream in a flaky, golden crescent roll crust. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe brings a fun twist on taco night that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Taco Pie Recipe lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients that each bring their own punch of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find that every component plays its part perfectly, making the pie rich, crunchy, and utterly crave-worthy.
- 1 lb. 85% lean ground beef: Provides that classic hearty, savory taco filling that’s moist and flavorful.
- ½ onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the beef, balancing the spices beautifully.
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning: The essential spice blend that brings warmth and a touch of heat.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce: Gives a saucy richness that keeps the filling juicy and full of body.
- 8 oz. refrigerated crescent rolls: Creates a flaky, buttery crust that holds all the fillings together deliciously.
- 1¼ cups crushed tortilla chips: Adds that irresistible crunch and extra taco flavor inside and on top.
- 1 cup sour cream: Offers a cool, creamy layer that cuts through the spices with a velvety touch.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a melty, gooey finish that taco dreams are made of.
- Optional toppings (tomatoes, green onions, lettuce, cilantro): Brighten the pie with fresh textures and vibrant colors.
How to Make Taco Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Beef Mixture
Start by heating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are. Then, cook the chopped onion and ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess liquid to keep the filling from becoming soggy. Stir in your taco seasoning and tomato sauce, mixing everything until it’s perfectly combined, aromatic, and bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Create the Crust Base
Unroll your refrigerated crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie pan. This step is what gives your Taco Pie Recipe its golden, flaky crust that holds all the delicious fillings in place. Make sure there are no gaps so none of the juicy beef escapes.
Step 3: Layer with Crunch and Beef
Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the crescent dough. The chips add that essential crunch and taco flair. Next, spread the flavorful ground beef mixture evenly over the chips, making sure every bite is packed with meaty goodness.
Step 4: The First Bake
Pop your pie in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This brief baking helps set the crust and meld the flavors while keeping the layers intact—getting that crust golden without drying out the filling.
Step 5: Add Creaminess, Cheese, and Crunch
After the first bake, carefully spread the sour cream all over the beef layer. This creamy layer balances the spices nicely. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top, followed by the remaining tortilla chips to create a crispy topping.
Step 6: Final Bake to Perfection
Bake your pie again for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Let it cool a little so the filling sets, then slice into six generous pieces that are as pretty as they are delicious.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your Taco Pie with chopped tomatoes, green onions, shredded lettuce, and fresh cilantro for that fresh burst of color and crunch. These garnishes brighten every bite and turn a simple pie into a meal that looks as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Taco Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh toppings like tomatoes, shredded lettuce, green onions, and cilantro really brings the dish alive. They add color and contrasting textures, plus a hit of freshness that cuts through the richness of the pie, making each mouthful exciting and balanced.
Side Dishes
This Taco Pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. These sides complement the bold flavors of the pie without overpowering it, turning your meal into a full fiesta on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pie with mini tortilla bowls or dollops of guacamole on top. You could also create individual mini taco pies in muffin tins, making a perfect handheld snack for parties or gatherings. Either way, it’s a festive dish that invites smiles and seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered well helps preserve the crust’s flakiness and the filling’s juicy flavors so you can enjoy it just like fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make this Taco Pie Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for a convenient, make-ahead meal.
Reheating
To reheat slices, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delicious crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works wonderfully in this Taco Pie Recipe for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor. Just follow the same cooking steps and enjoy a leaner twist.
What if I don’t have crescent rolls? Can I use pie crust instead?
Yes, refrigerated pie crust can easily be substituted for the crescent rolls. It will still create a buttery and flaky crust that complements the taco filling beautifully.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You sure can! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative. The taco seasoning and other ingredients stay the same, making it just as flavorful and hearty.
How spicy is the pie? Can I adjust the heat level?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. You can easily control it by using mild seasoning or adding extra chili powder for more kick. The sour cream topping also helps mellow out any heat.
Is the pie suitable for freezing after baking?
It’s best to freeze the pie before baking to preserve texture, but you can freeze baked slices if needed. Just know that the crust may become a bit softer after reheating from frozen.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Pie Recipe is such a wonderful, comforting dish that turns a simple taco night into a special occasion. It’s easy to make, full of fantastic flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and watch it disappear from the table faster than you can say “taco”! You’re going to love this cozy, crunchy, cheesy masterpiece.
Print
Taco Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 slices)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This flavorful Taco Pie is a savory, layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, crunchy tortilla chips, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese all baked inside a buttery crescent roll crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and topped with fresh veggies and herbs for a satisfying Tex-Mex-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb. 85% lean ground beef (ground chicken or turkey also works)
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, about 1 packet)
- 8 oz. tomato sauce (1 can)
Crust & Layers
- 8 oz. refrigerated crescent rolls (1 tube) or refrigerated pie crust
- 1¼ cups crushed tortilla chips, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded lettuce
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the pie.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce into the browned beef mixture. Mix well to combine evenly and heat through.
- Prepare the Crust: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press the pieces together in the bottom and up the sides of a pie pan to form the crust.
- Layer Ingredients: Sprinkle half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the crust. Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly on top of the chips.
- Initial Bake: Bake this layered pie for 10 minutes to start setting the base.
- Add Sour Cream, Cheese, and Chips: Evenly spread the sour cream over the baked beef layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining tortilla chips on top.
- Final Bake: Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with Toppings: Add optional toppings like chopped tomatoes, green onions, shredded lettuce, and fresh cilantro for an added fresh flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for ground beef to make it leaner.
- Store-bought taco seasoning or homemade works well; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls or refrigerated pie crust can both be used as the base crust.
- Let the pie cool slightly before slicing to help it hold together better.
- Optional toppings add freshness but can be omitted or substituted based on preference.
