Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick: Uses easy-to-find ingredients and comes together in under an hour.
- Family favorite: Packed with flavors everyone will love, from creamy to crunchy to cheesy.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes just as good (if not better) reheated the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, green onions
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish. - Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. - Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the greased pie dish to form a crust, sealing any seams. - Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread refried beans evenly over the crescent roll crust.
- Spoon the taco meat on top.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the taco meat.
- Bake the Pie:
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. - Add Salsa and Chips:
Remove from the oven. Spread salsa over the top, then sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips. - Add More Cheese and Bake Again:
Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. - Serve:
Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. Add your favorite optional toppings and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 slices
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy kick: Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Protein swap: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for the beef.
- Cheese choices: Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use a mix of black beans, corn, and bell peppers.
- Extra crunch: Add a layer of whole tortilla chips between the refried beans and taco meat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make Taco Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pie up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Taco Pie?
Yes, freeze the baked pie (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
You can use pie crust, biscuit dough, or even puff pastry for a different texture.
4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the crescent roll crust for 5-7 minutes before layering the ingredients.
5. Can I use store-bought taco meat?
Absolutely! Pre-made taco meat works well to save time.
6. What’s the best way to crush tortilla chips?
Place the chips in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free crescent dough and ensure other ingredients (like taco seasoning) are labeled gluten-free.
8. What toppings go best with Taco Pie?
Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced olives, green onions, or avocado slices are great options.
9. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Definitely! Mix your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
10. Can I add more vegetables to the pie?
Yes, add diced bell peppers, onions, or corn to the taco meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Taco Pie is the perfect mix of convenience and flavor, making it a go-to dinner option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Its layered goodness is endlessly customizable, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Give this recipe a try, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your household!
Taco Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 slices
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Taco Pie is a mouthwatering Tex-Mex comfort food combining taco-seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and melted cheese in a flaky crescent roll crust. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips and customizable toppings, it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust: Unroll dough and press it into the pie dish, sealing seams to form a crust.
- Layer Ingredients:
- Spread refried beans on the crust.
- Add taco meat.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Add Salsa and Chips: Spread salsa on top, then sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips.
- Final Cheese Layer: Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for another 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Cool slightly, then slice and serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier pie, add hot salsa or jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat as desired.
- Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes to prevent sogginess.
- This recipe is great for leftovers—store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
