Traditional Taco Pie

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're on the hunt for a comforting, family-friendly dish that's as fun to make as it is to eat, this Traditional Taco Pie is your answer. It's like having your favorite taco, but in a sliceable, shareable form that's perfect for any casual gathering.

Ingredients for Traditional Taco Pie

The star of this dish is the ground beef, providing a hearty and flavorful base. With a touch of taco seasoning, the beef is transformed into a zesty filling. The crushed tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch at the bottom, reminiscent of a classic taco shell. Shredded cheddar cheese melts on top, offering a rich and creamy finish. For freshness and color, we add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. Sliced black olives bring a bit of brininess, while diced onions add a sharp bite. Finally, a dollop of sour cream is the perfect cool complement to the warm, savory pie.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a more complex flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef while it's cooking.
  • To prevent sogginess, serve immediately after adding fresh toppings.

Serving Suggestions

This Taco Pie pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a simple black bean salad. For a refreshing beverage, consider serving it with a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer to complement the spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and cheese layers ahead and store in the fridge. Just add the toppings right before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meatless ground beef alternative.

Traditional Taco Pie Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for this delicious creation. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's fully browned. While it's sizzling away, keep stirring to ensure it cooks evenly. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat to keep your pie from being greasy.

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about five minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the seasoning infuses the beef with that unmistakable taco flavor.

Meanwhile, take a 9-inch pie dish and spread the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. This forms a crunchy base for the pie. Next, layer the seasoned beef over the chips, making sure it's distributed evenly.

Now, it’s time to sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously over the beef. Pop the pie into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Then, top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and onions. This medley of toppings adds freshness and a burst of color. Finally, slice and serve each piece with a generous dollop of sour cream.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful twist on classic tacos, perfect for when you're craving something different.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable toppings allow everyone to enjoy their favorite flavors.
  • Kid-friendly and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1/3 cup water
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup diced onions
3/4 cup sour cream

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Spread crushed tortilla chips evenly in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Layer the seasoned beef over the chips.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Allow to cool slightly, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and onions.
9. Serve slices with a dollop of sour cream.

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