Southwest Taco Pie
Southwest Taco Pie is a flavorful, hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and a cheesy crust, topped with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers bold Tex-Mex flavors in a comforting pie form that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and baking sheet to 400°F. Partially bake the deep dish pie crust for 10 minutes; then cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- In a skillet, brown the ground chuck and chopped onions; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and a little water; cook until well combined.
- In a mixing bowl, combine refried beans and half of the taco sauce.
- Layer half of the meat mixture in the bottom of the pie shell, then half of the bean mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the layered ingredients.
- Bake the pie for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and remaining taco sauce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative to ground chuck. You can also customize the spice level by using a spicy taco seasoning mix. If you're short on time, a pre-made pie crust can work well. Don't forget to let the pie cool slightly before adding the toppings to prevent them from wilting. This dish pairs beautifully with Guacamole Taco Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco pie with a side of Mexican rice or corn salad for a complete meal. It also pairs nicely with a refreshing salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For an appetizer, consider serving with Spicy Taco Dip on the side. Garnish each slice with additional toppings like jalapeños or sour cream for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Taco Pie contains roughly 670 calories, with 25g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1971mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this taco pie vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground chuck with a meat alternative like lentils or textured vegetable protein. Additionally, use a vegetarian taco seasoning mix and ensure the pie crust is also vegetarian-friendly. This will give you a delicious vegetarian version that everyone will enjoy.
Can I freeze the taco pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked taco pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, you can cook it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes for a great make-ahead meal.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don't have refried beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans that are mashed. Alternatively, you can blend canned beans with a little taco sauce to achieve a similar consistency. This swap will maintain the flavor while providing a different texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).