Taco Pie

Taco Pie Recipe from Panama with Ground Beef and Cheddar

Region / culture: Panama | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Taco Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic taco in a convenient pie form. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and crunchy corn chips, Taco Pie is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Taco Pie is a popular dish in American cuisine that has been enjoyed for many years. It is a creative twist on traditional tacos, combining all the classic taco ingredients in a pie form. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in many households.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 package taco seasoning mix
0.75 cup water
1 can (16 oz or 454 g) refried beans (I use fat-free)
1 jar (8 oz or 227 g) taco sauce, divided
1 baked 9-inch pastry shell (I use pre-made pie crust, although you may use frozen crust or make your own)
1 cup (8 oz or 227 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup crushed corn chips (I use Fritos™)

How to prepare

Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet until the meat is browned, stirring to crumble the meat.
Drain the excess fat. (I add the onion after the beef is cooked and drained to limit the amount of fat absorbed by the onion)
Add the taco seasoning mix and water, stirring well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine the refried beans and 0.33 cup of taco sauce.
Spoon half of the bean mixture into the bottom of the pastry shell.
Top with half of the meat mixture, half of the cheese, and all of the corn chips.
Repeat the layers with the remaining bean mixture, meat mixture, and cheese.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20–30 minutes.
Serve with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sour cream (if desired), and the remaining taco sauce.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
Use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans for a different flavor profile.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra heat and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef after cooking to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

- Use a pre-baked pie crust for convenience, or make your own crust for a homemade touch.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking, such as adding sliced jalapenos or avocado.

- Serve Taco Pie with a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Taco Pie with a side of shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and extra taco sauce for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for added variety.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to fully cook the ground beef and onions before assembling the pie to ensure that the meat is tender and flavorful.

- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set and hold together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.

- Swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Taco Pie can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Taco Pie with fresh cilantro leaves or sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it on a colorful platter for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Taco Pie with a refreshing Mexican beer or a fruity margarita for a complete meal experience. Serve it with a side of chips and salsa for added crunch and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Taco Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 7g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 22g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese)

- May contain gluten (pie crust)

Summary

Taco Pie is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is rich in calcium and iron, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Taco Pie is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and crunchy corn chips, Taco Pie is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy this flavorful and hearty dish for a taste of classic Mexican cuisine in a convenient pie form.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Taco Pie. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria. Maria was a fantastic cook, and always had the most delicious dishes to share with me. On this particular day, she greeted me with a smile and said, "I have a new recipe that I think you will love!"

I followed Maria into the kitchen, where she began pulling out ingredients and explaining the steps to make Taco Pie. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be amazed by her skill and creativity.

The aroma of the spices filled the air as Maria seasoned the ground beef and sautéed the vegetables. She then layered the ingredients in a pie dish, topping it off with a generous amount of cheese. As the Taco Pie baked in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement.

When Maria finally pulled the Taco Pie out of the oven, it looked absolutely delicious. The golden crust was perfectly crispy, and the cheese was melted and gooey. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the flavors that had been melding together in the dish.

As I took my first bite of the Taco Pie, I was blown away by how incredible it tasted. The seasoned beef was savory and flavorful, the vegetables added a nice crunch, and the melted cheese tied everything together perfectly. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Maria was more than happy to share the recipe with me, and she patiently walked me through each step. I took notes and asked questions, eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible. By the time I left Maria's house that day, I was already planning when I would make Taco Pie for my family.

Over the years, I have made Taco Pie countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have added ingredients, adjusted seasonings, and experimented with different types of cheese. While the basic concept of the dish remains the same, I love putting my own spin on it and making it uniquely mine.

One of the things I love most about Taco Pie is that it is a versatile dish. It can be served as a main course for dinner, or sliced into wedges and served as an appetizer at a party. It is always a crowd-pleaser, and I love seeing the smiles on my family's faces as they dig into a hearty slice of Taco Pie.

As I have shared the recipe with friends and family over the years, I have become known as the "Taco Pie Queen" in my circle. I am always happy to pass on the knowledge that Maria shared with me, and I love hearing about the variations and adaptations that others have made to the recipe.

There is something truly special about sharing a dish that has been passed down through generations, and I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to the magic of Taco Pie. Every time I make it, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, and the joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire.

So the next time you are looking for a delicious and satisfying meal to share with your loved ones, give Taco Pie a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe you will be inspired to put your own twist on the recipe and create a new family favorite of your own. Happy cooking!