Texas Taco Pie

Texas Taco Pie Recipe - Beef, Onion, Corn, Taco Seasoning, and More

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

Introduction

Texas 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 casual gathering with friends. With layers of ground beef, cheese, sour cream, and crunchy corn chips, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

History

The origins of Texas Taco Pie are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Tex-Mex cuisine. This dish takes the flavors of a taco and transforms them into a convenient and easy-to-make pie. It has become a popular dish in many households due to its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 cups crushed corn chips
1 package taco seasoning mix
0.5 cup water
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
lettuce
tomato
salsa (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion.
While the beef is browning, press the raw crescent dough into the bottom of a deep pie dish.
Spread 1 cup of the crushed corn chips on top of the dough.
When the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning mix and water, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Layer the beef mixture on top of the crushed corn chips. Next, spread on the sour cream, followed by a layer of cheddar cheese.
Top it off with the remaining crushed corn chips.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dough turns golden.
Serve with shredded lettuce and tomatoes on top. Add salsa if desired.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to ensure that it is cooked through.

- Press the crescent roll dough firmly into the pie dish to create a sturdy base for the pie.

- Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.

- Serve the Texas Taco Pie with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa for added freshness and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Texas Taco Pie with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a Tex-Mex inspired feast.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground beef: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink and has a nice brown color.

- Layering the ingredients: Spread each layer evenly to create a well-balanced pie with every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter option.

- Use crushed tortilla chips instead of corn chips for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Texas Taco Pie can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the pie dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Texas Taco Pie with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation. Serve it on a colorful platter with a side of salsa and guacamole for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Texas Taco Pie with a cold Mexican beer, a fruity sangria, or a classic margarita for a delicious and refreshing combination. Serve it with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Texas Taco Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion of the pie in the microwave or oven until heated through. Serve with fresh toppings for a delicious meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 24g

- Saturated Fat: 10g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 22g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese and sour cream)

- Contains wheat (crescent roll dough)

Summary

Texas Taco Pie is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet.

Summary

Texas Taco Pie is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of a taco in a convenient pie form. With layers of ground beef, cheese, sour cream, and crunchy corn chips, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Serve it with fresh toppings and a side of salsa for a delicious Tex-Mex inspired meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Texas Taco Pie. I was a young girl visiting my aunt in Dallas, and she had just whipped up this delicious dish for dinner. The aroma of the spices and the sizzle of the ground beef filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As my aunt prepared the dish, she shared with me the story of how she learned to make it. She explained that she had gotten the recipe from a friend who had picked it up at a local food festival in Austin. The friend had raved about how easy and tasty it was, and my aunt decided to give it a try.

I watched intently as my aunt layered the ingredients in a deep-dish pie pan – a savory mixture of ground beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, all seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic. She topped it all off with a layer of shredded cheese and a generous dollop of sour cream before popping it in the oven to bake.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Texas Taco Pie and was immediately hooked. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the spiciness of the beef, the sweetness of the corn, and the creaminess of the cheese all coming together in perfect harmony. It was a meal unlike any I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

When I returned home from my visit, I immediately set out to recreate the Texas Taco Pie in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and followed my aunt's instructions to a tee. As the dish baked in the oven, the familiar aromas filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

When I served the Texas Taco Pie that evening, my husband and children were amazed at how delicious it was. They couldn't believe that I had made something so flavorful and unique. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household, a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and casual gatherings with friends.

Over the years, I have made the Texas Taco Pie countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my family's tastes. I have added extra veggies, experimented with different types of cheese, and even tried substituting ground turkey for the beef. But no matter how I change it up, the dish always brings back memories of that first time I saw it being made in my aunt's kitchen.

As I grew older, I began to share the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of the Texas Taco Pie to a new generation. I have taught my grandchildren how to make it, watching as they carefully measure out the spices and layer the ingredients just as I did all those years ago.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the recipe for Texas Taco Pie, I realize how much it has come to mean to me. It is more than just a dish – it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and joy that cooking can bring. And I am grateful for the friend who shared it with my aunt, the aunt who shared it with me, and the family who continues to enjoy it with me.

So the next time you find yourself craving a hearty and flavorful meal, give the Texas Taco Pie a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing the recipe on to someone you love, creating your own memories and traditions along the way.