If you love the bold and comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine but want something that feels a little more festive and fun, this Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together hearty ground beef, melty cheese, and vibrant salsa all stacked between warm tortillas in a beautiful, sliceable pie form. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish turns classic taco ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe is in its simplicity — basic pantry staples come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a critical role, from the savory beef and zesty seasoning, to the creamy cheese and crisp corn that add color and depth.
- 2 pounds ground beef: Choose lean beef for a hearty texture and meaty base.
- 1 chopped onion: Onion adds sweetness and aromatic depth that balances the spice.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering.
- 1 envelope taco seasoning: Brings classic taco spices that tie all the ingredients together.
- ¼ cup water: Helps create a juicy, flavorful meat mixture.
- 1 can (12 ounces) corn, drained: Adds a sweet crunch and pops of bright color.
- 5 8-inch flour tortillas: The perfect soft layers to hold everything together.
- 1 ½ cups salsa: Contributes tang, spice, and moisture.
- 2 cups Mexican or Tex-Mex shredded cheese: Melts perfectly, adding gooey richness.
- Garnishes (green onions, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, shredded lettuce, sour cream): Fresh toppings to brighten and add texture contrast.
How to Make Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s perfectly heated for baking. Next, prepare an 8-inch springform pan by generously spraying it with nonstick spray — this helps the pie release easily and keeps every slice looking neat and tidy.
Step 2: Cook the Flavorful Filling
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, stirring and breaking up the meat until all pink is gone and the onion is soft and fragrant. Drain the excess fat to keep the pie from becoming greasy. Then add the garlic powder, taco seasoning, water, drained corn, and salsa to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all those delicious flavors together into a juicy, savory filling.
Step 3: Begin Layering Your Pie
Lay one flour tortilla flat in the bottom of your prepared springform pan. This will be the base that holds all the fabulous fillings as you build your pie higher, providing a soft, tender layer to start this multi-textured masterpiece.
Step 4: Build Layers of Deliciousness
Spread about one cup of your flavorful meat mixture evenly over the tortilla. Then sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheese on top, letting it peek through and get ready to melt during baking. Repeat layering tortillas, meat, and cheese until you have four full layers stacked high. Finish off your pie by placing the fifth tortilla on top and covering that with the remaining cheese for a gooey, golden crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake it at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt fully, the flavors to marry beautifully, and the pie to firm up enough so it can be sliced neatly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, give your Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe about 10 minutes to cool slightly. This little patience pays off by making the pie easier to remove from the pan and slice, ensuring every piece stays intact with perfect layers visible.
How to Serve Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten each slice with fresh toppings like sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of cool sour cream. These garnishes not only add color and freshness but also provide exciting texture contrasts that make every bite satisfyingly complex.
Side Dishes
Pair this layered taco pie with light and zesty sides such as a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, Mexican rice, or a simple avocado and corn salad. These help balance the richness of the pie while keeping the meal vibrant and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pie family-style straight from the pan for a cozy gathering, or plate individual slices with a zigzag of salsa and a sprinkle of extra cheese for a festive touch. You can also offer mini versions in small ramekins for fun appetizers at parties — the possibilities to impress are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it properly keeps the flavors vibrant and textures intact, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish on a busy night, freeze the fully assembled pie before baking, wrapped well in plastic and foil. It will keep for up to 3 months, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers or a frozen batch, reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For an oven finish, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees until hot, helping preserve that wonderful layered texture and melted cheese goodness.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
You can substitute corn tortillas, but flour tortillas tend to hold up better in this layered pie, maintaining softness and preventing crumbling when sliced.
How spicy is the Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe?
The spiciness depends largely on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose, so adjusting those to mild or hot versions lets you control the heat level easily.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake right before serving to save time while retaining freshness.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mexican blend or Tex-Mex shredded cheese melts beautifully and provides the classic flavor, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe is a delightful way to bring taco night to a whole new level of fun and flavor. I promise once you try it, its comforting layers and rich tastes will become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with favorite toppings and sides — you’re in for a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat!
Print
Easy Layered Taco Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Layered Taco Pie is a delightful and family-friendly Mexican-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and salsa baked to perfection. It’s a convenient, flavorful meal that combines the comforting texture of a taco with the ease of a pie, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
- 1 can (12 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 ½ cups salsa
Pie Layers
- 5 8-inch flour tortillas
- 2 cups Mexican or Tex-Mex shredded cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal and avoid sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, scramble-fry the ground beef together with the chopped onion. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat. Then add garlic powder, taco seasoning, water, drained corn, and salsa. Stir and cook together for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Layer the Pie – First Tortilla: Place one flour tortilla flat into the bottom of the prepared springform pan as the base layer.
- Add Meat and Cheese Layers: Spread about 1 cup of the meat mixture evenly over the tortilla. Sprinkle approximately ½ cup of shredded cheese over the meat. Repeat these layers—tortilla, meat mixture, and cheese—until you have created four full layers.
- Top and Finish: Place the fifth tortilla on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Bake the assembled taco pie in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the taco pie cool for about 10 minutes to set before removing the springform pan sides. Serve warm, optionally garnished with sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, shredded lettuce, and sour cream as desired.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience or shred your own for better melt quality.
- Adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning according to your preference.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
- Leftover taco pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Additional vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños can be added to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
