Easy & Delicious Taco Pie with Flaky Crescent Roll Crust: Your New Weeknight Favorite
Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious taco pie! Boasting irresistible layers of savory seasoned ground beef, tangy sour cream, perfectly crushed tortilla chips, and a generous amount of melted cheese, this hearty meal is all nestled inside a soft, buttery crescent roll crust. Baked to a bubbly, golden brown perfection, it’s a fuss-free dinner that promises to become a family favorite.
Why This Taco Pie Recipe Works So Well
If you’re looking to expand your collection of delicious ground beef recipes, this taco pie is a fantastic addition. It ingeniously combines the beloved flavors and layers of a classic taco but presents them in a comforting, easy-to-serve pie form. Think of it as a taco casserole elevated with a flaky, golden crust – a truly fun and exciting way to shake up your regular Taco Tuesdays!
What makes this savory pie truly special is its incredible versatility. The recipe provides a perfect base, but there’s abundant room for customization, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your family’s preferences and taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of mild flavors or crave an extra kick, this taco pie can be easily adapted, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Its ease of preparation, coupled with its satisfying layers of flavor and texture, ensures that even novice cooks can achieve a show-stopping meal.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Taco Pie
Crafting this savory taco pie requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor. Below, you’ll find an overview of what you’ll need. For precise measurements, the full ingredient list, and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Information and Creative Substitution Suggestions
Part of the beauty of this taco pie recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these suggestions to perfectly match your preferences and dietary needs.
- CRUST: The beauty of using pre-made crescent rolls lies in their incredible convenience and the wonderfully light, flaky, and buttery crust they provide. These rolls puff up beautifully in the oven, creating a delightful texture that perfectly complements the savory filling. However, if you prefer a different base, a regular store-bought pie crust offers a more traditional pie feel. For a more rustic, casserole-like approach, you could even press crushed corn tortillas mixed with a little oil into the bottom of the pan, providing an even crunchier base.
- MEAT: Ground beef is the classic choice for its rich, savory flavor that forms the robust base of this dish. For leaner alternatives, ground turkey or ground pork work exceptionally well, absorbing the taco seasoning beautifully while offering a lighter profile. To add even more depth and a delightful kick to your ground meat mixture, consider mixing in a can of Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chiles), some diced green chiles, finely chopped onions, or even a few diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) for a zesty heat. We highly recommend using homemade taco seasoning for optimal flavor control, but a good quality store-bought taco seasoning blend is equally convenient and effective.
- ADDITIONS: The texture of this pie is enhanced by the crushed tortilla chips. For an extra cheesy, bold flavor that kids especially love, crushed Doritos make a fantastic and fun substitute. If you prefer a softer texture, you can simply omit the chips altogether. To make your taco pie even heartier and more filling, consider spreading a layer of refried beans or seasoned Spanish rice over the crust before adding the meat. For the ultimate indulgence, swap some of the shredded cheese for a layer of gooey nacho cheese sauce, which adds a creamy, zesty kick. You can also layer in cooked corn, black beans, or finely diced bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
How to Make the Perfect Taco Pie: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot for an evenly baked, golden crust.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring no pink remains. Drain any excess grease thoroughly for a cleaner flavor and less moisture in your pie. Stir in your chosen taco seasoning and water; stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and most of the water to be absorbed, resulting in rich, perfectly seasoned taco meat.
- Meanwhile, prepare your pie crust. In a greased glass 9-inch pie plate, carefully unroll the crescent rolls. Drape the dough over as much of the pie plate as it will cover. Use the pads of your fingers to gently press together all of the seams and spread the crescent dough to evenly cover the entire bottom and sides of the pie plate. Trim any pieces that hang over the edge and use them to fill in any empty spaces or thin spots, creating a seamless and sturdy crust.
- Sprinkle a layer of about ½ cup of your grated cheese evenly over the crescent dough in the bottom of the pie plate. This initial layer creates a delicious foundation.
- Carefully mound the seasoned taco meat over the cheese layer and spread it out evenly to create a consistent layer across the pie.
- Crush your desired amount of tortilla chips and spread them evenly over the top of the taco meat. You can adjust the quantity based on your personal preference for crunchiness.
- Add spoonfuls of the sour cream over the top of the chips. Using a rubber spatula, gently spread the sour cream to create an even, creamy layer covering the chips.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over the top of the sour cream layer, ensuring a beautiful, cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake the pie, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. Keep a close watch until the crescent roll crust is beautifully golden brown, and the cheese topping is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly browned at the edges, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven. For an extra fresh and colorful touch, immediately top with freshly diced tomato and chopped lettuce. Serve the pie warm, allowing guests to add any additional desired toppings either directly onto each slice or from an array of sides.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Taco Pie
To maintain freshness, store any leftover taco pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, it’s best to remove any fresh toppings like lettuce or tomato first, as they can wilt or become soggy. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for quick warmth, or in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through for a crispier crust. A toaster oven can also work well for single servings.
Yes, this recipe is great for partial make-ahead preparation, perfect for busy schedules. You can cook the seasoned ground beef mixture and prepare the crescent roll crust in the pie plate up to 1 day in advance. Store the cooked meat in an airtight container and cover the prepared crust with plastic wrap, both in the refrigerator. Assemble the remaining layers (chips, sour cream, and final cheese) just before baking to ensure the tortilla chips stay crisp and the cheese melts perfectly. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold ingredients. Freezing this recipe has not been tested, so we cannot guarantee results.
While this recipe is optimized for a 9-inch pie plate, you can certainly adapt it for a larger 13×9 inch baking dish. For a pan of that size, you will likely need to double all of the ingredients, including the ground beef, taco seasoning, water, crescent rolls (you’ll probably need two tubes), cheese, chips, and sour cream. You’ll also need to adjust the baking time; expect to extend it by an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is nicely golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through. Always keep a close eye on it to prevent over-browning.
The type of pie plate or pan can significantly affect the cook time of the bottom crust. Using a clear glass pie plate is highly recommended as it allows you to visually check the bottom of the pie to ensure it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Pre-baking the crescent roll crust is generally not necessary and could result in an overly browned crust without further adjustments to bake time or temperature. However, an especially heavy ceramic or metal pie plate may not transfer heat to the bottom of the crust quickly enough, potentially leaving it undercooked. If you notice the edges or top of the pie browning too quickly before the bottom is done, you can loosely cover those areas with aluminum foil to shield them while the rest finishes cooking.
Cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend are classic and delicious choices for taco pie due to their excellent melting properties and familiar flavor. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicier Pepper Jack can add fantastic flavor and a wonderful gooey texture. For the best melt, always opt for freshly shredded cheese over pre-shredded varieties, as the latter often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
The spice level of your taco pie is easily customizable. For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the ground beef mixture while it simmers. Including diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or a spicier taco seasoning blend will also increase the heat. For a milder version, simply use a mild taco seasoning and omit any extra spicy additions.
Preventing a soggy bottom crust is key to a perfect taco pie. Ensure you fully drain any excess grease from the ground beef after browning it – this is crucial. Also, when placing the crescent rolls, firmly press all seams together to create a solid, continuous base. Some chefs even suggest brushing a light egg wash on the crescent rolls before adding the fillings, as this can create a slight barrier and further prevent sogginess, though it’s not strictly necessary for success with this recipe.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Taco Pie
While delicious on its own, your taco pie can be transformed into an even more spectacular meal with the right toppings and accompaniments. Kick up your taco pie a notch with a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some vibrant sliced pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. Other incredibly tasty toppings include a generous dollop of creamy guacamole, a spoonful of fresh salsa fresca (pico de gallo), thinly sliced black olives, chopped fresh cilantro, or even some crumbled cotija cheese for an authentic touch. The beauty of the toppings is that they are fully customizable to your taste, so add whatever you and your family enjoy most!
For a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing your taco pie with a light side salad or a bowl of fluffy cilantro-lime rice. Roasted corn or black bean salsa also make excellent accompaniments, adding fresh flavors and textures that complement the richness of the pie. You can even set up a “taco pie bar” with various toppings, allowing everyone to personalize their slice to perfection!
Explore More Delicious Taco-Inspired Recipes
- Hearty Frito Pie
- Creamy Taco Dip
- Comforting Taco Soup
- Easy Taco Casserole
- Fun Walking Tacos
- Unique Taco Spaghetti
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Taco Pie
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup taco seasoning or 2 packets store-bought taco seasoning. Adjust to taste
- ¾ cup water
- 8 oz crescent rolls 1 tube. We used Pillsbury
- 8 oz grated cheddar cheese or mexican blend
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips 1-2 cups corn tortilla chips or Doritos
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tomato diced, for garnish
- 1 cup lettuce shredded. 1-2 cups for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Skillet
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9 inch pie pan
Before You Begin
- **IF you use store-bought taco seasoning**, always follow the water measurements provided on the back of that specific packet, as they can vary. We personally love a robust flavor, so we tend to go a bit heavy on the seasoning for optimal taste, but feel free to adjust to your preference.
- When preparing the crescent roll crust, you have two options. You can either tear apart the crescent rolls along their perforated lines and arrange them in a circle with the pointed ends facing the center of your pie plate, or simply place the entire sheet of unwrapped crescent dough directly into the pie plate.
- Regardless of whether you tear the crescent rolls or use the whole sheet, you will still need to gently press together the seams with your fingertips and lightly spread the dough to cover the pie plate evenly. We’ve found it’s often much faster and more efficient to just place the whole sheet into the pie plate and then press, rather than tearing it apart and trying to piece it back together.
- The type of pie plate or pan you use can significantly influence the cooking time and browning of the bottom crust. Pre-baking the crescent roll crust is typically not needed for this recipe and could result in an overly browned crust if not carefully monitored or if bake time/temperature are not adjusted. However, an especially heavy pie plate (like thick ceramic) might not transfer heat to the bottom of the crust quickly enough for it to cook completely. For best results, use a clear glass pie plate; this allows you to visually check the bottom of the pie to ensure it is perfectly golden brown. If the edges or top of the pie start to brown too quickly before the rest is done, simply cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.
- The sour cream layer tends to dry out slightly during baking. For an extra creamy finish, we recommend adding an additional dollop of fresh sour cream on top as a garnish just before serving.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat in a skillet until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease. Add in the taco seasoning and water; stir to distribute and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue simmering for about 5 minutes until most of the water has been absorbed and the taco meat is evenly seasoned.
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Meanwhile, in a greased 9” pie plate, drape the unwrapped crescent rolls over as much of the pie plate as it will cover. Use the pads of your fingers to gently press together all of the seams and spread the crescent dough to cover all of the pie plate. Trim pieces that hang over the edge and use them to fill in any empty spaces.
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Sprinkle a layer of cheese over the crescent dough in the bottom of the pie plate (about 1⁄2 cup).
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Mound the taco meat over the cheese and spread to make an even layer.
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Crush tortilla chips and spread them over the top of the taco meat – you can adjust the amount for your personal taste.
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Add spoonfuls of the sour cream over the top of the chips and use a rubber spatula to gently spread the sour cream to cover the chips.
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Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the pie.
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Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Top pie with diced tomato and chopped lettuce. Add any additional toppings to the pie or serve alongside the pie.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.