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Surprise Taco Pie – The surprise is the crust!

Surprise Taco Pie – The surprise is the crust!
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Surprise Taco Pie offers a fresh take on traditional tacos by featuring a crunchy, unexpected crust made from crushed tortilla chips or crackers that wraps around a savory, seasoned ground beef filling layered with melted cheese and fresh toppings. Perfect for family dinners or parties, this dish delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors with a unique texture twist that is both fun and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup black beans or refried beans
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 2 cups tortilla chips or crushed crackers
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Garnishes

  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
  • Sliced avocado
  • Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and black beans. Let the mixture simmer for several minutes to blend the flavors.
  2. Create the Crust Base: In a large bowl, crush the tortilla chips or crackers until finely broken but not powdered. Mix in the melted butter thoroughly to help bind the crust and achieve a golden finish when baked.
  3. Assemble the Taco Pie: Grease a pie dish, then spread half of the crushed chip mixture evenly over the bottom. Layer the beef filling on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Cover with the remaining crushed chips to seal the filling inside.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top crust is golden brown and the cheese underneath is melted and bubbly.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for 10-15 minutes to let the crust set before slicing. Serve topped with sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, green onions, or a squeeze of lime as desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions and tomatoes to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Drain the beef fat thoroughly to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
  • Press the crust firmly to form a sturdy base that holds together well during baking.
  • Allow the pie to rest before slicing to ensure clean and satisfying slices.
  • Adjust taco seasoning and jalapeños to customize spice level as preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: surprise taco pie, taco pie, taco crust, Mexican inspired recipes, taco dinner, easy taco recipe, ground beef taco pie, baked taco pie

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/surprise-taco-pie-the-surprise-is-the-crust/