Taco Pie
Taco Pie is the ultimate comfort food that brings the fun and flavor of taco night straight to your dining table. Layered with all your favorite taco ingredients, it’s a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
With its crispy corn tortilla base and a hearty filling of chicken, beans, and cheese, Taco Pie is not only easy to assemble but also a hit with both kids and adults. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your home, what you’ll need to make it, and how to bring this incredible dish to life!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Taco Pie checks all the boxes for a weeknight meal: it’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s versatile too—feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients. You can even prep it ahead of time for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table in no time.
Once you taste the combination of creamy chicken, zesty tomatoes, and melted cheese, you’ll find yourself making Taco Pie on repeat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken, making it both economical and delicious.
What Goes In
To create this mouthwatering Taco Pie, gather the following ingredients:
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Chopped avocado (for garnish)
Before You Start: Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Large mixing bowl – for combining ingredients
- 9×13 inch baking dish – to assemble and bake the pie
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for mixing
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts
Cooking Taco Pie: The Process
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on making Taco Pie!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Taco Pie bakes evenly and comes out bubbly and golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, diced green bell pepper, taco seasoning, and chopped chicken. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Layer the Tortillas
In your greased 9×13 inch baking dish, lay out 5 corn tortillas on the bottom, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire base of the dish.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Spread half of the chicken and bean mixture over the layer of tortillas. Sprinkle 1 cup of the Mexican blend cheese on top of the filling.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Top the cheese layer with the remaining corn tortillas, followed by the rest of the filling mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Taco Pie
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Let It Cool
Once baked, remove the Taco Pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the Taco Pie into squares and serve with dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and avocado on top. Enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
What to Use Instead
If you want to customize your Taco Pie, consider these alternatives:
- Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken if you prefer.
- Try different beans such as pinto or kidney beans.
- Mix in other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or olives for added nutrition.
Avoid These Mistakes
To ensure your Taco Pie turns out perfectly every time, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Don’t skip the draining of the black beans, as excess liquid can make the pie soggy.
- Avoid overloading the pie with too many ingredients, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Make sure to cover the pie with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Let the pie sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set properly, making it easier to cut.
Storing Tips & Timelines
Taco Pie is a fantastic dish for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- You can freeze Taco Pie for up to 3 months; just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Taco Pie FAQs
Can I make Taco Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble Taco Pie a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Is Taco Pie suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Taco Pie is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week!
Can I make Taco Pie vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and use additional beans or vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
See You at the Table
Taco Pie is truly a delightful dish that brings together all the flavors of your favorite tacos in a fun and easy-to-prepare format. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a potluck, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, Taco Pie never disappoints.
So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness that is Taco Pie! Your taste buds will thank you.
Taco Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, diced green bell pepper, taco seasoning, and chopped chicken. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Step 3: In your greased 9x13 inch baking dish, lay out 5 corn tortillas on the bottom, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire base of the dish.
- Step 4: Spread half of the chicken and bean mixture over the layer of tortillas. Sprinkle 1 cup of the Mexican blend cheese on top of the filling.
- Step 5: Top the cheese layer with the remaining corn tortillas, followed by the rest of the filling mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the top.
- Step 6: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 7: Once baked, remove the Taco Pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes.
- Step 8: Slice the Taco Pie into squares and serve with dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and avocado on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customize your Taco Pie with your favorite toppings!
- Make it ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add more beans or veggies.
