Taco Pie Recipe

Taco pie is a delightful twist on the traditional Tex-Mex flavors. Combining the zest of tacos with the convenience of a casserole! This dish originated from the mid-20th-century trend of turning beloved recipes into easy-to-make, family-friendly meals. Taco pie became a household favorite in the U.S. as tacos grew in popularity. Blending classic taco ingredients like seasoned beef, cheese, and beans into a pie format, this recipe offers all the satisfying tastes of taco night in a unique, shareable form.
Our version of this pie takes it up a notch by using a flaky crescent roll crust, adding a buttery layer to the dish. Layering refried beans, creamy sour cream, zesty ground beef, and crunchy Doritos, this taco pie delivers both flavor and texture. Top it with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado for the perfect finishing touch.
To prepare this dish effortlessly, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. A sturdy 9-inch pie dish ensures the crust holds its shape (find one here). A nonstick skillet is perfect for cooking the beef evenly and blending in the taco seasoning (check one out here). For easy layering, a rubber spatula works wonders (grab one here).
Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, taco pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to customize and pairs well with sides like Mexican rice or chips and salsa. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a practical choice for meal prep. Dive into the history and flavors of this Tex-Mex favorite and let this recipe become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Taco Pie
Equipment
- 9-Inch Pie Dish
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Cheese Grater (if using block cheese)
- Rubber or Offset Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- oven mitts
- baking sheet (optional) Place under the pie dish to catch any potential spills during baking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (you can use ground venison as well)
- 1 Pkt Taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 1 Can (15 oz) Refried beans
- 3/4 Cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 Cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 Cup Crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1/3 Cup Salsa
- 1/3 Cup Sour cream
- 1 Tube (8 oz) Crescent roll dough
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, guacamole, jalapeños, or black olives
Instructions
Preheat oven and prepare the crescent dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie dish, sealing any seams to form a solid crust. Bake for 5 minutes to lightly set the dough.
Cook the beef filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer until well combined.
Mix the sour cream layer:
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and salsa until smooth.
Layer the taco pie:
- Spread the refried beans evenly over the partially baked crescent roll crust.
- Add a layer of crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos.
- Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the Doritos.
- Spread the sour cream and salsa mixture over the beef layer.
- Top with the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Bake:
- Place the assembled taco pie in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crescent roll crust is golden brown.
Cool, garnish, and serve:
- Allow the taco pie to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional Doritos, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or guacamole as desired.
