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Surprise Taco Pie – The surprise is the crust!

Surprise Taco Pie – The surprise is the crust!

Surprise Taco Pie is a delicious and creative twist on classic tacos, featuring a layered pie where the crust is made of flour tortillas hiding a flavorful mix of seasoned meat, refried beans, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes and green chilies (canned)
  • 1 cup refried beans

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack recommended)

Crust & Coating

  • 68 flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

Optional Garnishes

  • Diced avocado
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Lime wedges
  • Jalapeño slices or green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef or turkey with diced onions and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  2. Assemble the pie layers: Lightly grease a pie dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Place a layer of flour tortillas on the bottom as the base crust. Spread refried beans thinly over the tortillas, then add a generous layer of the meat mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Repeat these layers, finishing with a final tortilla layer on top.
  3. Bake to golden perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the pie loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the top tortilla edges are crisp and golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  4. Let it rest: Allow the pie to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking so it sets up for easier slicing and serving, and to let flavors meld.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas before assembling for better molding and even crisping.
  • Mix cheeses like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for better flavor and texture.
  • Layer the filling evenly to avoid overloading and ensure clean slices.
  • Cover edges with foil during baking to prevent burning.
  • Resting the pie solidifies layers, making serving neater and easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pie, layered taco dish, tortilla crust, ground beef taco, easy taco recipe, gluten free taco pie