If you are craving a dish that combines all the bold flavors of tacos without the fuss of a crust, you are going to love this Crustless Taco Pie Recipe. It’s a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The blend of seasoned ground beef and creamy, cheesy egg custard creates a warm, comforting pie that feels like a festive taco night in every bite. Trust me, this recipe will be your new favorite way to enjoy classic taco flavors in a surprisingly simple and wholesome form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, richness, and texture for your Crustless Taco Pie Recipe. From hearty ground beef to creamy eggs and sharp cheddar, every component brings its own magic to the dish.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20): Provides juicy, flavorful protein and a hearty base for the pie.
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning: Infuses the beef with classic taco spices like cumin and chili powder.
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds creamy richness that makes the filling smooth and luscious.
- 4 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together, creating the custard-like texture.
- 1/3 cup chunky salsa: Offers a fresh, zesty kick with pieces of tomato and peppers.
- 1 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings melty, sharp flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt: Adds savory depth and enhances other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balances the spices.
How to Make Crustless Taco Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s fully preheated by the time you’re ready to bake. Meanwhile, grease a 9-inch pie pan liberally—this helps prevent sticking and makes for easy serving later on.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Beef
Place your ground beef in a medium skillet and cook it over medium heat until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease carefully to keep your pie from becoming too oily. Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the meat evenly with bold, savory flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Meat Layer
Once your beef is perfectly seasoned, transfer it evenly into your prepared pie pan. This forms the flavorful base layer that will hold all the creamy toppings.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Custard Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, eggs, chunky salsa, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, garlic salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined—this custard is what will set into a luscious, cheesy topping over the beef.
Step 5: Pour and Top the Pie
Pour the custard mixture carefully over the beef layer in your pie pan. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top for that perfect golden crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the pie in the oven uncovered and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown top and a filling that’s firm to the touch—this means your Crustless Taco Pie Recipe is ready!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the pie to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set further, making each slice clean and easy to serve.
How to Serve Crustless Taco Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about serving this Crustless Taco Pie Recipe is topping it with fresh, vibrant garnishes. Think dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness that complements the rich pie perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crustless Taco Pie with a simple green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips to add contrast in texture. Mexican rice or refried beans also make great hearty accompaniments, turning this into a full and festive meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins for easy, grab-and-go servings. You could also top each slice with a little extra salsa and cheese before broiling briefly for an even cheesier finish. This makes it look extra special for parties or casual family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your leftover Crustless Taco Pie with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully, too. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents sogginess that can happen in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in the Crustless Taco Pie Recipe and offers a leaner alternative while still absorbing the taco seasoning nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for cooked black beans or a plant-based meat substitute to keep the filling hearty and flavorful.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, though the pie will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I add other vegetables to the pie?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, corn, or diced onions can be mixed into the beef layer for extra flavor and texture.
How spicy is this Crustless Taco Pie Recipe?
The spice level mainly depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. You can adjust these ingredients for milder or spicier results to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about this Crustless Taco Pie Recipe that keeps me coming back to it again and again. It’s an easy way to enjoy bold taco flavors without the hassle of a traditional pie crust, and the creamy, cheesy filling always feels indulgent yet wholesome. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your next weeknight winner or party favorite!
Print
Crustless Taco Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Crustless Taco Pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef with a creamy, cheesy custard filling. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it offers all the flavors of tacos in a convenient pie form without the crust. Baked until golden and set, it’s a crowd-pleaser that serves eight people.
Ingredients
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Custard & Cheese
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup chunky salsa
- 1 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 cup for custard mixture, 1/4 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, making sure it’s nicely crumbled. Drain any excess grease to keep the pie from being greasy.
- Season the Meat: Stir the taco seasoning into the cooked beef until well combined. Then transfer the seasoned beef evenly into the greased pie pan.
- Mix the Custard: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, eggs, chunky salsa, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the custard mixture over the beef in the pie pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the pie pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. The pie is done when it is golden brown on top and set in the center (a knife inserted should come out mostly clean).
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for about 5 minutes to help it set further and make slicing easier. Serve warm with optional garnishes like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the excess grease from the cooked ground beef to prevent a soggy pie.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat for variation.
- Use mild or hot taco seasoning depending on your spice preference.
- Letting the pie rest before slicing helps it firm up for cleaner slices.
- Optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro can enhance the flavor when serving.
