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
Scale
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.
