Dive into the delightful twist of this Surprise Taco Pie, where the crust isn’t what you’d expect! This unique pie swaps the typical pastry base for a savory, spiced mashed potato crust, offering a hearty and gluten-free alternative that’s sure to impress. Filled with spicy, flavorful meat and topped with melted cheese, this dish is a fusion of taco flavors and pie comfort. It’s perfect for a fun dinner or a festive gathering where you want to surprise your guests with something out of the ordinary.
Embrace this creative take on taco night with a pie that delivers all the beloved taco fillings in a novel and tasty form. Let’s get started and see why this Surprise Taco Pie will become a new favorite.
Preparation and Baking
A whimsical creation that combines the heartiness of a pie with the zesty flavors of a taco.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 32-35 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups mashed potato flakes
For the Filling
- 1 lb low-fat ground beef, turkey, or venison
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes (Ro-Tel type), undrained
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Fiesta blend cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a pie plate lightly.
- In a medium pan, melt the butter or coconut oil over medium heat. Add milk and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, stirring until well mixed. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the mashed potato flakes until the mixture is well combined and forms a dough-like consistency.
- Press the potato mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate. Par-bake the crust for 7-10 minutes, just until it starts to set.
- While the crust is baking, cook the ground meat and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Return the skillet to the heat, and stir in the undrained tomatoes, additional taco seasoning, chili powder, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Once the filling is bubbling, pour it into the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
To Serve
Top the baked taco pie with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, and jalapeño slices. Offer sour cream and avocado on the side for guests to add as they please.
Tips
- For a lighter crust, you can substitute half of the butter with additional milk or a milk alternative.
- The pie can also be made ahead and reheated before serving, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
This Surprise Taco Pie is not just a meal; it’s a conversation starter that brings a fun twist to your dining table. Enjoy the hearty crust, the richly flavored filling, and all the classic taco toppings in this one-of-a-kind dish!