Taco Pot Pie
The first time I made Taco Pot Pie, it was a chilly fall evening, and I wanted to create something warm and comforting for my family. The aroma of savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and melted cheese wafting through the house instantly lifted our spirits. Imagine gathering around the table, each of us holding a warm ramekin filled to the brim with deliciousness. This dish quickly became a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners and even casual gatherings with friends. We love how it combines the flavors of classic tacos with the heartiness of a pot pie, making it a unique twist on both dishes.
As I prepped the ingredients, I couldn’t help but think of all the ways this recipe could be tweaked to fit our tastes. Whether you like it spicy or prefer a milder flavor, there’s room to experiment. Plus, the presentation is as delightful as the taste—each ramekin bubbling beautifully in the oven as the crust turns golden brown. It’s a dish that brings us together, often leading to laughter and stories shared over a hearty meal. If you haven’t yet tried making Taco Pot Pie, this might just become your new go-to recipe for those chilly nights!
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
10 mins
15 mins
Easy
450 kcal
28 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
25 g
10-inch Skillet, Meat Masher Tool, 12-oz Ramekins
Why This Taco Pot Pie Is a Winner
Comforting Family Favorite
One of the reasons I adore Taco Pot Pie is its comforting nature. When the weather cools down, nothing beats the feeling of digging into a warm, cheesy pot pie. It’s like a hug in a ramekin, bringing smiles to everyone at the table.
Endless Customization
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your family’s preferences. Whether it’s ground turkey, different beans, or extra veggies, the options are endless. I love how adaptable it is, making it perfect for any meal plan.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
With just a few simple steps, Taco Pot Pie can be whipped up in no time. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Just prep, bake, and enjoy!
Great for Gatherings
This dish is always a hit when having friends over. It’s easy to scale up for larger groups, making it a fantastic choice for potlucks or dinner parties. Everyone loves individual servings, and it sparks fun conversations around the table.
Deliciously Satisfying
The combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy pizza dough create a mouthwatering experience that leaves you craving more. Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor!
What to Buy for Taco Pot Pie
When it comes to making Taco Pot Pie, the ingredients play a crucial role in creating that irresistible flavor. Each element complements the others beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and hearty. Here are the key players:
- Ground Beef: The star protein that gives this pot pie its heartiness.
- Taco Seasoning: This adds a zesty kick and brings all the flavors together.
- Black Beans and Corn: These ingredients provide texture and a burst of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a deliciously gooey experience.
- Pizza Dough: The crispy topping that completes the pot pie.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: The foundation of your pot pie; it adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 (1-oz) package Taco Seasoning: Essential for that classic taco taste; feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
- ⅓ cup Water: Helps to mix the seasoning and create a delicious sauce.
- ½ cup Salsa: Adds freshness and a bit of spice to the mixture.
- 1 (15-oz) can Black Beans, drained and rinsed: These provide fiber and texture; they’re an excellent addition to any taco-inspired dish.
- ½ cup Corn Kernels: Sweet and tender, corn adds a delightful crunch.
- 4 (1-oz) Cheddar Cheese Slices: Melts perfectly to enhance the flavors, creating a comforting topping.
- 1 (13.8-oz) can Refrigerated Pizza Dough: The ultimate topping that turns this pot pie into a cozy meal.
How to Make Taco Pot Pie
Making Taco Pot Pie is as enjoyable as eating it! The process is simple, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible. Here’s how to create this delightful dish in just a few steps:
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF. This step is essential for achieving a perfectly golden crust. While the oven is heating, prepare your ramekins by spraying them with cooking spray, ensuring you cover the top outside rim as well. Setting these aside will help with easy serving later.
- Next, grab a large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. As the beef cooks, you’ll want to break it apart with your meat masher tool. Make sure it’s browned evenly, cooking it until there’s no pink left. This step typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat, returning the beef to the skillet.
- Now it’s time for flavor! Add the taco seasoning, water, and salsa to the browned beef. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, making the beef mixture even more delicious.
- After the simmering, toss in the black beans and corn kernels. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients. This step adds texture and a touch of sweetness to your filling, making it perfect.
- Now, it’s time to assemble! Divide the taco meat mixture equally among the prepared ramekins, filling them up generously. Don’t be shy; you want every bite to be packed with flavor!
- Top each ramekin with a slice of cheddar cheese. This will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a decadent topping.
- Next, take the pizza dough and cut it into four rectangles. Stretch each piece across the top of the ramekins, allowing some of the dough to hang over the edges. This creates a delightful, rustic look!
- Now, place the ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Look for the dough to turn golden brown and get a bit crispy. The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen!
- Once baked, carefully invert each pot pie onto a plate, lifting off the ramekin. You’ll be greeted with a gorgeous presentation that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
Things Worth Knowing
- Choosing the Right Ramekins: Using the correct size ramekins is crucial for even cooking. I recommend using four large 12-ounce porcelain ramekins, but you can also opt for six smaller ones.
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to brown the beef well for maximum flavor. Don’t rush this step; it’s essential for rich taste.
- Timing is Key: Keep an eye on the dough while it bakes. If it browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat filling in advance and store it in the fridge, making it easy to assemble and bake later.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to use different cheeses or add toppings like sour cream or avocado for extra flavor.
Customization Ideas
The beauty of Taco Pot Pie lies in its versatility! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to help you customize:
- Storage: After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled pot pies before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, but extend the baking time.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add extra or different vegetables to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Options like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn work wonderfully!
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese. While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend can add unique flavors.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy salsa for an additional kick.
- Different Meats: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version. Seasoning is key to maintaining flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal. You can also top with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for extra flair.
Serve This Taco Pot Pie With
Creating a cozy meal is one thing, but enhancing it with delightful accompaniments makes it all the better. Here are some fantastic ideas for serving Taco Pot Pie:
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the rich flavors of the pot pie.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a refreshing element, making each bite even tastier.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch alongside your pot pie.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of the pie adds creaminess and tang.
- Salsa: Offering a bowl of fresh salsa allows guests to add extra flavor as they wish.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, game nights, or even potluck parties where you want to impress your guests.
- Seasonal Pairing: During the fall, consider serving warm apple crisp as a dessert to complement the meal and the season.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Taco Pot Pie is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of tacos in a unique way. It’s a wonderful option for family dinners or gatherings, making it easy to serve and enjoy. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, and the smiles it brings at the dinner table are priceless!
Taco Pot Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Spray ramekins with cooking spray, making sure to spay the top outside rim. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain fat and return meat to skillet. Add taco seasoning, water and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in black beans and corn.
- Divide taco meat between the ramekins. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Cut the pizza dough into four rectangles. Stretch the dough across the top and let hang over the edge.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the dough is golden. Invert each pot pie onto a plate and lift off the ramekin.
Notes
- Substitutions: Can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add extra or different vegetables to the ground beef mixture.
- Using Pizza Dough: I use a can of Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough.
- Cheese Options: You can use cheese slices or grated/shredded cheese.
- Prepping in Advance: Yes! You can cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the pies.
