Crustless Taco Pie: 40 Min Weeknight Win

Alright, fellow kitchen adventurers! Are you wrestling with that age-old question of what to actually *make* for dinner on a crazy busy weeknight? I feel you! When the clock is ticking and hunger is hitting hard, you need something that’s both satisfying and ridiculously easy. That’s exactly how I fell head over heels for this Crustless Taco Pie. It’s got all those punchy, south-of-the-border flavors we love, all baked up into one glorious, fuss-free dish. Honestly, the first time I whipped this up, it was out of sheer desperation, but now? It’s my absolute go-to for a weeknight win!

Why You’ll Love This Crustless Taco Pie

Seriously, this pie is a weeknight dinner superhero! It’s so ridiculously easy to whip up, and the flavors are just fantastic. You get all those yummy taco vibes without needing to deal with crunchy shells or a big mess.

• It’s incredibly quick to make – think dinner on the table in about 40 minutes!
• Super simple preparation means less stress after a long day.
• Packed with savory beef, zesty taco seasoning, and gooey cheese.
• It’s a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for families or get-togethers.
• So versatile – you can load it up with your favorite toppings!

Gather Your Ingredients for Crustless Taco Pie

Okay, so for this amazing crustless taco pie, you’ll need just a few things from the grocery store:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (that’s the stuff that makes it taste like tacos!)
• 1 can (about 15 ounces) of refried beans – don’t skip this, it’s our “crust”!
• 1 cup of your favorite salsa – grab one with a little kick if you like!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – or a Mexican blend if you’ve got it!
• 1/2 cup sour cream, for that cool, creamy finish
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for a little fresh bite

Essential Equipment for Making Crustless Taco Pie

You really don’t need much fancy stuff for this pie, which is exactly why I love it! Just try to have these ready:

• A 9-inch pie plate – this is what gives it that classic pie look!
• A large skillet for browning that delicious ground beef.
• A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring it all together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Perfect Crustless Taco Pie

Alright, let’s get this amazing pie into the oven! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. Trust me, the hardest part is just waiting for it to bake!

Preheating and Preparing the Base for Your Crustless Taco Pie

First things first, gotta get that oven all nice and toasty. Crank it up to 375°F (that’s 190°C for my friends with the European settings!). While the oven is heating up, grab your 9-inch pie plate. Now, take your can of refried beans and just spread them out evenly across the bottom. Give it a nice, smooth layer – this is our yummy, no-guilt “crust”!

Cooking the Savory Ground Beef Filling

Time for the star of the show – the taco beef! Toss your pound of ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks, and once it’s nicely browned, be sure to drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy pie, right? Now, stir in the whole packet of taco seasoning and about a quarter cup of water. Just follow the directions on the packet for cooking that up – it usually only takes a few minutes for all those delicious flavors to meld together!

Assembling and Baking Your Flavorful Crustless Taco Pie

Okay, this is where the magic happens! You’ve got your refried beans all cozy in the pie plate, right? Now, spoon that perfectly seasoned ground beef right on top of the beans. Get it all spread out evenly. Next, dollop your salsa all over the beef layer. Don’t be shy! Finally, shower that beautiful creation with your shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it into that preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be all melted and bubbly, maybe getting a little golden around the edges. Once it’s done, pull it out and let it rest for just a few minutes before digging in – it makes it so much easier to slice and serve. You can pop this into our guide to easy dinners later, too!

Tips for Success with Your Crustless Taco Pie

So, you want to make sure your Crustless Taco Pie is an absolute winner? It’s pretty foolproof, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make it shine. Using good quality ingredients, especially your salsa and cheese, makes a surprising difference. Don’t be tempted to use that super-runny salsa; a thicker one holds up better. And for the beef, really try to drain off pretty much all the grease – it keeps the pie from getting oily. Oh, and resist the urge to over-stir the beans or beef once they’re layered; we want those distinct, yummy layers!

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Crustless Taco Pie

This pie is practically a meal on its own, but why stop there? To make it a full-on fiesta, I love serving it with all the classic taco fixings! Think shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, a dollop of extra sour cream, maybe some pico de gallo, sliced avocado, or even some crunchy tortilla chips on the side. It makes the whole meal feel so special!

Make-Ahead and Storage for Crustless Taco Pie

I love that this crustless taco pie is a total lifesaver for busy nights because you can totally prep it ahead of time! Just assemble it all the way up to the cheese layer (but don’t bake it yet!), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of foil, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pull off the covers, sprinkle on that cheese, and bake it a little longer – maybe an extra 5-10 minutes since it’s starting cold. Leftovers? Oh yeah, they’re tasty too! Just cover any extra pie tightly and it’ll keep in the fridge for a good 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or a toaster oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crustless Taco Pie

Got questions about this cheesy, beefy delight? I’ve got answers! This crustless taco pie is so versatile, and people often ask about making it their own. It’s pretty straightforward, but here are the bits I get asked about most often.

Can I make this Crustless Taco Pie vegetarian?

Oh, absolutely! If you want to skip the beef, just grab about 1.5 cups of your favorite plant-based ground “meat” crumble or even some cooked lentils. Sauté them with the taco seasoning just like you would the beef, and you’ll have a fantastic vegetarian version. It’s just as delicious, promise!

What are good toppings for Crustless Taco Pie?

This is where you can really go wild! Besides the sour cream and green onions I put in the recipe, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a bit of extra salsa, avocado slices or guacamole, and even some crushed tortilla chips for crunch are all amazing. Pick your favorites – it’s your pie!

How do I reheat leftover Crustless Taco Pie?

Leftovers are the best, right? For the best texture, I like to reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s nice and warm through. If you’re in a super hurry, the microwave works too, just be aware the topping might get a little softer. It’ll still taste amazing, though!

Nutritional Information Estimate

Just a heads-up, the nutrition info below is an estimate, okay? Because everyone uses slightly different brands or sizes of cans, or maybe you add a little extra cheese – who could blame you?! This pie generally comes in around 450 calories per serving, with about 25g of fat and a solid 30g of protein to keep you full. It’s a pretty hearty and satisfying meal!

Share Your Creations!

I absolutely LOVE hearing from you all! Have you tried this killer Crustless Taco Pie yet? If so, tell me all about it in the comments below! How did it turn out? Did you add your own special twist? Feel free to leave a rating too – it really helps others find this recipe!

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