Ina Garten’s Taco Pie

Ina Garten’s Taco Pie is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of a classic taco with the comforting appeal of a pie. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a deliciously layered experience of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the crust:

• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the topping:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced black olives, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Salsa, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and begin to turn golden, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Season the Mixture: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning mix. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well incorporated.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Water: Mix in the tomato paste and water, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
5. Incorporate the Beans and Corn: Add the black beans, diced green chiles, and corn to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the filling to cook for another 3-5 minutes, until everything is heated through.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the Tortilla Chips and Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed tortilla chips with the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
3. Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the tortilla chip mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to press into the bottom of the pie dish.
4. Form the Crust: Press the tortilla chip mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, forming an even crust. Make sure to press firmly so the crust holds together.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Layer the Filling: Spoon the beef and bean filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Add the Toppings: Spread the sour cream evenly over the top of the filling. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the sour cream layer.
3. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Pie: Once the taco pie is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing. Top with sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
2. Serve with Salsa: Slice the taco pie into wedges and serve it with your favorite salsa on the side. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of guacamole.

Tips and Variations

• Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a meat substitute or additional beans and vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Add More Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole.

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s Taco Pie is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of taco flavors in a comforting pie format. The crunchy tortilla chip crust, savory beef filling, and creamy cheese topping create a harmonious blend that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the easy, customizable nature of this dish!