Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings together the best of taco flavors in a fun and easy way, look no further than this Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With its delicious layers of seasoned beef, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese, this taco pie is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s made in one skillet for minimal cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
Reasons to Love Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie
This Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie is a delightful dish that combines all the flavors of tacos into a delicious, easy-to-make pie. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes.
- One-Pan Meal: Cooking in a skillet means easy cleanup—less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of cheese, beef, and chips is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Ingredient Checklist
To make this Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package McCormick Fire Roasted Garlic Chili Skillet Sauce
- 1 cup slightly crushed tortilla chips
- 1+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Recommended Tools
Before you start cooking, gather these essential tools:
- Skillet: A large skillet is necessary for cooking the beef and assembling the pie.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Measuring Cups: For measuring out the cheese and chips accurately.
- Spatula: For serving the taco pie once it’s ready.
Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie is simple, and I’m here to guide you through the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Begin by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and allow it to warm up.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break it apart and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour in the McCormick Fire Roasted Garlic Chili Skillet Sauce, stirring to combine it with the beef and onions. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Layer the Tortilla Chips
Once the beef mixture is ready, sprinkle 1 cup of slightly crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Now, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle 1+ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the tortilla chips, covering them generously.
Step 7: Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Texture-Safe Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch things up or make this dish more suited to your preferences, consider these substitutions:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with a mix of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Different Cheese: Try using Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Additions: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for some extra heat.
What Could Go Wrong
While this Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie is straightforward, a few things could go awry if you’re not careful:
- Overcooking the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it can become dry. Cook it until just browned and cooked through.
- Burnt Cheese: If your heat is too high while melting the cheese, it can scorch. Make sure to keep the heat low and cover the skillet.
- Soggy Chips: If you let the skillet sit too long after adding the chips, they may become soggy. Serve right after the cheese is melted.
- Not Enough Flavor: Make sure to use the skillet sauce as directed for maximum flavor. Adding extra spices can enhance the taste if desired.
Save It for Later
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Store the leftover taco pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You can also place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
- Freezing: Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the taco pie for up to a month. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Ask the Chef
Can I use a different kind of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute would work perfectly in this Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicy skillet sauce if you prefer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the pie and heat it up!
What toppings do you recommend?
Some delicious toppings for your Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie include sour cream, guacamole, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even diced tomatoes. Get creative and make it your own!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie is a delightful dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of a classic taco night in a simple and hearty way. Its one-pan nature makes it not only easy to prepare but also a breeze to clean up afterwards. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick meal for yourself, this recipe checks all the boxes. With its cheesy goodness, satisfying crunch from the tortilla chips, and a kick of flavor from the skillet sauce, it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table.
So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a slice of nostalgia with this Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie!
Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and allow it to warm up.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break it apart and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Pour in the McCormick Fire Roasted Garlic Chili Skillet Sauce, stirring to combine it with the beef and onions. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
- Once the beef mixture is ready, sprinkle 1 cup of slightly crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
- Now, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle 1+ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the tortilla chips, covering them generously.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
