This Doritos Locos Taco Pie is the ultimate fusion of taco night and comfort food. With layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and crunchy Doritos, each bite is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite taco toppings—like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole—or even switch up the cheese and chips for different flavors. If you’re craving a Tex-Mex-inspired twist on a classic pie, this recipe will become your go-to.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked
- 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheese, divided
- 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles, chopped
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup crushed Doritos chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
- Season with the remaining salt, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute.
- Add the water to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Spread the refried beans evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese over the beans, then layer the seasoned beef on top. Add the green chiles and hot sauce (if using) and 3/4 cup of cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Uncover, top with the remaining cheese and crushed Doritos. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and chips are lightly browned.
- Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion: Doritos Locos Taco Pie
When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot like tacos. They’re flavorful, versatile, and endlessly customizable. But what if you could take the essence of taco night and turn it into something even more indulgent and fun? Enter the Doritos Locos Taco Pie—a dish that combines the zesty, crunchy goodness of Doritos with the savory, spicy flavors of taco filling, all wrapped up in a warm pie crust. It’s like taco night, but with a fun twist!
This taco pie is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, bringing a unique dish to a potluck, or just craving something satisfying on a weeknight. With layers of ground beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and a crunchy Doritos topping, every bite of this pie is packed with a flavor explosion. Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also a dish that’s sure to impress.
The Origins of Taco Pie
Taco pie is not a new concept; it has been a staple in many households for years. Traditionally, taco pies combine classic taco ingredients—ground beef, cheese, and taco seasoning—into a convenient, oven-baked dish. What sets the Doritos Locos Taco Pie apart is the use of Doritos chips for that irresistible crunch and extra flavor. Inspired by the famous Doritos Locos Tacos from Taco Bell, this recipe takes the beloved taco and pie combo to the next level, offering a fast, easy, and ultra-satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor and Texture Variety: One of the best things about the Doritos Locos Taco Pie is the variety of textures and flavors. You have the seasoned ground beef, the creamy refried beans, gooey melted cheese, and the crunchy Doritos. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, keeping your taste buds entertained until the very last piece.
- Customizable to Your Preferences: While the base recipe is delicious, it’s also incredibly flexible. Want to make it spicier? Add some jalapeños or increase the cayenne. Prefer a vegetarian option? Swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative, or use more beans and veggies. You can also use different flavors of Doritos, such as Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho, to change up the flavor profile.
- A Hit for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a game day party, or a weeknight dinner, this taco pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to transport, can be made ahead of time, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes like Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or corn on the cob.
The Breakdown: How to Make Doritos Locos Taco Pie
Let’s go through the recipe step by step, breaking down why each component is important and how you can modify it to suit your tastes.
Ingredients Overview
- Ground Beef: The base of the filling, ground beef, is seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for that classic taco flavor. If you’re looking to make a leaner or plant-based version, ground turkey or a meat substitute works just as well.
- Onion: Adding sautéed onion enhances the depth of flavor in the dish and complements the spices used in the beef.
- Refried Beans: The layer of refried beans adds creaminess and helps to bind the ingredients together. You can use black beans or even mashed sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese melts between the layers and on top, providing that gooey, melty texture we all love. Use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for the best results.
- Green Chiles: Adding green chiles gives a subtle kick to the pie, though you can omit them if you’re not a fan of heat or swap them for bell peppers for a milder version.
- Doritos: The star of the show! Crushed Doritos create the crunchy topping that makes this dish truly unique. You can experiment with different Doritos flavors to change up the taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing all your ingredients in advance will make the cooking process smoother.
- Sauté the Onion and Beef: Heat a little oil in a large skillet and sauté your onion until soft. Add the ground beef, letting it brown undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. This allows for a nice sear, which enhances the flavor of the meat. Once browned, season the beef with the chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and garlic powder. Adding water at this stage deglazes the pan and creates a little sauce, which keeps the beef juicy.
- Layering the Pie: Spread a layer of refried beans over a pre-baked pie crust, followed by cheese, the cooked beef mixture, green chiles, and more cheese. This layering ensures that every slice of the pie is filled with all the delicious taco flavors.
- Baking: Cover the pie with foil and bake until everything is bubbly and the crust is golden. Removing the foil for the last few minutes allows the top layer of cheese and Doritos to melt and brown slightly, giving you that perfect combination of crunch and gooeyness.
- Resting Time: Let the pie rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Tips for Perfecting Your Doritos Locos Taco Pie
- Pre-baking the Pie Crust: Pre-baking the pie crust is crucial. It prevents the crust from becoming soggy as the pie bakes. You want a golden, crispy crust to hold all those delicious fillings together.
- Toppings: This pie is the perfect base for toppings. Classic taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce will add freshness to the dish. You can also get creative with pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re looking for extra heat.
- Make It Ahead: Doritos Locos Taco Pie is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the pie up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve. It also reheats beautifully in the oven, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Side Dish Suggestions: This hearty pie pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with a fresh corn salad, Mexican rice, or a side of chips and guacamole. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a zesty lime dressing balances the richness of the pie.
Customizations and Variations
While the traditional Doritos Locos Taco Pie is already a winner, there are plenty of ways to customize it to fit your personal preferences:
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and corn. The refried beans provide enough protein to make this dish filling even without meat.
- Spice it Up: If you love spicy food, don’t hold back! Add more cayenne pepper, swap the green chiles for jalapeños, or drizzle some hot sauce over the top before baking.
- Change the Chips: While Doritos are the obvious choice here, you could use any tortilla chips you prefer. Try Cool Ranch Doritos for a tangier twist, or opt for spicy nacho flavor if you want a kick.
Conclusion:
The Doritos Locos Taco Pie is the ultimate comfort food for taco lovers everywhere. With its layers of rich, savory flavors and its unique Doritos topping, this pie is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it at a gathering, this pie will have everyone coming back for seconds.
And with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never run out of new variations to try. So go ahead and give it a try—your taco night will never be the same again!