Meat And Vegetarian Taco Pies

Vegetarian taco pie or meat taco pies are a super simple and quick dinner idea.

The vegetarian one can be made as a vegan one, too. Check out the easy recipes.


Every time I share a recipe, I feel the need to state, for the record, that I am not a cook.

At all.

I actually hate cooking, especially when I am cooking for meat eaters, vegetarians and the occasional vegan.

Nothing is easy, there's a lot of thought involved, a lot of modifications and a lot of mess.

I would rather make a bed, do laundry or clean a toilet than prepare a meal.

And I'm not even remotely kidding.

When I was little I envisioned myself cooking all the time.

I could see myself, meandering around the market picking out produce, me with a frilly apron prancing around the kitchen and then presenting a fabulous meal to my family, all of whom were gathered around the table with grateful smiles.

Unfortunately, that is not usually how it plays out today.

That is a scene from an episode of The Donna Reed Show.

My reality usually involves a rushed trip in and out of the grocery store where I inevitably forget a key ingredient, me with my coat on stumbling around the kitchen as I prepare half a meal before I have to run out and grab someone from somewhere and then return home to finish it and throw it in the fridge for people to pick at whenever their own day is done.

And then I get to clean up.

So yeah. Not a fan of cooking.

However, we do need to eat...and I know that everyone else does, too.

I also know that my crazy schedule is not unique and that is why I continue to share recipes.

Especially when I come across one that is super easy to make and that everyone enjoys, because trust me, nothing is worse than going through that process to hear "I'm not hungry".

You know what "I'm not hungry means"? It means this sucks and I'd rather have pizza.

I don't have time or patience for that kind of response and I know you don't either.

So today I'm going to share my latest success. It's two versions of an easy taco pie ~ one with meat, one without.

I have to say, they were both so delicious, that people were claiming leftovers in our family group chat and hiding them in the fridge.

Very worth the time. 

Since I'm not a strict recipe gal, this is more of a guideline.

I basically winged it when it came to the vegetarian version and I doctored both of them to fit my family's taste.

For example, they don't like taco mix, or anything too spicy, so I made them without. I suggest you tailor the recipes to your own taste and if that includes taco mix, have at it.

Here's what I did.

Meat Taco Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

Frozen Pie Shell
1 Pound Chopped Meat
Onions or Onion Flakes
1 Can Refried Beans
White and Orange Cheddar Cheese ~ Shredded
Chopped Iceberg Lettuce
Chopped Tomatoes
Black Olives
Sour Cream

Preheat the over to 350 degree and take the pie crust out of the freezer, let it sit.

In the meantime, brown the ground beef, stirring in the onions. Drain meat if there's fat. I usually use sirloin, because I don't like the fat.

Line the bottom of the pie crust with refried beans. I scooped them right out of the can and spread them in the crust.


Pour in the cooked meat in next, shred white and yellow cheddar cheese on top.

I shred it myself with my handy tool, I don't like the pre-shredded stuff. It generally has anti caking agents in it and I say no.


Bake for about 15- 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and add chopped lettuce, tomatoes, olives and sour cream. Serve!

Vegetarian Black Bean Taco Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

Frozen Pie Shell
1 Can Black Beans
1/2 Green Pepper
Olive Oil
Onions or Onion Flakes
1 Can Refried Beans
White and Orange Cheddar Cheese ~ Shredded
Chopped Iceberg Lettuce
Chopped Tomatoes
Black Olives
Sour Cream

Preheat the over to 350 degree and take the pie crust out of the freezer, let it sit.

In the meantime, put olive oil in bottom of pan, add black beans, onions and green pepper. Simmer until beans soften, about 7-10 minutes.

The rest of the process is the same as above.

Line the bottom on the pie crust with refried beans. Again, scooped cold, right out of the can.

Pour in the bean mixture in next, shred white and yellow cheddar cheese on top...unless your vegetarian is also a vegan, then skip the cheese. Or use a vegan cheese.

Bake for about 15- 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and add chopped lettuce, tomatoes, olives and sour cream (or not). Serve!


Not a food blogger, so my food pictures are not appetizing, but at least this time I remembered to take a finished shot.

And trust me, it was not easy. I basically had to grab the plate back after serving and there was a bit of struggle.

That's ok though, it means the food was good.

Nights like that almost make me want to cook again.

Almost.

More easy recipes? I've got you covered. 

Sweet Potato Pancakes