Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (sugar-free)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth
Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Crushed pork rinds for crunch
Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9-inch pie dish or baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your beef is very lean, add the olive oil first.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns.
Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Stir in:
- Taco seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
Mix everything well and simmer for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Cream cheese
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
Once smooth, stir in:
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Spread the seasoned beef evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Pour the cheese mixture over the beef.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every bite gets plenty of cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes.
The top should become lightly golden while the center is fully set.
For an extra crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes during the final minutes of cooking.
Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
This helps it firm up and makes serving much easier.
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Choose sugar-free taco seasoning to keep carbs low.
- Let the pie rest before cutting to maintain clean slices.
- Add diced green chilies for extra flavor.
- Mix in chopped spinach or bell peppers if your carb allowance permits.
- Make it spicier with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Taco Pie pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted zucchini
- Lettuce salad
- Guacamole
- Pickled jalapeños
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Variations
Spicy Taco Pie
Add chopped jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
Bacon Cheeseburger Version
Mix cooked bacon into the beef mixture before baking.
Mexican Blend
Use Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
Chicken Taco Pie
Replace ground beef with shredded chicken.
Turkey Taco Pie
Substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pie up to one day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Is this recipe keto?
Absolutely. With only 2g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes. Colby Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
Can I freeze the entire pie?
Yes. Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 33g
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 430mg
- Calcium: 260mg
- Iron: 2.8mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.