Here's the Dish

Terrific Taco Pie

By Charlotte on January 17, 2014 6:17 AM

Always a hit, this quick-and-easy casserole takes cues from two of my and Bob's favorites: tacos and pizza. It includes a thin, crunchy crust topped with cheddar cheese, a tasty taco filling, mild green chilies, bite-size tomatoes and, finally, a luscious crown of sour cream and cheese. Yum!

Taco seasoning, garlic powder and hot sauce give this pie a nice kick while tomato puree provides rich tomato flavor.

I got the idea from Betty Crocker early in our marriage but over the years this deep-dish delight, like our relationship, has gotten much spicier! (Who says Boomers have to be boring?)

You make your own crust by mixing Bisquick and cold water until you have soft dough. If it's sticky (mine usually is), dust your hands with flour before pressing the dough into the pan. No rolling required!

Taco seasoning, garlic powder and hot sauce give the filling a nice kick. Tomato puree provides rich tomato flavor as well as the perfect consistency. It's thicker than tomato sauce but not as thick as tomato paste.

I like using Miracle Whip Lite, fat-free sour cream and reduced-fat cheese in the topping to save a few calories. But you can also use mayonnaise and regular sour cream and cheddar cheese.

Whichever you chose, this comforting casserole comes together in about an hour. Serve it with a tossed green salad for a simple weeknight supper with a little zing.

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Taco Filling:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (10-ounce) can tomato puree
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce such as Cholula or Tabasco, optional

Crust:

• 1 cup Bisquick (Heart Smart or original)
• 1/4 cup cold water

Toppings:

• 3/4 cup shredded, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
• 1/3 cup Miracle Whip Lite or mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup green chilies
• 13 grape tomatoes, sliced
• Paprika to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spritz an 8-inch square casserole dish with a baking spray like Pam.

Brown meat in a large skillet; drain grease. Add remaining filling ingredients and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer on low while making crust and sour cream-cheddar cheese topping.

Combine Bisquick and cold water in a small bowl, mixing until you have ball of dough.  

Put the dough in the pan, pressing it to cover the bottom and about 1/2 inch on each side.

Mix sour cream, Miracle Whip  or mayonnaise, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and onion powder in a small bowl,

Spread toppings and filling over crust, layering in this order:

• Remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
• Taco filling
• Green chilies
• Tomatoes
• Sour cream mixture
• Paprika

Bake 30 minutes. .

In the mood for a casserole? You'll also enjoy:

• Chicken Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
• Comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Most-Requested King Ranch Chicken Casserole
• Super-Satisfying Chicken Spaghetti

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