Doritos Locos Taco Pie Recipe

Homemade Doritos Locos Taco Pie Recipe – Zesty Family Favorite

Crunchy doritos locos taco pie brings a wild twist to your dinner routine.

Nacho cheese flavor crashes through traditional meal boundaries with explosive texture.

Layers of crispy tortilla chips mingle with seasoned ground beef in a playful culinary adventure.

Spicy notes dance across melted cheese and zesty salsa.

Bold ingredients stack up to create a mouthwatering experience that breaks all the rules.

Comfort food meets fiesta in this unexpected crowd-pleaser.

Each bite promises a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds.

Why Doritos Locos Taco Pie Is So Fun

  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Doritos Locos Taco Pie combines the beloved taste of tacos with the irresistible crunch of Doritos, creating a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Ideal for family gatherings, game nights, or casual weeknight dinners, this pie offers a fun twist on traditional taco night that can be easily customized with additional toppings and hot sauce to suit individual preferences.

What Goes Into Doritos Locos Taco Pie

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the pie.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Chili Powder, Cumin, Cayenne, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Spices that create a bold and complex taco-style seasoning profile.
Pie Base:
  • Pie Crust: A flaky foundation that holds all the delicious taco ingredients.
Cheese Group:
  • Shredded Cheese: A melty component that adds creamy texture and rich flavor to the pie.
Bean Layer:
  • Refried Beans: A smooth, creamy base that adds authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
Vegetable Additions:
  • Onion, Green Chiles: Fresh ingredients that provide additional depth and slight heat to the dish.
Crunchy Topping:
  • Doritos: A crispy, flavor-packed chip that adds a signature crunch and zesty taste.
Optional Spicy Element:
  • Hot Sauce: A condiment that can enhance the heat and add extra flavor.
Oil Group:
  • Cooking Oil: A necessary ingredient for sautéing and preventing sticking.
Water:
  • Water: Used to help deglaze the pan and create moisture in the meat mixture.

How To Bake Doritos Locos Taco Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some oil over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and let them dance around until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Drop in the ground beef, spreading it across the skillet.

Let it sizzle and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust without disturbing it for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Season the Meat Medley

Stir the beef and continue cooking.

Shower it with a carnival of spices:
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Cayenne
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper

Cook for another minute to let those flavors mingle and party.

Step 5: Deglaze the Skillet

Pour in some water and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Build the Pie Base

Spread a creamy layer of refried beans across the pie crust, creating a smooth foundation.

Step 7: First Cheese Layer

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over the beans, creating a melty blanket.

Step 8: Meat and Extras

Layer the seasoned beef mixture on top.

Scatter green chiles and add a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. Crown with another layer of cheese.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the pie with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes until it’s bubbling with excitement and the crust turns golden.

Step 10: Crispy Doritos Topping

Remove the foil and unleash the final touch. Sprinkle crushed Doritos and remaining cheese on top.

Bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts and the chips turn gloriously crispy.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes to settle its flavors.

Serve with extra toppings like sour cream, salsa, or additional hot sauce for those who dare.

Tips For A Perfect Taco Pie

  • Crush Doritos finely for an even, crispy topping that adds extra crunch and flavor to the pie.
  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of this indulgent dish.
  • Experiment with different Doritos flavors like Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch to customize the pie's taste profile.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and make assembly quick and easy.
  • Add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, or chopped cilantro just before serving to boost freshness and color.

Tasty Twists On Doritos Locos Taco Pie

  • Southwest Chicken Fiesta: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, add corn kernels, and use ranch seasoning for a lighter, zesty version.
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Bonanza: Swap ground beef for black beans, incorporate bell peppers, and use vegetable broth for added depth.
  • Spicy Chorizo Explosion: Substitute ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage, add diced jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Pie: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, oregano, and swap Doritos for crumbled pita chips for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Best Pairings For Doritos Locos Taco Pie

  • Crush Zesty Margaritas: Blend tangy lime margaritas to complement the spicy Doritos Locos Taco Pie, cutting through the rich beef and cheesy layers with bright citrus notes.
  • Pair Cool Sour Cream Dip: Whip up a creamy cilantro-lime sour cream dip that balances the pie's intense flavors and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy seasoning.
  • Serve Fresh Mexican Salad: Toss a light salad with crisp romaine, diced tomatoes, and a light lime vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the hearty pie's bold flavors.
  • Chill Mexican Beer Pairing: Select a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to wash down the pie's spicy and cheesy elements, creating a perfect flavor harmony.

How To Store Doritos Locos Taco Pie Right

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pie fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the Doritos topping.
  • Microwave Quick: Cut individual slices and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway through. Let stand for 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly.

Doritos Locos Taco Pie Q&A

  • What makes the Doritos crust unique?

The crushed Doritos add a crunchy, bold flavor to the traditional pie crust, creating a zesty and textured base that elevates the entire dish.

  • Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can control the heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and green chiles. Start with less and add more to suit your taste preferences.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Doritos Locos Taco Pie can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. It also reheats well, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.

  • What kind of ground meat works best?

While the recipe uses ground beef, you can easily substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without compromising the delicious taco flavor profile.

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Doritos Locos Taco Pie Recipe

Doritos Locos Taco Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Doritos locos taco pie delivers a flavor explosion that combines classic Mexican-inspired comfort with crunchy chip excitement. Savory ground beef, zesty seasonings, and crisp Doritos create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)

Base and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 (9-inch) pie crust
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 cup crushed Doritos

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F, preparing a robust taco pie with layered flavors and crunchy Doritos topping.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions with a pinch of salt until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
  3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, allowing it to brown undisturbed for 5 minutes, creating deep caramelized edges.
  4. Break and stir the beef, incorporating a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic and onion powders, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to develop complex seasoning.
  5. Deglaze the skillet with water, scraping browned bits from the pan’s surface, then remove from heat to preserve intense meat flavors.
  6. Create a foundational layer by spreading refried beans evenly across the pie crust’s bottom.
  7. Distribute a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beans, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Carefully layer the seasoned beef mixture atop the cheese, then strategically place green chiles and optional hot sauce for additional zest.
  9. Sprinkle another substantial cheese layer over the beef, creating a melty blanket.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes until the filling becomes bubbly and the crust turns golden brown.
  11. Uncover and top with remaining cheese and crushed Doritos, baking 5 more minutes until chips are crisp and cheese melts completely.
  12. Allow pie to rest 5-10 minutes, letting flavors meld and settle before serving with optional garnishes and hot sauce.

Notes

  • Crush Doritos uniformly to ensure even coverage and consistent crunch across the pie.
  • Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent a greasy texture and maintain the pie’s structural integrity.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without compromising flavor intensity.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce quantities based on personal spice tolerance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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