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Kid-Friendly Veggie-Heavy Taco Pie Recipe

Kid-Friendly Veggie-Heavy Taco Pie Recipe

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Hindu

Description

A family-friendly taco pie layered with tortillas, seasoned beef, kale, peppers, cheese, and topped with a bright olive salsa. A nutritious twist on taco night that’s full of flavor and color.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Butter, to grease the baking dish
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium-large onion, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 6 oz kale, chopped (ribs removed)
  • 3/4 cup water, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (3.8 oz) can sliced black olives, divided
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas

Olive Salsa:

  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (reserved)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 small onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp minced parsley or cilantro
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon or lime juice
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, sauté until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, kale, and 1/4 cup water. Cook until kale wilts. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, remaining water, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Stir in half of the sliced olives.
  5. Place one tortilla in the prepared dish. Add one-third of the beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers twice, ending with cheese on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  7. Meanwhile, prepare the olive salsa by mixing reserved olives, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  8. Top baked taco pie with olive salsa before serving.

Notes

  • Drain the filling mixture to prevent soggy tortillas.
  • Use whole wheat or corn tortillas for added texture and flavor.
  • Add extra veggies like corn, mushrooms, or spinach for variety.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg