Back when I was studying communication at a University in Sweden, I took part in a student-led "Food Safari". Essentially a progressive dinner, teams of two were assigned either an appetizer, a main, or a dessert. Each team made one at their house and visited the other houses for the other courses. Sitting down for the main course, I was greeted by the Swedish favorite, Taco Pie (Tacopaj), a quiche flavored like a plate of tacos.
Lyndsay Burginger
Confused was an understatement. Here we were in the middle of Scandinavia and we were eating tacos. For Swedes, it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. According to Biveros, Tex-Mex tacos were introduced to Scandinavia in 1982 when El Paso Salsa tried to break into the market. By the 90s, Swedes had made Taco fredag (Friday) a cultural phenomenon. While you can make this on any weeknight, most Swedes stick to eating this Mexican-inspired casserole on Friday to keep with tradition.
How to Make Taco Pie
Lyndsay Burginger
Every pie needs a pie crust and this one is no exception!
Start by greasing a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside. In a large bowl add all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt and stir to combine. Cut in the butter until pea-size chunks form, then add in the milk and mix with a fork until a dough comes together. Roll the dough out into a circle and press into the springform pan and up the edges. Refrigerate while you make the beef mixture filling and cheese topping. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
Lyndsay Burginger
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and add the lean ground beef, onions, and garlic and cook on medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat by putting the meat mixture in a colander. Place back in the pan and add chopped green chiles, taco seasoning mix, and water. Cook until most of the liquid has cooked off, about 5 minutes.
In a small bowl combine the sour cream, cheddar cheese, egg, and mayonnaise.
Lyndsay Burginger
Remove the dish from the fridge and pour the ground beef mixture into the crust. Top with the cheese mixture and bake until set, about 35-45 minutes.
As the easy taco pie cooks, prepare your salsa by combining diced tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and white onion. Season with salt and lime juice. Set aside.
Remove from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes before serving. Serve with the homemade salsa.
Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside. In a large bowl add all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt and stir to combine. Cut in the butter until pea-size chunks form, then add in the milk and mix with a fork until a dough comes together. Roll the dough out into a circle and press into the springform pan and up the edges. Refrigerate while you make the beef mixture filling and cheese topping.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and add the lean ground beef, onions, and garlic and cook on medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat by putting the meat mixture in a colander. Place back in the pan and add chopped green chiles, taco seasoning mix, and water. Cook until most of the liquid has cooked off, about 5 minutes.
In a small bowl combine the sour cream, cheddar cheese, egg, and mayonnaise.
Remove the dish from the fridge and pour the ground beef mixture into the crust. Top with the cheese mixture and bake until set, about 35-45 minutes.
As the easy taco pie cooks, prepare your salsa by combining diced tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and white onion. Season with salt and lime juice. Set aside.
Remove from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes before serving. Serve with the homemade salsa.
Nutrition Facts
Taco Pie
Amount Per Serving
Calories 504Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 13g65%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 81mg27%
Sodium 353mg15%
Potassium 351mg10%
Total Carbohydrates 44g15%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 2g
Protein 23g46%
Vitamin A15%
Vitamin C6%
Calcium9%
Iron18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
