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This Texas Trash Pie transforms everyday Tex-Mex ingredients into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together all the flavors you love in one satisfying slice. My family requests this colorful creation for our Friday movie nights because it combines everyone's favorite ingredients in one easy-to-serve dish.
I created this recipe when trying to use up leftover taco night ingredients, and it quickly became our go-to solution for potlucks and casual gatherings. The combination of textures from crunchy tortilla chips to melty cheese makes every bite interesting.
Ingredients
- Premade pie crust: Saves significant time without sacrificing flavor
- Crushed tortilla chips: Create a flavorful base layer that adds crunch
- Shredded chicken: Provides lean protein that absorbs the surrounding flavors
- Black beans: Add hearty texture and plant based protein
- Corn kernels: Contribute sweet pops of flavor throughout each bite
- Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity that balances the rich flavors
- Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic foundation for depth of flavor
- Taco seasoning: Infuses everything with classic Tex Mex spices
- Cheddar cheese: Creates the irresistible melty golden topping
- Sour cream: Adds cooling creaminess that balances the spices
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens the finished dish with herbal notes
- Jalapeño: Offers customizable heat for those who enjoy spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat The Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the filling. This moderate heat will cook the pie evenly without burning the crust or cheese.
- Create The Flavor Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add your diced onion and stir occasionally for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant but not browned. This aromatic foundation builds depth of flavor throughout the entire pie.
- Develop The Filling:
- Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over everything and stir to coat all ingredients. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the seasonings and the excess moisture evaporates slightly. You want the filling moist but not watery to prevent a soggy bottom crust.
- Layer The Base:
- Place your premade pie crust into a 9 inch pie dish, gently pressing it against the sides. Evenly distribute half the crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the crust. This layer adds texture and helps absorb any remaining moisture from the filling.
- Add The Filling And Toppings:
- Carefully spoon the warm filling mixture over the tortilla chip layer, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crushed tortilla chips over the filling, followed by an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese that will melt and form a golden crust.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling at the edges with spots of golden brown. The crust should be golden and firm.
- Rest And Garnish:
- Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step lets the filling set slightly for cleaner slices. Just before serving, drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and jalapeño if using.
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The taco seasoning is truly my secret weapon in this recipe. While store bought works perfectly well, I sometimes make a double batch of my homemade blend with smoky chipotle powder to give this pie an extra dimension of flavor. My husband always knows when I've used the homemade mix because he immediately asks for seconds.
Make Ahead Tips
This Texas Trash Pie works wonderfully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply bring the filling to room temperature, assemble the pie with fresh tortilla chips and cheese, and bake as directed. This approach is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
Customization Options
The beauty of Texas Trash Pie lies in its adaptability. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and double the black beans or add pinto beans for variety. Plant based meat substitutes also work beautifully here. For dairy free guests, use dairy free cheese alternatives and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. You can even make this keto friendly by using a fathead dough crust and low carb vegetable alternatives like cauliflower instead of corn.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, Texas Trash Pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides. I like to serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, Spanish rice makes an excellent accompaniment. For entertaining, set up a toppings bar with additional sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and hot sauces so guests can customize their slices to their preference.
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Enjoy this vibrant and flavor-packed pie with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make Texas Trash Pie vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and add an extra cup of black beans or include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or additional corn. You could also substitute the meat with plant-based protein alternatives for a similar texture.
- → How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can blind bake the pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Additionally, make sure your filling isn't too wet by draining liquids from ingredients like tomatoes and beans thoroughly.
- → Can I prepare Texas Trash Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire pie up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, simply bake it for about 5-10 minutes longer than the recipe suggests. You can also prepare the filling a day ahead and assemble just before baking.
- → What sides pair well with Texas Trash Pie?
This hearty pie pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, guacamole, or a side of refried beans. For a complete Tex-Mex spread, consider adding tortilla chips with fresh salsa or a light corn and avocado salad.
- → How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or place the entire pie (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The pie also freezes well for up to 2 months when wrapped properly.
- → Can I use different cheeses in this pie?
Definitely! While cheddar provides classic flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra heat, a Mexican cheese blend, or even queso fresco sprinkled on after baking for authentic Tex-Mex flair.