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Tantalizing Mini Espresso Cheesecakes Recipe

Tantalizing Mini Espresso Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets Mexican-inspired flavors in this mouthwatering Layered Cheesy Taco Pie. Hearty ground beef, crisp tortillas, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies cravings and brings warmth to dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup refried beans

Crust, Seasoning, and Sauce:

  • 1 (9-inch) pie crust (premade or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or more to taste)
  • ⅓ cup salsa
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Gently unfurl the pie crust into a 9-inch dish, carefully perforating the base with fork tines to prevent bubbling. Toast the crust in a preheated 400°F oven for 8-9 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool.
  2. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into crumbly fragments. Eliminate excess fat through thorough draining. Infuse the meat with zesty taco seasoning, vibrant salsa, and creamy sour cream, seasoning with salt and pepper until flavor peaks.
  3. Create a foundational layer of refried beans across the pre-baked crust, ensuring complete and even coverage. Scatter a delicate blanket of shredded cheddar cheese atop the beans. Carefully distribute the seasoned beef mixture across the cheese layer, maintaining a uniform thickness.
  4. Crown the taco pie with remaining cheddar cheese, creating a melty, golden surface. Transfer to the oven and bake for 13-14 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, appetizing topping and the edges turn crisp.
  5. Extract from oven and allow the pie to rest for 4-5 minutes, enabling the layers to set. Garnish with crisp lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, additional sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Customize the pie crust by using a homemade or gluten-free version for specific dietary needs.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy pie bottom and ensure a crispy crust texture.
  • Experiment with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier protein option.
  • Add extra spice by mixing in diced jalapeños or using a hot salsa for those who enjoy a kick of heat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg