Seven Layer Tortilla Pie: A Delicious and Customizable Fiesta in Every Slice

Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s also incredibly fun to make? Look no further than the Seven Layer Tortilla Pie! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Think of it as a layered fiesta, packed with all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific tastes and dietary needs. Let’s dive into the delicious world of the Seven Layer Tortilla Pie!

## What is Seven Layer Tortilla Pie?

The Seven Layer Tortilla Pie is essentially a Tex-Mex lasagna. Instead of pasta, it uses tortillas to create distinct layers. Each layer is then generously filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, typically including beans, seasoned meat, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Once assembled, the pie is baked until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a warm, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that’s as easy to slice and serve as it is to devour.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks. The layering process is straightforward, and there’s no complicated cooking involved.
* **Customizable:** The beauty of the Seven Layer Tortilla Pie lies in its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences, dietary restrictions, or whatever you have on hand.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is a guaranteed hit at gatherings. It’s visually appealing, flavorful, and satisfying, making it a favorite among both adults and children.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the pie ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are generally affordable and readily available, making this a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
* **Freezes Well:** Leftovers freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy a delicious and easy meal anytime.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the essential ingredients for a classic Seven Layer Tortilla Pie. Remember, this is just a starting point – feel free to get creative and adjust the quantities to your liking!

* **Tortillas:** Use large (10-12 inch) flour tortillas. Corn tortillas can also be used, but they tend to be more brittle and may require more layering to prevent tearing. About 6-8 tortillas should be enough.
* **Ground Meat:** 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken. You can also use shredded chicken or pulled pork.
* **Taco Seasoning:** 1 packet of taco seasoning, or homemade taco seasoning to taste.
* **Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can of refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans, rinsed and drained.
* **Cheese:** 2 cups of shredded cheese. A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack works well. You can also use pepper jack for a spicier kick.
* **Salsa:** 1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite salsa. Choose a mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your spice preference.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This adds a creamy and tangy element to the pie.
* **Optional Toppings:** Chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, cilantro, jalapenos, black olives.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Oven:** For baking the tortilla pie.
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the ground meat.
* **9-inch Pie Plate or Oven-Safe Skillet:** For assembling and baking the pie.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For spreading the layers.
* **Knife or Pizza Cutter:** For slicing the pie.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide to making your own Seven Layer Tortilla Pie.

**Step 1: Prepare the Meat**

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and a 1/2 cup of water (or according to the taco seasoning packet instructions). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
3. Set the meat aside.

**Step 2: Preheat the Oven**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

**Step 3: Assemble the Pie**

1. Lightly grease the pie plate or oven-safe skillet. This will prevent the tortilla pie from sticking.
2. Place one tortilla in the bottom of the pie plate, ensuring it covers the entire surface. If the tortilla is too large, trim it to fit.
3. Spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over the tortilla.
4. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the beans.
5. Spoon about 1/3 of the seasoned ground meat over the cheese.
6. Spread about 1/4 cup of salsa over the meat.
7. Dollop about 1/4 cup of sour cream over the salsa.
8. Place another tortilla on top of the sour cream. Trim if needed.
9. Repeat layers in the following order: refried beans, cheese, ground meat, salsa, sour cream, tortilla.
10. Continue layering until you’ve used up all the ingredients, ending with a final layer of tortilla topped with the remaining cheese.

**Step 4: Bake the Pie**

1. Cover the pie plate with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from burning before the filling is heated through.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

**Step 5: Let it Rest**

1. Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the layers to set and prevent the filling from spilling out.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Slice the pie into wedges and serve immediately.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, cilantro, and jalapenos.

## Tips for the Perfect Seven Layer Tortilla Pie

* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling the pie plate, as this can make it difficult to slice and serve. It’s better to use slightly less of each ingredient than to overstuff the pie.
* **Warm the Tortillas:** Warming the tortillas slightly before assembling the pie will make them more pliable and easier to work with. You can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or on a dry skillet over low heat.
* **Drain the Meat Thoroughly:** Make sure to drain the ground meat thoroughly after browning to prevent the pie from becoming greasy.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of the finished pie. Choose fresh, flavorful ingredients whenever possible.
* **Customize to Your Liking:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature Seven Layer Tortilla Pie.
* **Even Layering:** Try to spread each layer as evenly as possible for consistent flavor distribution.
* **Press Down Gently:** After each tortilla layer, gently press down to help the layers adhere to each other.
* **Check for Doneness:** The pie is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through. You can insert a knife into the center of the pie to check for doneness; it should come out hot.

## Variations and Substitutions

The Seven Layer Tortilla Pie is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground meat with seasoned black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Add vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
* **Spicy:** Add chopped jalapenos, a dash of hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese to kick up the heat.
* **Chicken:** Use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken instead of ground meat.
* **Seafood:** Try using cooked shrimp or shredded crab meat for a seafood twist.
* **BBQ:** Use pulled pork tossed in BBQ sauce for a smoky and sweet flavor.
* **Low-Carb:** Use low-carb tortillas and increase the amount of vegetables and protein.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream.
* **Different Beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans.
* **Different Salsa:** Try using different types of salsa, such as verde salsa, mango salsa, or pineapple salsa.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, corn, zucchini, or spinach into the layers.

## Serving Suggestions

The Seven Layer Tortilla Pie is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

* **Toppings:** Offer a variety of toppings, such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, cilantro, jalapenos, black olives, and extra sour cream or salsa.
* **Sides:** Serve with a side of Spanish rice, guacamole, or a fresh salad.
* **Drinks:** Pair with your favorite Mexican-inspired beverages, such as margaritas, sangria, or Mexican beer.
* **Party Platter:** Cut the pie into small squares and arrange them on a platter for a party appetizer.
* **Lunch Box:** Pack a slice of the pie in a lunch box for a satisfying and flavorful midday meal.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Seven Layer Tortilla Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:**
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Heat individual slices in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
* **Freezing:** The assembled and baked pie can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Seven Layer Tortilla Pie Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for the Seven Layer Tortilla Pie:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 large (10-12 inch) flour tortillas
* 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
* 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack blend)
* 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
* 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Optional toppings: chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, cilantro, jalapenos, black olives

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown ground meat over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until meat is cooked through.
4. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or oven-safe skillet.
5. Place one tortilla in the bottom of the pie plate.
6. Spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over the tortilla.
7. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the beans.
8. Spoon about 1/3 of the seasoned ground meat over the cheese.
9. Spread about 1/4 cup of salsa over the meat.
10. Dollop about 1/4 cup of sour cream over the salsa.
11. Place another tortilla on top of the sour cream.
12. Repeat layers in the following order: refried beans, cheese, ground meat, salsa, sour cream, tortilla.
13. Continue layering until you’ve used up all the ingredients, ending with a final layer of tortilla topped with the remaining cheese.
14. Cover the pie plate with aluminum foil.
15. Bake for 20 minutes.
16. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
17. Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
18. Slice and serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your delicious and customizable Seven Layer Tortilla Pie!

## Conclusion

The Seven Layer Tortilla Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to get creative in the kitchen and create a dish that’s truly your own. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!