30-Minute Easy Retro Skillet Taco Pie
A nostalgic one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef topped with crunchy tortilla chips and melted cheddar cheese. This family-friendly skillet meal delivers bold southwestern flavors in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food fast. The combination of fire-roasted garlic chili sauce, crispy chips, and bubbling cheese creates satisfying layers of texture and taste that both kids and adults love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package McCormick Fire Roasted Garlic Chili Skillet Sauce
- 1 cup tortilla chips, slightly crushed
- 1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1
Saute onion in olive oil until slightly softened
- 2
Add ground beef and saute until slightly browned, breaking beef into pieces while cooking
- 3
Add skillet sauce and simmer until heated through and bubbly
- 4
Turn off the burner and sprinkle tortilla chips over the beef followed by the cheddar cheese
- 5
Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese or pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly
Tips
Break the beef into small, even pieces while cooking for better texture and faster browning
Keep tortilla chips slightly crushed rather than pulverized to maintain some crunch after the cheese melts
Use a cast iron skillet if available for better heat retention and the option to go straight under the broiler
Good to Know
refrigerate covered up to 3 days
assemble without cheese, refrigerate, add cheese when reheating
hot from skillet with sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro
Common Mistakes
cook beef completely to avoid food safety issues
don't skip covering the skillet to ensure cheese melts evenly
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beef mixture and store refrigerated. Add chips and cheese when ready to serve and reheat.
What if I don't have the McCormick sauce packet?
Substitute with 1 packet taco seasoning mixed with 3/4 cup salsa or diced tomatoes for similar flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent chips from getting soggy.