Cheese Topped Taco Pie

Source: I Love Cheese

 

Crust
1  Pillsbury® Refrigerated Pie Crust (from 15­oz. pkg.), softened as directed on package
  Filling
1  lb. lean ground beef
1  (1.25-oz.) pkg. Old El Paso® Taco Seasoning Mix
1  (16-oz.) jar Old El Paso® Thick n Chunky Salsa
1  (4.5-oz.) jar Green Giant® Sliced Mushrooms, drained
1  (2.8-oz.) can french fried onions
1  cup ricotta cheese
8  oz. (2 cups) shredded taco-flavored cheese blend
2  eggs
1  small tomato, seeded, diced

Heat oven to 450°F. Prepare pie crust as directed on package for one­crust baked shell using 9­inch glass pie pan or 10­inch deep­dish pie pan. Bake at 450°F. for 9 to 11 minutes or until light golden brown.

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium­high heat until beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix and salsa. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and half of the French fried onions; mix well. Spoon mixture into baked crust.
In small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the taco­flavored cheese blend and eggs; mix well. Spoon over beef mixture.

Bake at 350°F. for 25 to 35 minutes or until slightly puffed and set in center.
Remove pie from oven. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese evenly over filling. Sprinkle remaining french fried onions in center of filling. Return to oven; bake an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Sprinkle tomato around edge and in center of filling. Let pie stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Michelle Bocianski
Wheaton, Illinois