Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Nacho Pie?
The Ultimate Nacho Pie is a layered dish featuring spiced ground beef, black beans, and sweet corn baked inside a corn tortilla crust and topped with melted cheddar cheese.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of lean ground beef.
How do I create the crust for the nacho pie?
The crust is made by arranging six 6-inch corn tortillas along the bottom and sides of a deep 9-inch pie pan.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
How long does the beef need to cook in the skillet?
Cook the ground beef with the chopped serrano pepper for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Mexican oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
The recipe requires three eggs whisked together with milk.
What kind of beans are included in the recipe?
One 14-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained, is used in the mixture.
Should the corn be drained before adding it to the beef?
Yes, you should use one 8-ounce can of corn that has been rinsed and drained.
How much cheese is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of one cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used, divided between the filling and the topping.
How do I make the corn tortillas easier to work with?
Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable before arranging them in the pie pan.
What type of milk is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of 2% low-fat milk.
How long does the pie bake in total?
The pie bakes for an initial 30 minutes, plus an additional 5 minutes after adding the final layer of cheese.
Should I let the pie cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it into wedges.
What is the best way to serve the Ultimate Nacho Pie?
Serve the pie hot with generous spoonfuls of fresh pico de gallo on top.
Can I use a different type of pepper if I don't have serrano?
Yes, you can substitute serrano with a jalapeรฑo for a slightly milder heat or exclude it for no heat.
What size pie pan is recommended?
A deep 9-inch pie pan is recommended to hold all the filling and the tortilla crust.
Is this recipe considered high in fiber?
Yes, thanks to the inclusion of black beans, corn, and corn tortillas, the dish is packed with fiber.
Do I need to grease the pie pan?
Yes, lightly coat the pie pan with cooking spray before adding the tortillas.
What type of oil is used to cook the beef?
The beef should be cooked in one tablespoon of olive oil.
Is this a good dish for entertaining?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for family dinners, parties, or cozy nights in as it serves as a complete meal.
Can I use Mexican oregano specifically?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of Mexican oregano for an authentic flavor, though standard oregano can be used if necessary.
How much cumin is in the spiced beef?
The recipe uses 2.5 teaspoons of cumin for a robust flavor.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, after browning the beef, you should drain any excess fat before adding the spices and beans.
How long should the beef mixture cool before adding it to the eggs?
Allow the beef, bean, and corn mixture to cool for at least 5 minutes before stirring it into the egg and milk mixture.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the serrano pepper, chili powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Can I use different beans in this pie?
While black beans are recommended, you could substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The pie is done when the egg mixture is set and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
What kind of tortillas are best?
The recipe specifically calls for 6-inch corn tortillas to create the crust.
Is the pico de gallo mixed into the pie?
No, the pico de gallo is served on top of the sliced wedges for a burst of freshness.