Prep
Preheat oven to 350º. Thinly slice 1/2 onion. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion to skillet and sauté, stirring frequently until onion becomes translucent. Add 1/2 lb lean ground beef (preferably organic). Break up and brown until no pink remains. Add 1 package of reduced-sodium taco seasoning and 1/2 cup canned tomatoes with sauce (no added sugar). Break up any large pieces of tomatoes with spatula and combine well.
Add 1 can rinsed and drained black beans and 1 can rinsed and drained corn to skillet. Mix well. Cook at medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally while preparing pastry.
Roll out slightly thawed pie crusts onto a cutting board and slice into squares. I used 3 boxes of pre-made pastry, each contained 2 crusts. These freeze very well, perfect reheated for lunch, after school snacks or a last minute dinner option.
Assemble
Place one layer squares onto parchment or silicone lined baking sheet.
Top with 2 heaping tbsp beef and veggie mixture. Top with 1 tbsp shredded cheese. I used Mexican blend but, any shredded cheese will do.
Stuffing Taco Tarts
Taco Tarts ready to bake
A smaller version will make a coveted appetizer! Try a variety of dipping sauces such as cilantro aioli or guacamole. Make it vegetarian by leaving out the meat. Click here for more vegetarian recipes!
*something you may not know: beans make a superior plant-based meat substitute as they are packed with protein, folate, fiber, iron, potassium, B vitamins and antioxidants! Plus, they’re low in fat! Beans prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, fight cancer, manage diabetes and can even help you lose weight! Click here for more bean benefits!
These were a hit with my kids!
Time savers: Use dehydrated onion or onion powder as a substitute for fresh (use 1 tbsp dried, minced onion or 1/2 tbsp onion powder). Stack pastry sheets to cut all at once using a pizza cutter. Egg wash can be skipped and feel free to use a store bought guacamole.
Looks yum! I might have to try these out!
It was quite easy too!
Oh dear ! So into hand pies ! Thank you so much !
Me too! I think the first one I ever had was a cornish pasty at a local British place. So yummy!
I will definitely be doing these for summer meals. Great post! Thank you!
really fun! Like empanadas sort of!!! I don’t think I have the patience, but I can stare at these photos instead.
Thanks! But, it was actually really easy with the frozen dough!