If you love tacos and savory pies, Tacopaj is the perfect recipe to add to your menu. A popular comfort food in Sweden, Tacopaj combines the bold flavors of seasoned taco meat with a buttery pie crust, creamy egg filling, and melted cheese. The result is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 100 g cold butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup salsa
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
How to Make Tacopaj
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Mix the flour and salt in a bowl. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add cold water gradually and knead gently until a dough forms.
Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll out the chilled dough and press it into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
Spread the taco meat evenly over the crust.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream, then pour the mixture over the meat filling.
Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños if using.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the cheese is golden brown.
Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Tacopaj tastes even better with:
- Sour cream
- Fresh guacamole
- Salsa
- Green salad
- Pickled onions
- Tortilla chips
Tips for the Best Tacopaj
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- Add black beans or sweet corn for extra texture.
- Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated easily.
The Bottom Line
Tacopaj is a delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired taco flavors and Swedish comfort food. With its buttery crust, savory seasoned beef, creamy egg filling, and cheesy topping, this hearty pie is easy to prepare and perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests. If you’re looking for a unique twist on taco night, this Swedish classic is definitely worth trying.