Tamale Pie Recipe
Tamale Pie Recipe
Table of Contents
Tamale Pie Recipe
This Tamale Pie Recipe is a savory, comforting dish that’s a delicious fusion of cornbread and tamales. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this hearty pie features layers of seasoned beef, vegetables, and a golden, cornbread topping. It’s an easy and satisfying dish the whole family will love, with all the flavors of a classic tamale, but in a convenient casserole form.
Description
Tamale Pie Recipe is a classic Tex Mex dish that combines the best of a tamale and a casserole. This recipe takes the iconic tamale filling seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese and bakes it in a hearty, cornbread crust, creating a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
The key to making this Tamale Pie Recipe so irresistible is the deliciously seasoned ground beef filling. You’ll start by sautéing ground beef with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Then, you’ll add beans (either black beans or pinto beans work great) and corn kernels to complete the hearty filling. For an extra layer of flavor, some people like to add a can of diced green chilies or a bit of salsa to the mix.
The cornbread topping is just as important. Made with cornmeal, flour, and a hint of sugar, this cornbread layer bakes up golden and slightly sweet, creating the perfect contrast to the savory filling below. A sprinkle of cheese on top adds a melty finish that seals the deal.
Tamale Pie Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free cornbread mix, and you can make it even more customizable by adding your favorite veggies, proteins, or adjusting the spice levels. It’s a versatile recipe that you can make your own, and best of all, it’s a one dish meal that doesn’t require a lot of cleanup.
This Tamale Pie Recipe is filling, flavorful, and easy to make, which makes it an ideal option for busy families or anyone looking for comfort food with a Tex Mex twist. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again. Serve it with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad, and you have a complete meal that will satisfy all your cravings.
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (or 1 can of corn, drained)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium, depending on spice preference)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef, and sauté until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced green chilies (if using), and salsa. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- Make the Cornbread Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- If using, fold in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cornbread batter.
- Assemble the Tamale Pie:
- In a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish, spread the beef and bean filling evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the filling, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- If desired, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the cornbread batter.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the tamale pie cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Tamale Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey for a lighter version
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels or 1 can of corn, drained
- 1 can 4 oz diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup salsa mild or medium, depending on spice preference
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef, and sauté until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced green chilies (if using), and salsa. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- Make the Cornbread Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- If using, fold in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cornbread batter.
- Assemble the Tamale Pie:
- In a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish, spread the beef and bean filling evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the filling, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- If desired, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the cornbread batter.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the tamale pie cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or additional beans.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by using hot salsa, adding jalapeños, or increasing the chili powder.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
