Tamale Pie Recipe

Tamale pie is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of tamales with the convenience of a casserole. This recipe layers seasoned ground beef, corn, and beans with a cornbread topping to create a delicious and filling meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Let’s dive into how you can make this tasty dish from scratch!

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or use black beans)
• 1 can (11 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning mix)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the cornbread topping:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Mix well and let simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Transfer the filling mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Topping

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cornbread dense.
4. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese if using for an extra cheesy flavor.
5. Spoon the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Tamale Pie

1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden and cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the cornbread should come out clean).
2. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.

Pro Tips

• Spice it up: If you like heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef filling.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for more beans or vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Make it ahead: This dish can be assembled the night before and baked when you’re ready. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate. Bake for an extra 10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
• Serve with toppings: Sour cream, sliced avocado, and cilantro make excellent garnishes for this dish.

Serving Suggestions

Tamale pie is great on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, mexican rice, or sautéed veggies. For a little extra crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side.

Enjoy your comforting, hearty tamale pie—it’s sure to become a family favorite!