Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Comforting and Hearty: The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory cornmeal topping, and melted cheese creates a filling, satisfying meal.
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One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything is baked in one pan, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice, swap out the protein, or add extra vegetables to suit your taste.
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Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the delicious flavors of this dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef Filling:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
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1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
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1 cup cornmeal
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup sugar
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1 large egg
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1 cup milk
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Directions
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Prepare the Beef Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the mixture to thicken. Set aside.
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Prepare the Cornbread Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the milk and vegetable oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheese, if using.
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Assemble the Tamale Pie: Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly to cover the filling.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the cornbread topping should come out clean.
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Serve: Let the tamale pie rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can garnish with additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Tamale Pie: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian or vegan version.
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Spicy Tamale Pie: Add a chopped jalapeño to the beef filling for extra heat, or use spicy salsa or hot sauce to flavor the mixture.
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Toppings: Top with sour cream, guacamole, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added freshness.
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Cheesy Cornbread: Mix in extra cheese into the cornbread batter or sprinkle more on top for a cheesy, gooey topping.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover Tamale Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and cornbread topping ahead of time, then assemble and bake the Tamale Pie when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can assemble it, refrigerate it, and then bake it when ready.
Can I freeze Tamale Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Tamale Pie before or after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour in the cornbread topping for a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Tamale Pie is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the best of both tamales and cornbread in one easy-to-make casserole. The savory beef filling pairs perfectly with the soft, slightly sweet cornbread topping, creating a filling meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a family gathering, or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Tamale Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tamale Pie is a delicious, one-pot casserole that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with a cornbread-like topping. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, family gatherings, or potlucks, offering a comforting meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
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1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
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1 cup cornmeal
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup sugar
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1 large egg
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1 cup milk
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef Filling:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the mixture to thicken. Set aside. -
Prepare the Cornbread Topping:
In a separate bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the milk and vegetable oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheese, if using. -
Assemble the Tamale Pie:
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly to cover the filling. -
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the cornbread topping should come out clean. -
Serve:
Let the tamale pie rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can garnish with additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices if desired.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with black beans or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian or vegan version.Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño to the beef filling for extra heat, or use spicy salsa or hot sauce to flavor the mixture.Toppings: Top with sour cream, guacamole, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added freshness.Cheesy Cornbread: Mix extra cheese into the cornbread batter or sprinkle more on top for a cheesy, gooey topping.
