Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan comfort food
- Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors
- Perfect for feeding a family or crowd
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Combines savory filling with fluffy cornbread topping
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
- Ready in about an hour
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ground beef
- onion
- garlic
- bell pepper
- canned diced tomatoes
- tomato sauce
- black beans
- corn kernels
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika
- salt
- black pepper
- shredded cheddar cheese
- cornbread mix
- eggs
- milk
- vegetable oil
- sliced jalapeños
- fresh cilantro
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to package directions using eggs, milk, and oil.
- Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with jalapeños and fresh cilantro if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 to 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans.
- Use pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
- Stir green chilies into the filling for more heat.
- Top with sour cream, avocado, or salsa before serving.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with extra beans and vegetables.
- Add olives or diced zucchini for additional flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Tamale Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or bake covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tamale Pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What is Tamale Pie?
Tamale Pie is a casserole dish featuring a savory meat filling topped with cornbread, inspired by the flavors of traditional tamales.
Can I make Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
Can I use homemade cornbread batter?
Absolutely. Homemade cornbread batter works perfectly in this recipe.
Is Tamale Pie spicy?
It can be mildly spicy depending on the seasonings and peppers used. You can easily adjust the heat level.
What toppings go well with Tamale Pie?
Sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, and jalapeños are popular toppings.
Can I freeze Tamale Pie?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months when stored properly.
What side dishes pair well with Tamale Pie?
A green salad, rice, roasted vegetables, or tortilla chips pair nicely with this dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the meat with beans, lentils, or additional vegetables.
How do I know when the cornbread topping is done?
The topping should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
Conclusion
Tamale Pie is a warm and satisfying casserole packed with savory Tex-Mex flavors and topped with fluffy cornbread. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With its hearty filling and comforting texture, this classic dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.
The Tamale Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Tamale Pie is a hearty and comforting Tex-Mex casserole made with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a fluffy golden cornbread topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this easy casserole recipe is packed with bold flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
ground beef
onion
garlic
bell pepper
canned diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
black beans
corn kernels
chili powder
cumin
paprika
salt
black pepper
shredded cheddar cheese
cornbread mix
eggs
milk
vegetable oil
sliced jalapeños
fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to package directions using eggs, milk, and oil.
- Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños and fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
For extra spice, add green chilies or use pepper jack cheese. This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with extra beans or vegetables. Leftovers store and reheat well, making this a great meal prep option.
