Tamale Pie is a hearty and comforting casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, corn, and beans, all baked together with a cheddar cornbread topping. This Mexican-style dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be easily customized to suit your tastes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the filling:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
10-ounce can red enchilada sauce
15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

For the topping:

8.5-ounce box corn muffin mix (e.g., Jiffy)
Egg and milk as directed on the box
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Assorted toppings (optional): sour cream, avocado, pico de gallo

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks.
Add chopped onion and cook for an additional 4 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a bowl, prepare the corn muffin mix according to package directions, adding the required egg and milk.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.
Spread the cornbread batter over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs attached.
If the casserole is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during baking.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Cut into slices and serve with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 487 kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 961mg
Potassium: 611mg
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 13g
Vitamin A: 554 IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 156mg
Iron: 5mg

What Is Tamale Pie?

Tamale Pie is a casserole-style dish that mimics the flavors and textures of tamales but with an easier preparation. Traditional tamales consist of corn dough (masa) filled with a variety of ingredients such as meats, cheese, and spices, all wrapped in corn husks and steamed. Tamale Pie, on the other hand, uses a similar base but bakes the ingredients in a casserole dish, with a savory ground beef mixture as the base and a cheesy cornbread topping instead of masa.

The result is a comforting, layered dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a spicy enchilada sauce. Topped with a cheesy cornbread layer, Tamale Pie provides a satisfying and flavorful meal in one pan, making it ideal for busy nights when you need to get a delicious dinner on the table fast.

A Brief History of Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie’s roots can be traced back to the United States, where it evolved from traditional Mexican tamales. While tamales themselves are a staple in Mexican cuisine, Tamale Pie became popular in the U.S. during the 1950s. It is believed that the dish was created to provide a similar flavor experience to tamales but without the time-consuming process of making masa and wrapping each individual tamale.

As an Americanized version of tamales, Tamale Pie has been embraced in many households as a quick and easy way to enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various twists, such as the addition of beans, corn, and different types of meats or toppings. Despite these variations, the basic concept of combining seasoned meat, vegetables, and cornbread remains a key component of the dish.

Why You’ll Love Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie is a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies a variety of tastes. Here are some reasons why this dish is so beloved:

Comforting and Hearty: The combination of seasoned beef, beans, corn, and a cheesy cornbread topping creates a hearty and satisfying meal that will fill you up without feeling heavy.
Easy to Make: Unlike traditional tamales, which require time and effort to prepare and steam, Tamale Pie can be assembled in one dish and baked in the oven. It’s a simple, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: This dish is easily customizable. You can adjust the seasonings to your preference, add more vegetables, or swap the ground beef for chicken or turkey. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or experiment with different ingredients.
Feeds a Crowd: Tamale Pie is an excellent choice for feeding a group, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The dish can easily be scaled up for larger groups by simply doubling the recipe.
Comfort Food with a Mexican Twist: If you’re a fan of bold, spicy, and savory flavors, Tamale Pie brings all of those elements together in one dish. It’s like enjoying a warm, comforting hug in a casserole form.

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

One of the best aspects of Tamale Pie is how easily it can be prepared on a busy weeknight. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s a dish that doesn’t require a lot of effort but delivers maximum flavor. Here’s how Tamale Pie makes for the perfect weeknight dinner:

Minimal Prep: The preparation for Tamale Pie is quick and easy. You start by browning the ground beef and then mix it with a few simple ingredients like onions, garlic, beans, and corn. The casserole can then be assembled and placed in the oven to bake while you tend to other tasks.
One-Pan Meal: With Tamale Pie, you don’t need to worry about preparing multiple side dishes. The casserole itself is a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and starch all baked together in one pan. This makes cleanup a breeze, as there’s only one dish to wash afterward.
Time-Saving: The baking time for Tamale Pie is around 40-45 minutes, during which time you can relax, help the kids with homework, or finish up other household chores. Once it’s done, dinner is served, and there’s little to no additional work involved.

Healthier Options for Tamale Pie

While traditional Tamale Pie is already quite delicious and filling, there are a few ways to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are some tips for lightening up the dish:

Use Lean Meat: Instead of using regular ground beef, opt for lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat content while still maintaining the protein.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture. This adds more fiber and nutrients to the meal.
Choose Whole-Grain Cornbread: To make the dish even healthier, use a whole-grain cornbread mix or make your own from scratch using whole-wheat flour. This will add more fiber to the dish.
Top with Fresh Ingredients: Serve your Tamale Pie with fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, or cilantro to add a burst of vitamins and antioxidants.

By making a few small swaps, you can create a version of Tamale Pie that is both lighter and more nutrient-dense, while still tasting just as delicious.

Customizing Your Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie is a versatile dish that can be easily customized based on personal preferences. Here are a few ideas for making the dish your own:

Add Extra Heat: If you love spicy food, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or add a sprinkle of chili powder to kick up the heat.
Use Different Meats: While ground beef is the most common meat used for Tamale Pie, you can also try other options. Ground turkey or chicken is a lighter choice, or you can even use shredded pork or beef if you prefer.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, swap the meat for a mixture of beans and vegetables like black beans, kidney beans, corn, and bell peppers. You can also use meat alternatives such as tofu or plant-based ground meat for a vegan version.
Cheese Varieties: While cheddar cheese is a traditional choice for the cornbread topping, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy queso fresco for added flavor.

By customizing Tamale Pie to suit your tastes, you can create a dish that is uniquely yours and perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion

Tamale Pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal. With its combination of seasoned meat, beans, corn, and cheesy cornbread topping, it offers all the delicious flavors of tamales in an easy-to-make casserole form. Not only is it versatile and customizable, but it’s also a hearty and satisfying meal that can be prepared in one pan with minimal effort.

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