Tamale Pie Recipe: A Hearty, Cheesy Delight You Can’t Resist

Looking for a cozy dinner that’s easy to make, delicious, and will feed the whole family? Tamale Pie is here to save the day! Imagine all the flavors of tamales—cornbread, savory meat, and melty cheese—without the hassle of wrapping and steaming. This dish is the perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Ingredients Needed

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for a veggie option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans (optional)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels (optional but adds a nice crunch!)

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works excellent, but feel free to get creative!)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeño slices for a kick

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

Start by heating a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Then, throw in your ground meat (beef, turkey, or plant-based protein) and brown it up, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), beans (if using), and taco seasoning. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. If you’re using corn, toss it in now, too.

Step 2: Make the Cornbread Topping

Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Mix the milk, melted butter, and eggs in another bowl until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined (don’t overmix). Fold in the shredded cheese for extra gooey goodness!

Step 3: Assemble the Tamale Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size) and spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom. Pour the cornbread batter, smoothing it out to cover the meat entirely. If you like, sprinkle extra cheese for that melty, golden crust.

Step 4: Bake

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean. The cornbread should rise beautifully and have a comforting, hearty texture on top.

Serving Suggestions

Once it’s done baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. You can add a few slices of jalapeño to bring the heat. It’s perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a light salad or some rice to round out the meal.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground meat for black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based version that’s just as hearty.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Add spice: Throw in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for more heat in the meat mixture.
• Freeze it: Make this recipe ahead of time! You can freeze it before baking, then bake it straight from the freezer for a convenient meal.

Conclusion

Tamale Pie is a recipe perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying but don’t have enough time to cook. It’s a one-dish meal that brings all the flavors of tamales together; best of all, it’s simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family or prepping a dish to impress guests, this Taco Pie is a guaranteed hit.

FAQs

Can I make Tamale Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and cornbread topping in advance, then assemble and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Or, you can bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for a few days.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the cheese in the topping for dairy-free cheese and use dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk. You can also replace the butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Can I use a different protein for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute like soy crumbles work great in this recipe. Make it your own based on your preferences!

Enjoy this simple, delicious Tamale Pie that’s bound to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!