Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie is a delightful and comforting dish that combines Tex-Mex flavors into a single serving of deliciousness. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of traditional tamales, with a twist that’s easy to make any day of the week. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty pie is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 400
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 810mg

Why Make This Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie offers a fantastic combination of flavors and textures that will awaken your taste buds. The savory ground beef or turkey melds beautifully with black beans, corn, and spices, creating a robust filling that’s topped with a fluffy cornbread layer. It’s colorful, approachable, and makes for an inconceivably satisfying meal, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it can easily be customized to suit your dietary preferences.

How to Make Tamale Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 package (8 oz) cornbread mix
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (for garnish)
• 1 avocado (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring your work area is clean and organized for an efficient cooking experience.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat once fully cooked. Then, stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. This mixture will serve as the delicious filling of your pie.

Step 3: Cooking

In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions, adding the egg and milk to ensure a moist texture. Next, layer the meat mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Pour the cornbread batter over the meat mixture, spreading it gently.

Step 4: Finishing

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully. Let it cool slightly before garnishing with shredded lettuce and avocado for a fresh touch before serving.

How to Serve Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie is best served warm, directly from the oven. It pairs well with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, or some fresh salsa on the side to enhance the flavors even more. For a family-friendly meal, offer some tortilla chips for crunch!

How to Store Tamale Pie

Leftover Tamale Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Tamale Pie

• For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef or turkey for crumbled tempeh or other plant-based proteins.
• Add diced bell peppers or chopped onions to the meat mixture for extra flavor and vegetables.
• For a spicier kick, use hot salsa or include jalapeños in the filling.
• To save time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of browning raw meat.

Delicious Variations

• Southwestern Style: Add diced green chilies or spicy pepper jack cheese.
• BBQ Twist: Replace taco seasoning with BBQ seasoning and add shredded chicken.
• Cheesy Delight: Use multiple types of cheese, such as pepper jack and mozzarella, for a melty surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and cornbread batter ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble them just before baking.

• What can I use in place of ground beef or turkey?
  You can substitute the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or any plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.

• Can I freeze Tamale Pie?
  Absolutely! Just bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

• Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
  You can use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make the entire dish gluten-free.

• How can I spice it up?
  Use spicy taco seasoning, add chopped jalapeños, or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.

Conclusion

Tamale Pie is the perfect comfort food that brings a taste of Mexican cuisine straight to your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, fun to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Try making this comforting dish today and experience the joy of sharing it with loved ones! Happy cooking!

Tamale Pie

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A delightful and comforting dish that combines Tex-Mex flavors into a hearty pie topped with cornbread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 package (8 oz) cornbread mix
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (for garnish)
• 1 avocado (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather all your ingredients and ensure your work area is clean.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese.
3. Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, adding the egg and milk. Layer the meat mixture in a greased baking dish and pour the cornbread batter over it.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Let cool slightly before garnishing with shredded lettuce and avocado. Serve warm.

Notes

For variations, consider adding bell peppers, using a gluten-free cornbread mix, or trying different types of cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 810mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 40mg