A warm, savory aroma wafts through the air as you dive into a hearty tamale pie recipe that combines the best of both worlds: comfort food and fiesta flair. Picture golden cornbread topping a zesty filling of seasoned ground beef and beans, bubbling away like a cozy hug on a chilly evening.
Remember the last time you gathered around the table with friends, sharing laughter and stories? This tamale pie is the perfect centerpiece for those moments, ensuring everyone leaves with full bellies and happy hearts. Whether it’s a rainy day or a family game night, this dish promises to be your go-to for warmth and flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tamale pie recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that looks as good as it tastes
- Its vibrant colors add visual appeal to any dinner table, making it a feast for the eyes
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with whatever ingredients you have on hand
It was one of those typical family gatherings where everyone brought their favorite dish, and I decided to whip up this gem. The smiles on my family’s faces after the first bite were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option; it keeps the dish flavorful without being overly greasy.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for best results.
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Green Bell Pepper: Dice finely to add crunch and color; it balances the richness of the meat.
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Canned Black Beans: Rinse and drain them well; they add fiber and protein to your dish.
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Tomato Sauce: Use low-sodium varieties if you’re watching salt intake; it brings moisture and flavor.
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Sweet Corn: Frozen or canned works; it’s sweet and complements the savory elements perfectly.
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Cornmeal: This is essential for that classic tamale pie texture; use fine cornmeal for best results.
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Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for optimal melting; it creates a deliciously gooey topping.
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Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder): These spices are must-haves; they bring warmth and depth to every bite.
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Olive Oil: A splash helps cook your veggies; choose extra virgin for added flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Your Base Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened and aromatic—about five minutes should do.
Browning the Meat: Push your veggies to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned—this will take about seven minutes.
Add Flavorful Components: Stir in black beans, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about ten minutes to let those flavors mingle together beautifully.
Prepare the Cornmeal Topping: In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal with water until smooth. Gradually stir in some shredded cheese—this adds extra creaminess to your topping.
Assemble Your Tamale Pie: Spread your meat mixture evenly into a baking dish. Pour cornmeal mixture over the top, spreading gently with a spatula—don’t worry if it looks messy!
Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top—you want that cheesy crust!
Now comes the fun part: letting it cool slightly before serving because who wants burnt tongues? Grab some forks and dig in!
This tamale pie recipe will not only fill bellies but warm hearts too! Enjoy sharing this delicious meal with family or friends; they’ll be asking for seconds before they even finish their first helping!
You Must Know
- The tamale pie recipe is a comforting dish combining savory flavors and textures
- It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings
- The aroma while baking is irresistible, creating an inviting atmosphere that brings family together around the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat and adding spices, then layer with cornbread before baking. This sequence ensures each ingredient shines and melds perfectly, creating a harmonious dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add black beans for extra fiber. Experiment with different cheeses or spices to make this tamale pie recipe uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best quality.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfect tamale pie recipe, ensure your cornbread batter is not overmixed; this keeps it light and fluffy
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melt quality, enhancing flavor and texture
- Let the pie rest before serving; this allows flavors to meld beautifully
Sharing a meal of tamale pie with friends once sparked laughter over a mishap when I forgot to add cheese—it turned into a running joke about “cheeseless wonders” at our potlucks!
FAQ
Can I make this tamale pie recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute meat with mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
What should I serve with tamale pie?
Pair it with a fresh salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal experience.
How do I know when my tamale pie is done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Tamale Pie
Tamale pie is a comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, black beans, and corn beneath a golden cornbread crust. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, this easy-to-make recipe is bound to become a favorite at your table, ensuring laughter and satisfaction with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
- 1 cup sweet corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup fine cornmeal
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Push veggies aside and add ground beef. Cook until browned (7 minutes).
- Stir in black beans, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal with water until smooth. Gradually add half the cheese.
- Spread meat mixture into a baking dish; pour cornmeal mix on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the pie (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
