The moment you take a bite of tamale pie, a delightful explosion of flavors dances on your taste buds. The rich, savory meat mingles perfectly with the sweet corn topping, creating a symphony of textures that will make your heart sing. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each delicious bite.
I remember my first tamale pie experience at a family barbecue. My aunt served it with a side of guacamole and chips, and I could barely contain my excitement. It was love at first bite! Now, I whip up this comforting dish for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Trust me; once you try this tamale pie recipe, you’ll want to make it every chance you get.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tamale pie is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- Its flavor profile balances savory and sweet, sure to please every palate
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings!
Every time I serve tamale pie, my friends and family can’t help but rave about how delicious it is.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
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Canned Tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes to add moisture and acidity; they bring the whole dish together.
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Cornmeal: Use fine cornmeal for a smooth texture in the topping; it’s essential for that tamale-like crust.
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Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds richness; don’t skimp on this one!
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Green Bell Pepper: Diced green bell pepper brings freshness and crunch; feel free to swap it for other peppers if desired.
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Onion: Chopped onions enhance the flavor base of the dish; sauté until translucent for the best results.
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Chili Powder: A blend of spices gives depth; adjust according to your heat preference.
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Eggs: Eggs help bind the cornmeal topping together; they create that lovely texture we all crave in tamales.
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Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess in the topping; it helps achieve that perfect consistency.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors in this dish; don’t forget them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add diced onion and green bell pepper. Stir until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Ground Beef: Toss in the ground beef into the pan with the veggies. Cook until browned and crumbly, seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili powder as you go along.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in canned tomatoes next. Let everything simmer for around 10 minutes until flavors meld together beautifully.
Create Cornmeal Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well blended—this is where that creamy texture comes from!
Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into your cornmeal mixture for extra flavor before pouring over your meat layer in the baking dish.
Bake it Up: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of your masterpiece before placing it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
Enjoy digging into your beautifully baked tamale pie! The tantalizing aroma will have everyone rushing to the table before you even say “dinner’s ready.”
You Must Know
- Tamale pie is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a dish
- The layers of cornbread and spicy filling create an irresistible combination, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home
- Plus, it’s incredibly versatile for ingredient swaps!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat and sautéing vegetables, then assemble your tamale pie. Bake until golden brown for a delightful texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add black beans for extra fiber. Experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tamale pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an even more flavorful dish, let the filling simmer longer to deepen its taste
- Never skip greasing your baking dish; it prevents sticking!
- Using fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile significantly as well
Tamale pie always reminds me of those chilly winter evenings when my family gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying this delicious comfort food.
FAQ
What is tamale pie made of?
Tamale pie typically consists of ground meat, spices, and cornbread topping for a hearty meal.
Can I make tamale pie vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute meat with beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.
How long does tamale pie take to cook?
Tamale pie usually takes about 30-40 minutes to bake at 375°F until golden brown.
Tamale Pie
Tamale pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with a sweet cornmeal topping, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress your loved ones. Serve it hot from the oven, and watch as everyone digs in for a taste of this delicious comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fine cornmeal
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and green bell pepper until soft (5-7 minutes).
- Add ground beef; cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until blended. Mix in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Layer beef mixture in the baking dish, pour cornmeal topping over it, and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
