Description
Tamale Pie is the perfect comfort food for a cozy evening at home or a casual family gathering. This hearty and flavorful dish brings together the savory taste of seasoned ground beef, the sweetness of corn, and the rich texture of cornbread in one satisfying casserole. Inspired by traditional Tex-Mex flavors and the essence of tamales, this pie is a quicker, easier version of the beloved wrapped classic. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re just craving something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the meat filling:
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1 pound ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon oregano
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
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1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies (optional)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
For the cornbread topping:
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1 cup yellow cornmeal
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup milk
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1 large egg
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1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with spices.
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Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and green chilies (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives (if using). Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix milk, egg, and melted butter.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the filling.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the tamale pie cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes