Tamale Pie Recipe

Name: Tamale Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef (Lean); 1 cup Chopped Onion; 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained); 1 can Corn (15 oz, drained); 1 packet Taco Seasoning; 1 cup Water; 1 box Cornbread Mix; 1 cup Milk; 1 large Egg

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What is Tamale Pie recipe? What is that one dish that just screams comfort food? I swear, the first time I made it, my husband declared it better than tacos – and he *loves* them! What’s not to like about cornbread? What is so good about I like to think of it as a Southwestern-inspired shepherd’s pie, but instead of mashed potatoes, you serve it. What is the best Cornbread Recipe? Is it easy to throw together? What is a crowd-pleasing meal on tues This particular Tamale Pie Recipe is my grandma’s… and trust me, it’s a keeper!

What is a tamale pie?

What is a tamale pie? Think of it as the love child of tamale and Pot Pie. What’s a hearty filling topped with ground meat, beans, corn, and spices? What are some of the best cornbread recipes? The name comes from the fact that it tastes similar to tamale, but it’s way easier and faster to make. You get all those delicious Southwestern flavors without the fuss of individually wrapping and packaging. Steaming tamales What are some good family dinner ideas? What are some of the best ways to enjoy food without spending hours in the kitchen? My family goes crazy for it every time!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways I love this Tamale Pie Recipe! First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. You get that savory meat filling with a little kick from the chili powder and cumin, balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the corn and the fluffy cornbread topping. What I love most about this is how easy it is. Seriously, it’s so simple! You can even use canned beans and pre-made cornbread mix to make it even quicker. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! Ground Beef is usually pretty affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. The versatility is amazing too! You can easily adapt it to your tastes – use ground turkey instead of beef, add more veggies, or adjust the spice level. It’s also great for using up leftover cooked meat. This recipe stands out because it’s a true one-pan wonder. Everything bakes together in one dish, which means less cleanup. I’ve also tried it with different types of cheese in the crust (Monterey Jack is my fave), and it always turns out delicious. Plus, my kids devour it, and that’s always a win!

How do I make Tamale Pie?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Tamale Pie? I’ll start by browning Ground Beef with some onions and spices. What are the filling ingredients? What are some of the best flavors? What is the best way to make cornbread batter? When the cornbread is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, you’ll bake it in the oven until it’s a nice crisp. The whole process takes about an hour, but most of that is hands-off baking time. What is the aroma of a baked goods in your kitchen? I’ve made this hundreds of times. It’s really hard to mess this up. What are some of the best recipes to make with your favorite recipe? What are some of the best vegetables to I promise it’s way simpler than it sounds!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: : *
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal (I prefer stone-ground for a slightly coarser texture) * 2 cups all-purpose flour (Also used in baking) * 1/4 cup sugar (you can reduce this if you prefer a less sweet cornbread) * 1 tablespoon flour I used almond milk and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. I’ve used it twice now and it’s great! ) * 1/4 cup vegetable oil * 1 large egg * 1/2 cup sugar * 1/3 cup milk * 3/4 cup water * 2 eggs * 4 eggs

For the Filling:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (or ground turkey, or even shredded chicken)! ) 1 medium onion, chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 tablespoon chili powder * 1.5% cumin. * 1/2 teaspoon oregano * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) * 1 cup rice * Can tomato sauce be used in place of canned pasta? What is the nutritional value of corn, drained * 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional) * Salt and pepper to taste.

What are the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil. Make sure you get the corners and edges, so the tamale pie doesn’t stick. This step is crucial for easy serving later!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined – this will ensure the cornbread rises evenly. I like to give it a good whisk for about 30 seconds to make sure there are no lumps. The dry ingredients provide the structure for the cornbread topping, so getting the mix right is important. A good consistency will look almost like sand, perfectly uniform.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Set aside. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated into the milk mixture. The oil helps to keep the cornbread moist, and the egg binds everything together. Make sure your milk isn’t too cold as this can affect how well the baking powder reacts when it’s hot. What is the best way to combine the dry ingredients with the wet Room temperature is best.

Step 4: Combine

How do I mix wet and dry ingredients? A few lumps are okay. Overmixing will develop gluten in the flour and make the cornbread tough. What is pancake batter? If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. If you’re too thin add 1 tablespoon of flour. I always make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to catch any unincorporated ingredients. How do I ensure even distribution?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a large skillet, brown Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper and cook until golden brown. Then, cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, corn, and green bell pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together. At this point, I always do a taste test and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes I add a little extra chili powder for spicier kick. This step is all about building flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

What is the meat filling? Pour it into a baking dish. Spread it evenly. What is the best way to serve cornbread with the filling? Use a spoon or spatula to spread the batter evenly over the top. Don’t worry if the filling is not completely covered – it will spread out as it bakes. For a pretty presentation, you can swirl the cornbread batter into the filling with ice cubes. What is a marbled effect? I love doing this because it looks so fancy, but it’s actually super easy!

Step 7: Bake

I baked cornbread for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. I inserted a toothpick to open it. When inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to make sure the cornbread doesn’t stick to the pan. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil. Ovens can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed. The toothpick test is your best friend here!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the tamale pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. How do you make cornbread? I usually brush the top with melted butter for extra flavor and shine, but that’s totally optional. I find that the butter adds a nice richness and golden hue to the cornbread. This small wait is key for ensuring the Tamale Pie is perfect.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

What is the best way to make tamale pie? I like to top it with sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and an ice cube. I can’t get enough of this. What are some slices of avocado? Can you serve it with a side of salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor? Is there any limit to the possibilities? What is the best Tamale Pie Recipe? I like to serve mine on individual plates, garnished with a sprig of cilantro.

What should I serve it with?

This Tamale Pie Recipe is a star on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments! For breakfast, serve it with a side of scrambled eggs and a cup of strong coffee. The savory filling and slightly sweet cornbread are a perfect complement to the richness of the eggs and the bitterness of the coffee. For brunch, dress it up with a colorful fruit salad and a mimosa or a bellini. The fruit adds a refreshing sweetness that balances the savory pie, and the sparkling wine adds a touch of elegance. As a dessert, serve smaller slices with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm, savory pie and the cold, sweet ice cream are a classic combination. For cozy snacks, pair it with a simple green salad or a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa. It’s a filling and satisfying snack that’s perfect for a casual get-together. My family always enjoys it with a side of Mexican street corn salad. I also will say I have experimented with an avocado crema instead of sour cream for a richer and more complex taste! This truly elevates the experience and adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm and savory pie.

How do I make a Tamale Pie?

Want to take your Tamale Pie Recipe to the next level? Here are my top tips, learned from years of making this family favorite! For zucchini prep, make sure to remove as much moisture as possible. Grate the zucchini, then squeeze out the excess water with a clean kitchen towel. This will prevent the cornbread from becoming soggy. When it comes to mixing advice, don’t overmix the cornbread batter. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and make the cornbread tough. Mix until just combined, and a few lumps are okay. I also recommend using a light hand when stirring in the wet ingredients. For ingredient swaps, you can substitute Ground Turkey or shredded chicken for the ground beef. You can also add other veggies, like chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn. I’ve even added black beans for extra protein and fiber. And the most important baking tip; keep your eye on the oven temperature. Ovens can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed. The cornbread should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different glaze variations! Try brushing the top with melted butter, honey, or maple syrup for extra flavor and shine. You can even sprinkle on some grated cheese or chopped herbs. When mixing, remember to scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure every grain is mixed in. I’ve also found that using a rubber spatula helps to incorporate the dry ingredients more evenly. For those wanting a sweeter taste, adding a tablespoon of honey to the cornbread mix is a nice option. I once forgot the sugar and honey was perfect! A light dusting of cornmeal on the baking dish ensures the pie slides out easily. These are tried and true in my kitchen so I hope you can make use of these tips as well.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This Tamale Pie Recipe is great for making ahead or storing leftovers. At room temperature, you can leave the tamale pie out for up to two hours. Make sure to cover it with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. In the refrigerator, you can store the tamale pie for up to three days in an airtight container. I recommend letting it cool completely before storing it in the fridge. For freezer instructions, wrap the tamale pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. As for glaze timing advice, if you’re planning to store the tamale pie, I recommend waiting to add the glaze until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or soggy. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tamale pie in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the cornbread may become a bit soggy. Leftovers maintain their flavor remarkably well, though I find the texture is always best when freshly baked. Always make sure it is stored in an airtight container. The container and the pie can sometimes have a sweaty texture from the moisture content so always make sure the pie is dry before putting it in a container. I always ensure it’s completely cool before refrigerating to maintain its integrity! A little trick I learned from my grandma.

What are some frequently asked questions?

How can I make this gluten free?

To make this Tamale Pie Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the cornbread. Is gluten-free all-purpose flour a good substitute for regular flour? I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients. Is gluten free flour a good substitute for regular flour? Start with a tablespoon of milk and add more as needed until the batter reaches the right consistency. Look for gluten-free certified cornmeal.

Do I need to peel zucchini?

What is your personal opinion on this subject? I personally don’t peel the zucchini, as the skin is thin and edible and adds a nice bit of color. I like to eat it when it’s warm, so I don’t have to peel it. What are some good ways to make tamale pie? Plus, it’s one less step to worry about. If you prefer a smoother texture, or if your zucchini has tough skin, you can use it for slicing. Can definitely peel it. The appearance is primarily affected, and the peel does contain some nutrients but is negligible.

Can I make this as muffins?

Yes, you absolutely can! To make this Tamale Pie Recipe as muffins, simply spoon the meat filling into muffin tins. Filling will be evenly distributed. They are about two-thirds full. Then, top with cornbread batter, filling the muffin tins almost to the top. If the cornbread is golden brown, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. Is there a way to clean inserted toothpicks? What is the best way to make a portable meal? I usually lower the time by 5 minutes than the original bake time when doing this.

How do I adjust sweetness level?

Can you adjust the sweetness level of this Tamale Pie Recipe? If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, simply reduce the amount of sugar in the batter. Can you use natural sweeteners in place of sugar? If you like things on the sweeter side, feel free to add a little extra sugar to the batter. What is the taste balance of a savory filling?

What can I use instead of glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, there are plenty of other toppings you can use instead. What are some good ways to top tamale pie with grated cheese, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce? Can you serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt? What’s a simpler option, just leave it plain?

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Tamale Pie recipe a try. It’s not just tamale pie. It’s a warm hug on tummy, bringing comfort and deliciousness in every bite. What is the best combination of sweet cornbread and savory filling? What are some of the best family meals you have ever had? If you love this recipe, you might also like my Southwestern Chicken Casserole or my Cheesy Chicken Tenderloin. Cornbread Bake. Both are equally delicious and comforting! Now, go get in the kitchen and bake up a little happiness. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! What are some of the best variations on a recipe?

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