Tamale Pie Recipe (with Video)

Tamale Pie Recipe: Tamale pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory taste of seasoned beef with the slightly sweet and fluffy texture of cornbread. This recipe is a perfect fusion of Mexican and American flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals.

What makes this dish even better? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious tamale pie that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What is Tamale Pie?

Tamale pie is a baked casserole dish inspired by traditional tamales. Instead of wrapping masa dough and filling in corn husks, this recipe simplifies the process by layering a flavorful meat filling with a cornbread topping. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with bold flavors.

History and Origin

Tamale pie is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s, inspired by Mexican tamales. It quickly became a popular dish in the Southwest due to its easy preparation and delicious taste. Over time, different variations have emerged, incorporating different proteins, spices, and toppings.

How It Differs from Traditional Tamales

• Traditional tamales require masa dough wrapped in corn husks and steamed, whereas tamale pie is baked in a casserole dish.
• Tamale pie uses a cornbread topping instead of masa dough.
• It’s quicker and easier to make while still delivering that authentic tamale flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Tamale Pie

To make this easy and delicious tamale pie, you’ll need:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Before starting, gather these essential kitchen tools:

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Tamale Pie – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
4. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese, reserving the rest for topping.

Step 2: Make the Cornbread Topping

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and honey.
3. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pour the beef filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the filling.
4. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top, spreading it out gently with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake the Tamale Pie

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Tamale Pie

• For extra moisture, add a splash of beef broth to the filling.
• Want a cheesier pie? Mix cheese into the cornbread batter for an extra cheesy crust.
• Make it spicier by adding chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu.
• Chicken Tamale Pie: Swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix.

Serving Suggestions

Tamale pie pairs perfectly with:

• Sour cream and avocado slices
• A fresh green salad
• Mexican rice or refried beans

How to Store and Reheat Tamale Pie

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze by wrapping portions in foil and storing for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain texture.

FAQs About Tamale Pie Recipe

1. What is tamale pie made of?

Tamale pie is a hearty, casserole-style dish featuring a flavorful, spiced ground beef (or turkey) filling with ingredients like tomatoes, beans, corn, and chili powder. It’s topped with a cornbread crust that bakes to golden perfection.

2. Is tamale pie actually a tamale?

Nope! Despite the name, tamale pie isn’t a traditional tamale. Instead of being wrapped in corn husks and steamed, it’s a baked dish that captures the flavors of tamales in an easy-to-make form.

3. Can I make tamale pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it ahead, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready. It also freezes well for meal prepping.

4. What can I use instead of beef?

For a leaner option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Want a vegetarian version? Use black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.

5. How do I prevent a soggy cornbread topping?

To avoid a mushy top layer, let the filling cool slightly before adding the cornbread batter. You can also bake the filling for a few minutes before topping it.

6. Can I spice it up?

Of course! Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a dash of cayenne to turn up the heat.

7. What should I serve with tamale pie?

Pair it with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, sour cream, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments, and let’s talk tamale pie!