Texas Tamale Pie

Why Make This Recipe

Texas Tamale Pie is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings a taste of the Southwest into your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of seasoned ground beef and beans layered with a delightful cornmeal topping makes it satisfying and delicious. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite toppings!

How to Make Texas Tamale Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg. Mix until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
9. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

How to Serve Texas Tamale Pie

Serve Texas Tamale Pie hot, straight from the oven. It works great as a main dish. You can add toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or tortilla chips.

How to Store Texas Tamale Pie

If you have leftovers, let the pie cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze the pie. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen tamale pie can last for up to 2-3 months.

Tips to Make Texas Tamale Pie

• Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• You can use cornbread mix instead of cornmeal for a quicker version.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetables instead of meat and adding more beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans. You can also add in chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day before and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Is Texas Tamale Pie spicy?

The spice level can vary. If you want it less spicy, use mild diced tomatoes. To make it spicier, add additional chili powder or diced jalapeños.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer for topping.

Texas Tamale Pie

Print Recipe

A flavorful and hearty dish bringing the taste of the Southwest into your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg. Mix until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
9. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southwestern
• Diet: None

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Texas Tamale Pie, Southwestern Recipe, Comfort Food