Texas Tamale Pie

Why Make This Recipe

Texas Tamale Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It combines the flavors of classic tamales without the fuss of wrapping. This comfort food is filling, makes for great leftovers, and can easily feed a crowd. Plus, it’s customizable!

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.
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, mixing 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

Texas Tamale Pie is best served warm. You can cut it into squares and enjoy it right from the baking dish. It’s great on its own, but you can also serve it with sides like sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa for extra flavor.

How to Store Texas Tamale Pie

To store leftovers, let the pie cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Texas Tamale Pie

• For added flavor, you can include your favorite spices or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• If you want a spicier pie, choose spicy diced tomatoes or add jalapeños.
• Make sure to let it cool slightly before slicing for cleaner pieces.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version of Texas Tamale Pie by using ground meat substitutes or adding more beans and vegetables. Consider using corn or bell peppers to add color and texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare it and keep it in the refrigerator for a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q: What can I use instead of black beans?
A: You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans, depending on your preference.

Texas Tamale Pie

Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting dish that captures the flavors of classic tamales without the fuss of wrapping. 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.
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, mixing 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

Great served with sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa. Can be made vegetarian by using ground meat substitutes or adding more beans and vegetables.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Omni

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: tamale pie, comfort food, Mexican, family dinner, easy recipe