Description
Tamale pie is the ultimate comfort food—a delicious combination of savory ground beef, flavorful spices, and sweet corn, all topped with a golden layer of cornbread. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering bold flavors and a hearty texture. This recipe is easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (4-ounce) can green Anaheim chiles, drained and chopped
- 1 (16-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can sliced ripe olives
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup water
For the Topping:
-
- 1 (16-ounce) package prepared cornbread mix (e.g., Jiffy or Bob’s Red Mill)
- Water, egg, oil, or milk (as required by cornbread mix instructions)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder, and cumin.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, Anaheim chiles, corn, olives, raisins, grated cheese, and water.
- Mix well and adjust seasoning by adding more chili powder or cumin if desired.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
- Spoon the prepared filling evenly into the dish.
- Prepare the Cornbread Batter:
- In a large bowl, mix the cornbread batter according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter over the filling in the casserole dish, spreading it evenly to cover.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Let the tamale pie cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Customizations: Add diced jalapeños for spice, or swap the raisins for chopped dates or cranberries for a twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked tamale pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American