Go Back
–+ servings
Merry

Quick Tamale Pie for Families

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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)

Method
 

Preheat the Oven:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Filling:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder, and cumin.
  3. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Combine the Ingredients:
  1. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, Anaheim chiles, corn, olives, raisins, grated cheese, and water.
  2. Mix well and adjust seasoning by adding more chili powder or cumin if desired.
Assemble the Casserole:
  1. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Spoon the prepared filling evenly into the dish.
Prepare the Cornbread Batter:
  1. In a large bowl, mix the cornbread batter according to the package instructions.
  2. Pour the batter over the filling in the casserole dish, spreading it evenly to cover.
Bake:
  1. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Serve:
  1. 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.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!