Tamale Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and sweet corn, all topped with a golden, cornbread crust. It’s a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, making it a family favorite for any dinner table.
The dish is versatile and easy to make, so you can experiment with different toppings or use ground turkey for a lighter version. It’s an excellent option for meal prepping, and it also freezes well for later. If you like a bit more spice, add some extra chili powder or jalapeños to the filling for an added kick.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping, optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add the chopped onion, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the green chilies, diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors.
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In a separate bowl, mix masa harina and chicken broth. Stir until smooth, then pour the mixture over the meat and vegetable mix. Stir well to combine.
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Transfer the tamale filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the masa mixture evenly over the top.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the masa topping is golden and firm.
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Optional: sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until melted.
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Serve hot, topped with sour cream if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Origins of Tamale Pie
Tamale Pie has its roots in Mexican cuisine, drawing inspiration from traditional tamales. Tamales are a staple of Mexican food culture, consisting of a masa (corn dough) mixture filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, and wrapped in a corn husk. Over time, people in the United States began creating variations of this classic dish, adapting it for ease of preparation and modern tastes. Tamale Pie takes the essence of tamales but simplifies the cooking process by combining all the ingredients into one easy-to-bake casserole.
This dish is believed to have originated in the southwestern United States and has since become a popular meal in many households, especially in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Tamale Pie is a great option for those who enjoy the flavors of tamales but want a less labor-intensive meal. Its flexibility makes it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
Why Tamale Pie is a Great Meal
Tamale Pie is a versatile, comforting dish that can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. The base of the dish is typically made with seasoned ground beef, though ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a leaner version. The mixture of meat, tomatoes, corn, and spices is then topped with a layer of cornbread, which bakes into a golden crust that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dish.
One of the reasons Tamale Pie is so beloved is because of its ability to feed a crowd while being simple to prepare. The casserole-style nature of the dish means that it can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve, making it a great choice for busy families or anyone looking for an easy, hands-off meal. In addition, the combination of flavors—spicy, savory, and slightly sweet—ensures that Tamale Pie satisfies both hearty appetites and delicate palates.
How to Customize Tamale Pie
Tamale Pie is incredibly adaptable. While the recipe traditionally uses ground beef or turkey, you can easily substitute other types of protein, such as chicken, pork, or even vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh. You can also adjust the level of heat in the dish by adding more or less chili powder, cumin, or even diced jalapeños.
For a more complex flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, or black beans to the filling. The addition of cheese—whether shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses—can make the dish even more indulgent. Similarly, the cornbread topping can be customized by adding ingredients like jalapeños, corn kernels, or even a sprinkle of cheese before baking.
Tamale Pie is also a great option for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. The flavors actually deepen and improve when left to sit for a day or two. It can also be frozen for longer-term storage, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Tamale Pie is a filling dish on its own, but it can be enhanced with side dishes that complement its flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie. You could also serve it with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a more traditional meal. For a bit of extra heat and flavor, try topping the Tamale Pie with fresh salsa, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream.
Another great accompaniment is a side of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob. These vegetables add a light, charred flavor that balances the heaviness of the Tamale Pie, making for a well-rounded meal. If you’re serving Tamale Pie at a gathering, consider offering a few different types of salsa or hot sauce on the side so guests can adjust the heat to their liking.
Why You’ll Love Tamale Pie
This dish brings together everything that’s comforting about food: rich flavors, a crispy topping, and an easy, one-dish preparation. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest of appetites, yet versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for a family gathering, Tamale Pie is sure to become a favorite.
What makes this dish truly special is the blend of savory flavors from the seasoned meat and vegetables paired with the slightly sweet, cornbread crust. The contrast between the rich filling and the golden, slightly crumbly topping creates a delightful eating experience. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, friends, or simply preparing it for yourself, Tamale Pie is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Health Considerations and Modifications
Although Tamale Pie is a comforting and filling dish, it can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, you can substitute regular cornbread mix with a gluten-free version, and be sure to check the other ingredients for hidden sources of gluten. Additionally, if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace the cornbread topping with a cauliflower mash or a low-carb alternative.
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or skip it entirely, as the dish still packs plenty of flavor from the seasoned filling. Using leaner meats and skipping the cheese makes this dish more calorie-conscious without sacrificing taste.
Conclusion: The Allure of Tamale Pie
Tamale Pie is a comforting, delicious, and versatile dish that brings together the best of Mexican-inspired flavors in an easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, Tamale Pie is a dish that everyone will love. Its adaptability, rich flavors, and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
As you experiment with different variations and toppings, you’ll find that Tamale Pie has endless possibilities. It’s a dish that brings warmth to any table and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So the next time you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal, look no further than Tamale Pie.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and versatility. Enjoy experimenting with it, and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and flavors. No matter how you choose to prepare it, Tamale Pie is bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.