Delicious Texas Tamale Pie served with toppings

Texas Tamale Pie

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why make this recipe

Texas Tamale Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together delicious flavors in a simple way. It’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or any occasion when you want something warm and satisfying. This recipe includes ground beef, beans, cornmeal, and cheese, creating a tasty meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

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, 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

Serve Texas Tamale Pie warm from the oven. It pairs well with a simple salad or some tortilla chips. You can also add extra toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to enhance the flavor and texture. This dish is great for sharing, so feel free to bring it to potlucks or gatherings.

how to store Texas Tamale Pie

To store leftovers, let the Texas Tamale 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. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

tips to make Texas Tamale Pie

  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or another type of meatless protein.
  • Make sure to mix the cornmeal, milk, and egg well to avoid lumps, which will result in a smoother texture.

variation

You can customize Texas Tamale Pie by using different types of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans. For a twist, try adding cooked corn to the beef mixture for extra sweetness and texture.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great in this recipe as a leaner alternative.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cornmeal layer ahead of time. Assemble the dish and bake when you are ready to serve.

Is it okay to freeze Texas Tamale Pie?
Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap it tightly and freeze it before baking, or you can freeze leftovers after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Texas Tamale Pie

A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef, beans, cornmeal, and cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the beef mixture
  • 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
For the cornmeal layer
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
For topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional) optional topping
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  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, 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.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
  2. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a salad or tortilla chips. Optional toppings include sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Great for sharing at potlucks or gatherings.