Craving a comforting and hearty dish? Something that’s perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings? There’s none better than my tamale pie recipe.
This tamale pie hits the spot! It’s a delightful fusion of cornbread and savory filling that brings the classic flavors of tamales to your dinner table without all the fuss.
This recipe is sure to impress.
Imagine digging into a warm, cheesy tamale pie with a golden cornbread topping that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s packed with ground meat, beans, and spices, providing a satisfying flavor that dances on your palate. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings!
Introduction to Tamale Pie
Tamale pie presents a delightful twist on traditional Mexican flavors, combining the comfort of cornbread with a savory filling. This dish is perfect for gatherings, bringing warmth and satisfaction to the table.
As you take your first bite, the crispy cornbread crust contrasts beautifully with the hearty filling. Ground beef, black beans, and corn mesh together, delivering rich and satisfying flavors that are sure to please everyone.
Ingredients Overview
To create this delicious tamale pie, gather the essential ingredients that contribute to its robust flavor profile. You’ll need ground beef or turkey, which serves as the protein base, along with black beans and corn to enhance the texture and nutrition.
Add in diced tomatoes with green chilies for a touch of spice, and taco seasoning to elevate the overall taste. For the cornbread layer, you’ll require cornmeal, flour, milk, and eggs, which come together to form a fluffy topping.
Preparation Steps
Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature, setting the stage for a perfectly baked tamale pie. Brown the ground meat in a skillet until cooked through, then mix in black beans, corn, and the diced tomatoes along with taco seasoning.
This mixture needs a brief simmer to let the flavors meld before being spread evenly in a baking dish. The cornbread batter is prepared separately, mixed until just combined to ensure the best texture, then poured over the meat layer.
Baking the Tamale Pie
Once assembled, bake the pie until the cornbread layer turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas.
After baking, allow it to cool slightly to set before slicing. The melted cheese atop the cornbread adds a creamy richness that complements the filling beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve your tamale pie with fresh garnishes like cilantro and lime. The addition of a colorful side salad enhances the presentation and adds a refreshing contrast to the dish’s warmth.
Packing your plate with this hearty pie and accompanying sides creates a satisfying dining experience that is enjoyable for any occasion.
Nutrition Highlights
This tamale pie is not just delicious but also provides a balanced nutritional profile. With approximately 350 calories per serving, it offers a good mix of protein and carbohydrates to keep you energized.
Each serving contains a healthy dose of fats, coupled with the fiber from beans and corn, making it a filling option for family meals or casual gatherings.
Easy Tamale Pie with Pre-Made Tamales
This easy tamale pie swaps the traditional cornbread topping for pre-made tamales, saving time while keeping all the delicious flavors. A simple and hearty meal perfect for the whole family!
Ingredients
- 8-10 pre-made tamales (any variety), unwrapped and sliced
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add fillings: Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until well combined.
- Layer the tamales: Arrange the sliced tamales evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Add the meat mixture: Spread the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the tamales.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Slice and enjoy your delicious tamale pie!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
This recipe is part of my 79 Cheap Meals for Families. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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