Skillet Tamale Pie with Chile Cornmeal Crust
This Skillet Tamale Pie with Chile Cornmeal Crust is a hearty, one-pan comfort food packed with seasoned meat, beans, and vegetables, all topped with a tender, golden cornmeal crust infused with mild green chiles. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy tamale pie delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
For the chile cornmeal crust:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter or oil
- ½ cup chopped green chiles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, eggs, melted butter, and green chiles, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the cornmeal batter evenly over the meat filling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the crust is set and lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use a cast-iron skillet for best heat distribution and texture.Adjust spice level with jalapeños or chili flakes if desired.Let the pie rest a few minutes before slicing for cleaner portions.
