Tamale Pie is the ultimate comfort food—rich, filling, and full of bold flavors. It’s much easier and faster to make than traditional tamales, making it ideal for busy nights. The combination of spiced meat and soft cornbread is satisfying, and the recipe is easily adaptable to your taste. It’s also a great way to use pantry staples like canned beans and cornmeal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef or ground turkey
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Bell pepper, diced
Canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
Canned black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Canned corn or frozen corn
Chili powder
Cumin
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Cornmeal
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Milk
Egg
Butter or oil
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are soft.
Stir in tomatoes, beans, corn, and spices. Let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Spread the meat mixture into a greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, milk, egg, and melted butter to make the cornbread batter.
Pour the batter evenly over the meat mixture in the dish.
Sprinkle cheese on top, if desired.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
Let it cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheesy Crust: Mix shredded cheese directly into the cornbread batter for extra flavor.
Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through, or place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes. You can also freeze Tamale Pie for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is tamale pie made of?
Tamale pie is typically made with a ground meat and vegetable filling, topped with a cornbread crust and sometimes cheese.
Can I make tamale pie ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Is tamale pie spicy?
It can be mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat level by adding or reducing chili powder or hot peppers.
Can I use a boxed cornbread mix?
Yes, a boxed mix like Jiffy can be used to save time. Prepare according to package instructions.
How do I know when the cornbread topping is done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I add cheese to the filling?
Absolutely. Stir in some shredded cheese with the meat mixture for extra creaminess.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, Tamale Pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze before or after baking.
Can I make it in a cast iron skillet?
Yes, just make sure the skillet is oven-safe and greased well.
What side dishes go well with tamale pie?
Serve with a side salad, guacamole, salsa, or Mexican rice.
How do I prevent the cornbread from getting soggy?
Allow the filling to simmer and reduce before topping with cornbread to avoid excess moisture.
Conclusion
Tamale Pie delivers all the flavor of classic tamales with none of the fuss. With its savory filling and soft, golden cornbread topping, it’s a warm and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Easy to customize and make ahead, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Tamale Pie is a hearty, comforting casserole that brings together the bold flavors of seasoned meat, beans, and vegetables under a golden, fluffy cornbread crust. Easier to make than traditional tamales, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Mexican-Inspired
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes or 1 cup tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned corn or frozen corn
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup melted butter or oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Spread the meat mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, if desired.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more beans or vegetables.Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier version.Mix cheese into the cornbread batter for extra richness.Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish gluten-free.Let the filling reduce before adding the topping to avoid sogginess.
