Texas Tamale Pie

Texas Tamale Pie is a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a heartwarming charm. This delicious comfort food combines seasoned ground beef, zesty black beans, and juicy tomatoes, topped with a creamy, cornbread-like layer that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively potluck gathering, this dish never fails to impress with its rustic appeal and versatility.

As you dig into this hearty pie, you’ll experience a wonderful blend of spices and textures that tantalize your senses. The contrast of crunchy, cheesy top with the savory filling below creates a delightful harmony. In this article, you will find everything you need to whip up your own Texas Tamale Pie, including easy-to-follow directions, serving suggestions, tips, and variations. Let’s dive in and discover how simple it is to bring this Texas classic to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome, fresh components that enhance flavor and nutrition.
2. Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make this dish quick to prepare, even for beginners.
3. Nutrition: Packed with protein from beef and beans, plus fiber from cornmeal and vegetables.
4. Versatility: Customize it with different proteins or toppings to suit your taste.
5. Presentation: This colorful dish is visually appealing and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

You’ll find this Texas Tamale Pie is a recipe you’ll come back to time and again!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 45-50 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30-35 minutes

Note that times may vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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)

How To Make Texas Tamale Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F. 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. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve in a colorful dish for a warm, inviting look.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with a side salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
3. Portions: Cut into square servings for easy sharing and plating.
4. Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or a cold beer for the perfect balance.

These suggestions ensure a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy!

Additional Tips

• Flavor Enhancement: Consider adding jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Customization: Swap the ground beef for turkey or a meat substitute for a lighter option.
• Serving Suggestions: Top with avocado slices or sour cream for added creaminess.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Tamale Pie: Replace beef with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based delight.
2. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
3. Sweet Corn Twist: Mix in some sweet corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

1. Large skillet
2. Mixing bowls
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. 9×13-inch baking dish
5. Spatula
6. Knife and cutting board

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes! You can use frozen meat and vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand for even cooking.

2. Is it possible to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! Use lean ground beef, whole grain cornmeal, and add more vegetables for a nutritious boost.

3. Can I make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and cornmeal mixture beforehand. Assemble and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

4. How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, change the type of beans, or experiment with different spices.

5. What alternative cooking methods can I use?
You can cook it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

Texas Tamale Pie brings joy to your table with its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients. It’s an easy-to-make dish that appeals to everyone, making it perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family dinner or a lively party. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress! You’ll love sharing this easy yet delicious recipe with all your loved ones!

Texas Tamale Pie

A comforting and flavorful Texas Tamale Pie featuring seasoned ground beef, zesty black beans, and a creamy cornbread topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or meat substitute.
• 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 cornbread topping

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

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• 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.
• Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Cornmeal Mixture

• In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
• Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.

Baking

• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
• Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding jalapeños or swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter option. Top with avocado slices or sour cream for extra creaminess.

Keyword Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Hearty Pie, Texas Tamale Pie