Why Make This Recipe
Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of traditional tamales with the ease of a casserole. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners, parties, or even game days. This pie is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a popular weeknight meal. Its layers of seasoned beef, beans, and a cornmeal topping create a satisfying and filling meal everyone will enjoy.
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:
- 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 Texas Tamale Pie
Serve Texas Tamale Pie warm from the oven. It pairs well with a side salad, tortilla chips, or some sour cream on top. You can also serve it with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
How to Store Texas Tamale Pie
To store leftovers, allow the pie to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Texas Tamale Pie
- For a spicier dish, add more diced green chilies or use spicy sausage in place of ground beef.
- You can use cornbread mix instead of making the cornmeal batter from scratch for an easier option.
- Top with fresh avocado or salsa for added flavor.
Variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based protein or more vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini.
FAQs
1. Can I make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when you are ready to serve.
2. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free cornmeal and check all other ingredients for gluten content to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Texas Tamale Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef You can substitute with spicy sausage for extra flavor.
- 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 You can use cornbread mix for convenience.
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack.
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 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.
- 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.
Baking
- 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.