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Texas Tamale Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty, comforting casserole that layers savory ground beef, black beans, and spiced tomatoes between creamy cornmeal crusts, topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional black olives. This Tex-Mex inspired dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, combining bold flavors and an easy baking method to deliver a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 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

Cornmeal Mixture

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your tamale pie.
  2. Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
  3. Add beans and spices: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
  4. Prepare the cornmeal batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, milk, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the base and topping for your pie.
  5. Layer the pie: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish and spread it evenly to form the bottom crust. Next, layer the cooked beef and bean mixture evenly over the cornmeal. Finally, pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top, spreading it out.
  6. Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced black olives evenly over the top of the pie for extra flavor and texture.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set, indicating the cornmeal has cooked through.
  8. Rest and garnish: Remove the tamale pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and color.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add jalapeños or more chili powder to the beef mixture.
  • Black olives are optional, but they add a nice salty contrast to the dish.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
  • Letting the pie rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
  • Use whole milk for a richer cornmeal crust, or opt for a lower-fat milk to reduce calories.

Keywords: Texas Tamale Pie, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef tamale pie, easy tamale recipe, baked tamale pie

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/texas-tamale-pie-recipe/