Texas Tamale Pie Recipe

“If you enjoy easy, flavor-packed meals, this one checks every box.”

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to the delightful flavors of Texas Tamale Pie. This dish is not only easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it also delivers a taste that can remind you of home and warmth. Texas Tamale Pie combines savory ground meat, rich spices, and a cornbread topping that seals in all the flavors. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table. With simple homemade dinner prep, you’ll quickly find it becoming a family favorite.

What Makes This Recipe So Special

One of the best things about Texas Tamale Pie is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes, whether you prefer beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian option. It’s an affordable and hearty meal, packed with protein and veggies, making it suitable for all kinds of eaters. Plus, this dish is incredibly satisfying, the cornbread topping bakes to a golden perfection, complementing the flavorful filling underneath.

In just a little over an hour, you can create a dish that warms hearts and fills bellies, making it a great option for gatherings or a cozy night in. This Texas Tamale Pie not only nourishes but also brings a touch of culinary excitement to your dinner rotation!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a scrumptious Texas Tamale Pie:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or black beans for a vegetarian option)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color works!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chiles for extra spice)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional but highly recommended for added nourishment)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack for a kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for sautéing)

Equipment

To whip up this delicious Texas Tamale Pie, you’ll need:

• Large skillet (to cook the filling)
• Mixing bowl (for the cornbread batter)
• Baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works best)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for mixing and serving)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Filling

1. 
   

   Sauté the Vegetables
   In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cook the Meat
   Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add the Spices and Tomatoes
   Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with the black beans (if using). Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.

   
   

Making the Cornbread Topping

4. 
   

   Prepare the Cornmeal Batter
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk and eggs, then stir well. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.

   
   
5. 
   

   Assemble the Dish
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top and spread it gently to cover.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake
   Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top so it melts beautifully.

   
   

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Upgrade Your Filling: For added flavor, mix in some jalapeños or chipotle in adobo sauce into the filling.
• Avoid Oversalting: Wait until the end to taste and adjust the seasoning in your filling to prevent over-salting.
• Cornmeal Consistency: Be careful not to overmix your cornbread batter; a few lumps are okay for a fluffy texture!
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace meat with a mix of beans, quinoa, and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Fixing Dry Cornbread: If your cornbread turns out too dry, consider adding in a few tablespoons of sour cream to the batter next time.
• Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk to the cornbread to maintain moisture before wrapping in foil and warming in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Texas Tamale Pie is perfect on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Best Ways to Serve: Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for an extra flavor punch.
• Easy Variations: Swap the ground meat for chorizo for a spicy twist or add frozen corn directly into the filling for added sweetness.
• Simple Swaps: You can replace cheese with vegan alternatives to cater to dietary preferences or serve it alongside a fresh green salad for balance.

Storage & Leftovers

FAQ: How long does Texas Tamale Pie last in the fridge?
Texas Tamale Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

FAQ: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

FAQ: How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices in 30-second intervals until heated.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional Notes: Each serving of Texas Tamale Pie is rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the ground meat and beans. The cornbread topping is high in carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal. Pair it with a side of veggies to round out your daily nutrients.

Key Takeaways:

• Good source of protein
• Rich in dietary fiber
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals

FAQs

Conclusion

“I hope this dish brings as much comfort to your table as it did to mine.”

Texas Tamale Pie is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the heartiness of a casserole with the zest of Tex-Mex cuisine. With its simple preparation and versatility, it’ll quickly become a cherished recipe in your home. Enjoy the comforting flavors and bring a little bit of Texas to your dinner table! For more easy weeknight ideas, feel free to explore my other recipes that celebrate the joy of home cooking.

Texas Tamale Pie

Texas Tamale Pie combines savory ground meat, rich spices, and a cornbread topping, making it a comforting and versatile dish for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Filling Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or black beans for a vegetarian option) Choose your preferred protein
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped Any color works!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (with green chiles for extra spice)
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed Optional but highly recommended for added nourishment
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cornbread Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack for a kick) Add on top before baking

Method

 

Preparing the Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with the black beans (if using). Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Making the Cornbread Topping

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk and eggs, then stir well. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top and spread it gently to cover.
3. Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top so it melts beautifully.

Notes

For an extra flavor punch, top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with a mix of beans, quinoa, and vegetables.