Texas Tamale Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the beloved flavors of tamales and turns them into a delicious, easy-to-make pie. The combination of seasoned ground beef and black beans provides rich, savory flavors, while the cornbread topping gives it a slight sweetness and a perfect texture. The cheesy, golden crust adds a satisfying finish. It’s a one-dish meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

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
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, milk, egg, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
6. Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
7. Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading it out to cover the top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the cornbread layer.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced black olives and chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Use different beans: Feel free to swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans, depending on what you have on hand.
• Spice it up: If you like a little extra heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap the regular cornmeal for a gluten-free variety to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Texas Tamale Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and bean mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the pie and bake when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Texas Tamale Pie?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, though the flavor may be slightly lighter.

4. What can I serve with Texas Tamale Pie?

This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, guacamole, or sour cream. You could also serve it with some warm tortilla chips.

5. Is Texas Tamale Pie spicy?

The dish has a mild heat from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the chili powder. If you prefer more spice, you can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.

6. Can I make Texas Tamale Pie vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or simply using more beans and vegetables.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

8. How do I make sure the cornbread topping cooks all the way through?

Ensure that your oven is preheated and that the cornbread is golden brown on top before removing it from the oven. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

9. Can I add more toppings?

Yes, you can top your Texas Tamale Pie with sour cream, salsa, jalapeño slices, or even avocado slices for a creamy, fresh addition.

10. How can I make this dish more filling?

For an even heartier meal, you can add some cooked rice to the beef mixture or serve the pie over a bed of rice.

Conclusion

Texas Tamale Pie is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings the best of Tex-Mex cuisine into a single dish. With its combination of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cheesy cornbread topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made in just under an hour. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

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