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One-Dish Tamale Pie With Cornbread Topping

7 months ago 52

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Savory ground beef is simmered in a zesty enchilada sauce and then baked under a cheesy cornbread topping for a quick and hearty one-pot dinner.

Flavor: Zesty meat filling and a sweet cornbread topping are a simple combo that delivers big flavor.
Recommended Tools: Use a meat chopper to finely crumble the ground beef as it cooks.
Swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap the fresh for frozen veggies.
Budget Tip: Add instant white rice or a can of black beans to stretch the recipe further.

Tamale pie transforms a simple skillet of seasoned meat and vegetables into a baked masterpiece. Topped with cornbread batter and baked until golden, it’s both hearty and flavorful. This dish is easy to customize with your favorite beans, veggies, or cheese. Serve hot for a filling dinner that feels like a hug in every bite. #spendwithpennies

Ingredient Tips for Tamale Pie

Meat: Lean ground beef works best in this recipe. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy filling. You can also replace all or a portion of it with ground chicken or turkey.
Veggies: Corn is a classic veggie in Mexican recipes and adds a pop of color and sweetness to tamale pie. Sneak in some shredded zucchini or carrots, or a bag of frozen peas and carrots!
Topping: Similar to the cornmeal dough (masa) used to wrap tamales, this dish has tamale flavor without the work. Corn muffin mix is slightly sweet and keeps this dish easy to prepare.

adding meat mixture to dish to make Tamale Pie

adding cheese to dish to make Tamale Pie

How to Make Tamale Pie

Make the meat mixture (full recipe below) and top with cheese.
Prepare cornbread topping and spread it over the top of the meat.
Top with the remaining cheese and bake.

Make tamale pie up to 3 days ahead and enjoy all week for quick dinners and hearty workday lunches.
The filling can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. When ready to cook, remove the filling from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator. Make the topping and add it before cooking.
Or, assemble the whole dish. Allow to cool. Cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for 1 day. Bake at the normal temperature, but it may need an extra 10 or 15 minutes.

Tamale Pie in a dish with a portion taken out

Leftovers to Love Later

Store the tamale pie in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave.

Freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Mexican-Inspired Meals

Did you enjoy this Tamale Pie Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

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Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie is a Mexican-inspired one-pot dish full of ground beef, cornbread, and cheese!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

▢ 1 pound lean ground beef
▢ 1 onion chopped
▢ 1 bell pepper diced, green or red
▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
▢ 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
▢ ¼ cup water
▢ ¾ cup enchilada sauce
▢ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Topping

▢ 1 box corn muffin mix 8.5 oz
▢ ½ cup sour cream
▢ ½ cup corn kernels canned, fresh, or frozen
▢ ⅓ cup milk
▢ 1 egg
▢ chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Combine beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a 10" ovenproof skillet. Cook until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Add taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Simmer until water evaporates. Stir in enchilada sauce. Top with 1 ½ cups of cheese.
Combine corn muffin mix, sour cream, corn, milk ,and egg. Spread over the beef mixture.
Top with remaining cheese and bake 35-40 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Tamale Pie can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Reheat by microwaving a single portion. Adjust seasonings and serve it up again!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beef, Casserole, Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pie

Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex Mex

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

filling and flavorful Tamale Pie with writing

close up of a slice of Tamale Pie on a plate with a title

Tamale Pie in the dish and on a plate with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
See more posts by Holly