Tamale Pie
Tamale Pie is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine to your dinner table. With layers of seasoned ground beef, poblano peppers, salsa, and corn nestled between fluffy cornbread and topped with gooey cheese, this casserole is as hearty as it is delicious.
Perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Tamale Pie Recipe:
People will love this Tamale Pie recipe because it combines the comforting textures of cornbread with the bold, savory flavors of seasoned beef, roasted poblano peppers, and melted cheese.
It’s a versatile dish that works for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, offering a satisfying balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors.
Plus, it’s easy to make and customize, making it a guaranteed hit for a variety of taste preferences!
Key Ingredients:
Lean Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base for the filling.
Poblano Peppers: Add a mild, smoky heat that enhances the dish’s flavor.
Jiffy Cornbread Mix: Creates a sweet and fluffy cornbread layer that complements the savory filling.
Chipotle Pepper: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick to elevate the flavor profile.
Shredded Cheese (Monterey Jack and Cheddar): Melts into gooey perfection, adding creaminess and richness.
Salsa and Enchilada Sauce: Bring vibrant, tangy, and spicy notes to the dish, tying everything together.
Tamale Pie
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2 lbs lean ground beef
2 cups diced poblano peppers (about 2 peppers)
1 (16 oz.) jar of salsa (Pace Picante preferred)
8 oz. thawed frozen corn
2 (8.5 oz.) boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix
1 tsp ground dried chipotle pepper
⅔ cup whole milk
4 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp brown sugar
Cooking spray
1 tsp salt
½ tsp dried oregano
½ (10 oz.) can red enchilada sauce
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Turn on the oven and set it to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Place a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Stir in the diced poblano peppers, corn, salt, salsa, oregano, enchilada sauce, and chipotle pepper.
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Mix the Cornbread Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add the cornbread mix and stir until just combined.
Step 5: Build the First Layer
Spread half of the cornbread mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the batter.
Spoon the beef mixture on top and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Add the Top Layer
Gently spread the remaining cornbread mixture over the beef layer, smoothing it out.
Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top, leaving a small edge exposed around the dish.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is cooked through.
Notes:
Cornbread Layer: For a fluffier texture, avoid overmixing the cornbread batter. Stir just until combined.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild salsa or reducing the amount of chipotle pepper. For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or use a hotter enchilada sauce.
Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack or Colby for additional flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 8 g | Cholesterol: 90 mg | Sodium: 900 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn works wonderfully in this recipe.
Simply cut the kernels off the cob and use them in the same quantity as the frozen corn.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.
Can I freeze Tamale Pie?
Yes! After baking, let the pie cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded cooked chicken are great alternatives.
For a vegetarian version, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based meat substitutes.
What can I serve with Tamale Pie?
This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad, guacamole, sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
You can also serve it with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a heartier meal.
How do I prevent the cornbread layer from being soggy?
To avoid sogginess, ensure the beef mixture isn’t overly liquid.
Simmer it until it thickens slightly before layering it over the cornbread.
Can I make this in a smaller baking dish?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
If using an 8×8-inch dish, halve the recipe or bake in batches to avoid overflow.
What’s the best way to evenly spread the top cornbread layer?
Spoon the batter in small dollops over the filling, then gently spread it with the back of a spoon or a spatula to avoid mixing it with the beef layer.
Why is my cheese browning too quickly?
If the cheese starts to brown too early, tent the casserole loosely with foil while it continues baking.
Remove the foil for the last 5–10 minutes to ensure a golden top.
How can I tell when the Tamale Pie is fully baked?
The casserole is done when the cornbread layer is firm and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Check after 50 minutes and bake longer if needed.