Easy Tamale Pie Recipe: Bold and Satisfying

Combine the comforting essence of tamales with the simplicity of a casserole in this easy tamale pie recipe. It offers a bold and satisfying meal, perfect for when time is short but expectations are high. Brown the ground beef and infuse it with zesty enchilada sauce. To ensure the cornmeal crust stays crispy while the cheese melts perfectly, follow a few simple tips and tricks. Impress both family and guests by mastering this dish. Curious about those steps? Let's explore them together.

Key Takeaways

• Tamale pie offers a bold, satisfying flavor with a spicy meat filling and a crispy cornmeal crust.
• The dish uses simple ingredients like ground beef, enchilada sauce, corn, and cheddar cheese.
• Preparing tamale pie involves layering cooked beef and cornmeal, then baking for 30 minutes.
• The recipe is customizable with additional vegetables or spices for personal taste preferences.
• Ideal for busy weeknights, tamale pie can be made in advance and stored for easy reheating.

Recipe

Tamale Pie is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of traditional tamales into a convenient casserole. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or an easy weeknight meal, offering a crispy cornmeal crust paired with a rich, spicy meat filling.

Originating as an American adaptation of Mexican tamales, Tamale Pie captures the essence of the beloved tamale flavors without the need for wrapping individual portions in corn husks. Its simple preparation and delicious taste have made it a staple in many households since the early 1900s.

This recipe uses ground beef, enchilada sauce, corn, and cheddar cheese, all layered between a cornmeal crust to create a flavorful and hearty meal. With minimal preparation time and ingredients that are easy to find, Tamale Pie is an ideal dish to make when you're craving comfort food but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Below, you'll find a straightforward list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to guide you through making this delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

To begin, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and mix in the enchilada sauce and drained corn, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

While the meat mixture simmers, prepare the cornmeal according to the package directions. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the prepared cornmeal mixture, then evenly spread the meat mixture on top. Cover with the remaining cornmeal mixture and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are slightly crispy. For best results, allow the tamale pie to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this helps the dish set properly and makes it easier to slice.

The consistency of the cornmeal mixture should be slightly thicker than typical polenta to ensure a firm structure. This dish can be frozen for up to three months when wrapped tightly in foil and stored in an airtight container. When reheating, individual portions can be microwaved, while the entire dish can be warmed in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Cooking Steps

Get ready to whip up a delicious tamale pie by starting with browning the ground beef until it's perfectly cooked.

Then mix it with enchilada sauce and corn to let those flavors simmer together.

While that's happening, prepare the cornmeal according to the package instructions, ensuring it's just thick enough for a sturdy base.

Once ready, layer half of the cornmeal in a baking dish, spread the savory meat mixture over it, top with the remaining cornmeal and cheese, and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 1. Brown the Ground Beef

To start the tamale pie, you'll often begin by browning the ground beef to develop rich flavors for the filling.

Grab your large skillet and place it over medium heat, letting it warm up. As you add the ground beef, you'll hear a satisfying sizzle, signaling the beginning of your culinary adventure.

Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces, ensuring even cooking. Watch as the meat turns from pink to a delicious brown, releasing savory aromas that fill your kitchen.

Stir occasionally, allowing all sides to brown beautifully. Once the beef is cooked through, drain the excess fat to keep your tamale pie from becoming greasy.

Your perfectly browned beef is now ready for the next steps!

Step 2. Simmer With Enchilada Sauce

With the ground beef perfectly browned, it's time to infuse it with flavor by adding the enchilada sauce.

Pour the entire can over the sizzling meat, letting the rich aroma fill your kitchen. Stir well to ensure every morsel of beef is coated in this spicy, tangy delight.

As the sauce mingles with the meat, you'll notice a vibrant transformation. Allow the mixture to simmer gently; this helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a savory base for your tamale pie.

Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and ensure even cooking.

In just a few minutes, you'll have a delicious, hearty filling that's ready to be layered into your pie, promising bold flavors in every bite.

Step 3. Prepare Cornmeal as Directed

While the meat mixture simmers, it's the perfect moment to focus on preparing the cornmeal. Grab your package of yellow cornmeal and carefully follow the directions provided.

You'll be stirring up a warm, comforting base for your tamale pie that's simply irresistible. As you mix the cornmeal, keep an eye on the consistency—aiming for a slightly thicker texture than typical polenta ensures your dish will hold beautifully.

Feel the excitement as the cornmeal turns smooth and inviting, ready to be layered with the savory meat. The aroma of freshly cooked cornmeal adds a delightful anticipation to your kitchen, making this step as enjoyable as it's essential.

Embrace this process, knowing you're crafting a dish that promises bold flavors and satisfying bites.

Step 4. Layer Cornmeal and Meat Mixture

Now that the components are ready, it's time to assemble the tamale pie. First, spread half of your prepared cornmeal mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. This forms the base, providing a soft and slightly crunchy layer that holds everything together.

Next, pour the savory meat mixture over the cornmeal, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, enchilada sauce, and corn creates a hearty filling that's both spicy and satisfying.

Finally, top with the remaining cornmeal mixture, smoothing it out gently. This top layer seals in the flavors below and sets the stage for the cheesy finale.

You're building a dish that promises comfort and deliciousness in every bite!

Step 5. Bake Until Cheese Melts

Once you've layered the cornmeal and meat mixture, it's time to bake your tamale pie to perfection.

Preheat your oven to 350°F, ensuring it's ready for this delicious transformation. Gently slide the baking dish onto the middle rack. This placement helps the heat circulate evenly, melting the cheddar cheese into a gooey, tempting layer.

As the pie bakes, the cheese will bubble and turn golden brown, signaling that it's just right. Let it bake for about 30 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure the edges are perfectly crispy.

When the cheese is beautifully melted and the aroma fills your kitchen, you'll know it's ready. This baking step is crucial to achieving that delightful mix of crispy and creamy textures.

Final Thoughts

In summary, tamale pie offers a delightful combination of convenience and flavor, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.

You'll find this dish perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave comfort food without the fuss. The crispy cornmeal crust paired with the savory, spicy filling hits all the right notes, giving you that classic tamale taste in a fraction of the time.

Don't hesitate to make it your own; add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.

Preparing and sharing tamale pie is a joy, as it brings people together around the dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Did you know turkey has about 30% less fat than beef? You can definitely swap ground turkey for ground beef in your tamale pie.

It'll bring a lighter taste while still delivering all the bold flavors you love. Just brown the turkey as you'd the beef, letting it soak up those spicy enchilada notes.

This simple change keeps the dish hearty and satisfying, perfect for a delicious, comforting dinner. Enjoy!

What Can I Substitute for Enchilada Sauce?

You can substitute enchilada sauce with a homemade mix of tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick!

This mix brings that bold, zesty flavor you love in enchilada sauce. Just simmer it all together until it thickens slightly.

It'll give your tamale pie a delicious, homemade twist without losing any of that rich, comforting essence.

Try it, and enjoy your flavorful creation!

How Do I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, imagine swapping the robust beef for hearty black beans or lentils, adding a satisfying texture and rich flavor.

Use vegetable broth-infused cornmeal to amplify taste. Instead of enchilada sauce, try a zesty tomato salsa or your favorite taco sauce.

This transformation makes the dish just as bold and delightful. It's an exciting twist that invites you to savor every bite while sticking to a plant-friendly path!

Can I Add Beans to the Filling?

Absolutely, you can add beans to the filling! This addition will enhance the texture and flavor, making your tamale pie even more satisfying.

Simply mix in a can of drained black or pinto beans when you add the enchilada sauce and corn. The beans soak up the spices, creating a delightful blend with the beef.

Feel free to experiment with different types of beans for a unique twist. Enjoy the savory goodness!

How Do I Prevent the Cornmeal Crust From Becoming Soggy?

You can prevent the cornmeal crust from becoming soggy by ensuring the meat mixture isn't too wet.

Drain any excess liquid from the corn and meat mixture before layering it with the cornmeal. Also, bake the dish uncovered at 350°F to allow moisture to evaporate.

The cornmeal should be thicker than polenta, so it forms a solid base. Letting the pie rest for 10-15 minutes helps set the crust perfectly.

Enjoy!