Description

This Classic Beef Tamale Pie is a hearty, comforting casserole featuring a flavorful beef and corn filling topped with a golden, tender cornbread crust. It’s a one-pan meal that combines smoky spices, melted cheese, and a slightly sweet topping for the ultimate family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Cornbread Topping:

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1 large egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and beans (if using). Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in cheeses. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine milk, egg, and oil. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Assemble: Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef filling and spread it out with a spatula. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top if desired.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve: Let the tamale pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro if desired.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or cayenne to the beef mixture.

Make ahead by preparing the beef filling a day before and refrigerating until ready to bake.

Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter variation.

For a cheesy crust, top the cornbread batter with extra cheddar before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg