Texas Tamale Pie

Ah, Texas Tamale Pie! Just saying the name conjures up warm memories of family gatherings, bustling kitchens, and the rich, spicy aroma wafting through the air. This dish has a way of making you feel right at home, no matter where you are. I remember the first time I had it at a friend’s potluck; I was completely captivated by its comforting layers of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that immediately transports you to sunny Texas, where the food is as big as the heart. So let’s dive right in!

Why you’ll love this recipe

There’s something irresistibly inviting about Texas Tamale Pie. It’s a straightforward dish that packs a flavor punch, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. Imagine the rich, savory ground beef mingling with the zest of black beans and the warmth of spices. Each bite is a celebration—a union of textures and tastes that harmonize so beautifully.

Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that saves on cleanup! Layered with a moist cornmeal topping, embellished with gooey cheddar and optional olives, this dish can make anyone feel like a culinary hero, even if you’ve never set foot in a kitchen before. And here’s a little secret: the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to mingle. Trust me, this pie deserves a spot on your recipe rotation!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need, shall we?

• 1 pound ground beef: Choose a good-quality beef for great flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap it out for turkey or a plant-based option!

• 1 medium onion, chopped: A must for that aromatic base—this will add the perfect sweet and savory notes.

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed: These little gems bring protein and heartiness. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, go for it!

• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies: A perfect blend of tang and spice—basically, an instant flavor booster.

• 1 tablespoon chili powder: Adds that signature Tex-Mex kick—don’t hold back on this!

• 1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is your friend in this pie, adding depth.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic is life, am I right? Adjust up or down to your taste!

• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A dash to round out the seasoning profile.

• 1 cup cornmeal: The foundation for our crust—so versatile and gives that lovely texture.

• 1 cup milk: Helps create a tender cornbread topping. You can use almond or oat milk if dairy is not your thing.

• 1 large egg: Acts like a binding agent—don’t skip it!

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The crowning glory! Swap in pepper jack for some extra heat if you’re feeling bold.

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional): Adds a briny contrast, but totally up to you—if you’re not a fan, skip it!

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish: A fresh sprinkle at the end takes it all to another level.

How to prepare it

Now, let’s bring this beauty to life—it’s easier than you might think!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Get it nice and toasty!

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together for about 5-7 minutes. Stir until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat—no one likes greasy pie!

3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and all your lovely spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it all simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. This step? It’s basically magic!

4. In another bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, milk, and egg until you have a smooth batter. It should feel like a thick and smooth blanket—lovely!

5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks. Pour half of the cornbread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

6. Layer your flavorful beef mixture over the cornmeal base, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.

7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and olives, if you’re using them) over the top. This is where the dish really starts to shine; just picture that gooey cheese melting beautifully!

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

9. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro for that fresh pop.

Best way to enjoy it

Slice, serve, and dig in! This Tex-Mex delight is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it to the next level. Consider pairing it with a refreshing corn salad, a zesty guacamole, or even some crisp tortilla chips. A dollop of sour cream or some extra cheese never hurt anyone either!

Feeling adventurous? Why not set out a taco bar with toppings like diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, or jalapeños? The possibilities are endless!

How to store and freeze

Now, let’s chat about leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have any, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven—just cover it with foil to keep that cheesy goodness intact while warming.

Want to keep it longer? Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll be ready for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’re good to go!

Helpful cooking tips

For best results, don’t rush any steps. Toasting your spices for a moment before adding them to the meat can really intensify their flavors—trust me; it’s worth it! Also, feel free to play around with the spices—add more chili powder if you crave extra heat or swap in smoked paprika for a twist. If you need it gluten-free, just substitute regular cornmeal with a certified gluten-free cornmeal.

Creative Twists

Want to put a little spin on it? Try adding some diced bell peppers to your beef mixture for a bit more crunch or even sneak in some spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. You could also substitute the ground beef for shredded chicken or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. The cornmeal topping can be swapped for polenta if you’re feeling daring. Let your creativity run wild!

Common questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works wonderfully here.

2. How spicy is this dish?
   It has a mild to medium spice level, but you can easily adjust that by omitting the green chilies or adding more spice blending to your liking.

3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for a day before popping it into the oven.

4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
   Definitely! It’s a fun way to introduce kids to spicier flavors. You can tone down the spice to suit their tastes.

5. What can I serve with it?
   Try a fresh salad, some Mexican-style rice, or just some warm tortillas to scoop it up with!

With all the warmth and heart this dish brings, I can’t wait for you to give it a go. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or make it your own, it’s all about enjoying the process and having fun in the kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, invite some friends over, and cook up some love—it’s time to create your own Texas Tamale Pie experience!

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Texas Tamale Pie

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 60 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  C Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: All Year

Description

Texas Tamale Pie is a delicious one-dish meal filled with savory ground beef, black beans, and a cornbread topping, perfect for any gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Texas Tamale Pie

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (You can substitute with turkey or plant-based options)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (For the aromatic base)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (For a signature Tex-Mex kick)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (Earthy flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (Essential for flavor)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper (To round out the seasoning)
• 1 cup cornmeal (Foundation for the crust)
• 1 cup milk (Can substitute with almond or oat milk)
• 1 large egg (Binding agent)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Can substitute with pepper jack)
• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced black olives (Optional)
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro (For garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Pie

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook Beef and Onion

   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Beans and Tomatoes

   Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and all spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper). Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
   Mark as complete

4. Prepare Cornmeal Mixture

   In another bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
   Mark as complete

5. Assemble the Pie

   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the beef mixture over it and then top with remaining cornmeal mixture.
   Mark as complete

6. Add Cheese and Bake

   Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (and olives if using) over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
   Mark as complete

7. Cool and Serve

   Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 6g24%

Sugars 4g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 300 IU

Vitamin C 10 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 4 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.2 mg

Folate 60 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 40 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Keywords: Texas, Tamale Pie, Tex-Mex, comfort food, beef, cornbread