Here is an easy Texas Tamale Pie recipe you can make any night.
introduction
This Texas Tamale Pie is warm, simple, and full of flavor. It mixes beef, beans, tomatoes, and a cornmeal topping for a hearty one-dish meal. If you like quick Texas-style dinners, you might also enjoy an easy Texas Roadhouse salmon recipe for another fast main dish idea.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is simple, filling, and tastes like comfort food. It uses common pantry items and cooks in one dish. Kids and adults both like it. You can change spices and toppings to match your taste.
how to make Texas Tamale Pie
Brown the beef with onion, add beans, tomatoes with green chilies, and spices. Mix a quick cornmeal batter and layer it with the beef mix in a dish. Top with cheese and bake until golden. Let it rest a bit, then slice and serve.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
how to serve Texas Tamale Pie
Cut the pie into squares and serve warm. Add a scoop of sour cream or a dollop of salsa if you like. A side salad or steamed vegetables make a good balance. Garnish with extra cilantro and sliced green onions for color.
how to store Texas Tamale Pie
Cool the pie to room temperature. Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap slices well or put in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave slices on medium power.
tips to make Texas Tamale Pie
- Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from getting greasy.
- Use low-sodium canned items if you want less salt.
- Let the pie rest before slicing so the cornmeal sets and holds together.
- Add a little cheese inside the layers for extra gooeyness.
- If you like more heat, add chopped jalapeño or extra chili powder.
variation (if any)
- Make it vegetarian: swap cooked lentils or extra beans for the beef.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add corn kernels or chopped bell pepper to the beef mix for more texture.
- Try pepper jack cheese for a spicier finish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use masa harina instead of cornmeal?
A: Yes. Masa harina works well and gives a more traditional tamale flavor. Keep the same liquid amounts but check texture.
Q: Is this recipe gluten free?
A: Yes, if your cornmeal and canned items are labeled gluten free. Check labels to be sure.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to bake time.
Q: How spicy is the pie?
A: The base recipe is mild to medium. Add more chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce if you want more heat.
Conclusion
For another take on Texas-style comfort food and extra ideas, see this detailed Texas Tamale Pie recipe on Flavor Mosaic: Flavor Mosaic Texas Tamale Pie recipe.
Texas Tamale Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed Canned black beans
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste
Cornmeal Topping
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Cornmeal Mixture
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
Assembling
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.