Tamale Pie Casserole
Tamale pie casserole is one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
For Assembling:
- 1 –2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños fresh cilantro, or sour cream
Instructions
Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pro Tip: Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld—this makes your tamale pie casserole extra flavorful.
Make the Cornbread Topping
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until fully blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently until combined.
- Pro Tip: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps, but don’t overmix—the batter should be slightly thick but smooth.
Assemble the Tamale Pie Casserole
- Lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the beef filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the filling and spread gently with a spatula.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Add optional jalapeños or other toppings if desired.
Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Pro Tip: Letting it rest ensures the layers set properly, making it easier to serve perfect squares of this delicious comfort dish.
Notes
Approximate Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~ 480–520 kcal
- Protein: ~ 25–30 g
- Total fat: ~ 20–25 g
- Saturated fat: ~ 8–10 g
- Carbohydrates: ~ 45–50 g
- Fiber: ~ 5–7 g
- Sugars: ~ 5–7 g
- Sodium: ~600–800 mg