Texas Tamale Pie: A Flavorful Ground Beef and Cornmeal Casserole Recipe
Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty and flavorful casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a spicy tomato base, layered with creamy cornmeal batter and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This classic Tex-Mex dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner, offering a delicious blend of savory spices and satisfying textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cornmeal Mixture
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tamale pie later.
- Cook Beef and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare Cornmeal Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together cornmeal, milk, and egg until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal batter evenly into the bottom. Layer the beef and bean mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal batter on top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and add sliced black olives if using.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the tamale pie to cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Add a layer of sliced jalapeños for extra heat or serve with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
