Texas Tamale Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this recipe is how hearty and satisfying it is while also being super easy to make. The combination of ground beef, black beans, corn, and spices creates a flavorful filling, and the cornbread topping adds a soft, slightly sweet contrast. The melted cheddar cheese on top gives it a perfect finishing touch. It’s a great one-pan dish that’s full of bold flavors and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1 egg

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat. I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked, I drain any excess fat.

3. I stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened.

4. Next, I add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Then, I transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

5. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.

6. I pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture, making sure to cover it completely.

7. I bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8. After baking, I let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Add Vegetables: I can add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture for more color and flavor.

• Make it Spicy: For an extra kick, I can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or sprinkle hot sauce over the top before serving.

• Cheese Swap: I can swap the cheddar cheese for a spicier cheese like pepper jack, or use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor profile.

• Vegetarian Version: I can easily make this a vegetarian dish by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or more beans like kidney beans or pinto beans.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great in place of ground beef for a leaner option, while still keeping the flavor rich and satisfying.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! I can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread batter ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the tamale pie when ready to bake. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.

Can I use frozen corn or beans?

Yes, I can use frozen corn in place of canned corn. For the beans, I can also use canned, or if I prefer, I can cook dried beans beforehand and use those.

Can I make this gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in the cornbread topping. Make sure the cornbread ingredients (like baking powder) are gluten-free as well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, I can stir in diced jalapeños, use hot salsa instead of mild, or sprinkle chili flakes on top for extra spice.

Conclusion

Texas Tamale Pie is the perfect hearty and comforting casserole that brings together all the flavors of a classic tamale with a delicious cornbread twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a meal for the family, this dish is flavorful, filling, and sure to be a hit. It’s a one-pan meal that combines the savory richness of beef, beans, and spices with a cheesy, cornbread topping — a satisfying and delicious dish for any occasion!