Texas Tamale Pie

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Unveiling Texas Tamale Pie: A Comfort Food Classic

When I first stumbled upon this Texas Tamale Pie recipe, I knew I’d found something extraordinary. This dish beautifully marries the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, beans, and spices, all topped with a cornmeal crust and gooey cheese. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with family, this recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a plate. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and always leaves everyone wanting seconds.

What Makes This Recipe Special

So, why should you whip up a Texas Tamale Pie? First and foremost, it’s a one-pan wonder that embodies the heart of Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Its hearty ingredients keep you full, while its simplicity allows for customization, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

“My family devoured this tamale pie! It was not only easy to make but tasted incredible. We added extra cheese, and it was a hit!” – Happy Home Cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Crafting Texas Tamale Pie is straightforward and rewarding. With only a few key steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to bake. The process involves browning meat, mixing ingredients, and layering everything in a baking dish. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in watching this comforting dish come to life.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a handy checklist of everything required for this flavorful feast:

• 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 fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Feel free to experiment with some ingredients! For instance, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or add in some bell peppers for extra crunch.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is transparent (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the base flavors: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Prep your cornmeal mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
5. Layer it up: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
6. Create your layers: Spoon the beef mixture over the cornmeal layer, followed by the remaining cornmeal mixture.
7. Top it off: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and optional black olives over the top for extra flavor.
8. Bake to perfection: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and firm.
9. Cool and garnish: Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Best Way to Serve

Texas Tamale Pie shines as a standalone meal, but pair it with a fresh salad or some warm tortillas for a complete spread. You can also serve it with sour cream, avocado slices, or a dollop of guacamole to enhance its flavor and presentation. Don’t forget a side of salsa for those who love a little kick!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, you’re in luck! Store the Texas Tamale Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy it later, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Pro Chef Tips

• Cook Smart: Prepare your ground beef ahead of time and refrigerate it. This allows for a quick assembly when you’re ready to bake.
• Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices. If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Add Veggies: Incorporating corn or bell peppers not only increases nutrition but also adds delightful texture.

Flavor Variations

There are countless ways to make Texas Tamale Pie your own. Consider using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option, or use different types of beans for a twist in flavor. Top it with various cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or even go vegan with plant-based meat substitutes.

Your Questions Answered

Can I use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken will work nicely in this recipe.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.

Can I freeze Texas Tamale Pie?

Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s adequately wrapped to prevent freezer burn. It retains its flavor for up to three months.

What sides go well with this dish?

This tamale pie pairs perfectly with a light salad, tortilla chips, or even a side of guacamole for a delightful meal.

Explore the flavors of Texas with this mouthwatering Tamale Pie. It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen—one bite, and you’ll understand why!

This article format engages readers while addressing their specific queries and encourages them to appreciate the dish’s ease of preparation and versatility.

Texas Tamale Pie

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting, one-pan wonder that brings together seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a cheesy cornmeal crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until fully browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish.
6. Spoon the beef mixture over the cornmeal layer, followed by the remaining cornmeal mixture.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and optional black olives on top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

This dish can be customized by using ground turkey or adding bell peppers. Serve with sour cream or guacamole for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Texas, Tamale, Pie, Tex-Mex, comfort food, one-pan meal, easy recipe