Texas Tamale Pie

Texas Tamale Pie offers a nourishing, delightful meal that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite. This dish captures the essence of comfort food while embodying the spirit of Texas cuisine. With its savory layers of seasoned beef, beans, and creamy cornmeal topping, it often finds its way to the dinner table on busy weeknights or festive gatherings. I’ve made this dish countless times, and each time, the room fills with laughter and chatter as everyone dives into the delicious layers.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Texas Tamale Pie is a true champion for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Why? Because it’s not just quick to prepare; it’s also a budget-friendly meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Packed with protein from ground beef and black beans, this dish is hearty enough to fill everyone up. What’s more, it has an authentic Tex-Mex flavor that elevates it beyond your average casserole. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a festive occasion, it’s sure to be a hit.

“This Tamale Pie was a game-changer for our family dinners! Quick, easy, and everyone loved it! A new favorite!”

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing Texas Tamale Pie is straightforward and enjoyable. You will begin by cooking in a skillet, layering, and then baking to perfection. These simple steps ensure that every bite is as tasty as the last. Below, I’ll outline everything you need to create this beautiful dish, perfect for any occasion.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this hearty dish, here’s what you will need:

• 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

Feel free to swap out the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. The black beans can also be omitted for a simpler version!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. 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.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
9. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips for Serving

Texas Tamale Pie is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for creaminess.
• Garnish with additional cilantro or diced avocado for an extra touch.
• Pair with warm tortillas to scoop up every savory layer!

Best Way to Store Texas Tamale Pie

If you have leftovers (which is sometimes a rarity!), storing Texas Tamale Pie properly is key. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F until heated through.

Expert Advice

Here are a few cooking tips to help you get the best results:

• For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic with the onions.
• Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex taste; pepper jack brings a nice kick!
• If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some crushed red pepper over the top before baking.

Creative Twists

If you want to switch things up a bit, consider these variations:

• Substitute ground beef with cooked shredded chicken or turkey for a different protein.
• Swap black beans for quinoa or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Add fresh corn or diced bell peppers into the beef mixture for enhanced texture and flavor.
• Spice it up further by using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does it take to prepare this dish?
A: It generally takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake, so you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, it freezes wonderfully! Just make sure to wrap it well before storing in the freezer.

Q: Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?
A: Yes, non-dairy milk and egg substitutes work well in this recipe, making it suitable for lactose-free or vegan diets.

This Texas Tamale Pie is not just a dish; it’s a comforting plate that brings family and friends together. With its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation! Happy cooking!

Texas Tamale Pie

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A nourishing and delightful Texas comfort food dish with layers of seasoned beef, beans, and creamy cornmeal topping.

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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 chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. 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.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
9. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Texas Tamale Pie can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. It also freezes well for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: tamale pie, Tex-Mex, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal