Blue-Ribbon Tamale Pie
A hearty tamale pie featuring seasoned ground beef, corn, and olives topped with a savory cornbread crust, perfect for comforting family dinners and flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (No. 1) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 2 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp paprika ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp melted shortening ⓘ
- 8 large stuffed olives ⓘ
- 5 green pepper rings ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 3 tsp baking powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a heavy 10-inch ovenproof frying pan until crisp.
- Drain bacon on absorbent paper and reserve.
- Saute chopped onion and minced garlic in bacon fat for 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking meat apart with a fork.
- Stir in condensed tomato soup, chili powder, salt, and paprika.
- Heat the mixture to blend flavors.
- Spoon the meat mixture into a bowl and set aside.
- Mix sifted flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine beaten egg, milk, and melted shortening.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the meat mixture in the pan.
- Arrange stuffed olives and green pepper rings on top of the batter.
- Sprinkle drained whole kernel corn evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or even turkey bacon as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with lentils or black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of the tomato soup. Don’t forget to check out other delicious Mexican recipes for more inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
This tamale pie is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some guacamole on the side. You can also serve it with sour cream or salsa for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Charlotte'S Taco Salad for a delightful contrast in textures and tastes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tamale pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier top, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue-Ribbon Tamale Pie contains roughly 1188 calories, with 36g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (184% of the Daily Value), iron (126% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1966mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the tamale pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and cornbread batter separately a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute with an equal amount of fine polenta or ground oats for a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, increase the amount of chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the meat mixture. You can also serve with hot sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).