Corn Bread Tamale Pie
A hearty and flavorful corn bread tamale pie combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a moist cornmeal topping, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 c. whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 c. corn meal ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 1/3 c. milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Saute the ground beef and chopped onion together until lightly browned.
- Add the tomato soup, water, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, chili powder, whole kernel corn, and chopped green pepper to the meat. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Moisten the dry ingredients with the beaten egg and milk, then mix lightly.
- Fold in the cooking oil.
- Pour the meat mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Spread the corn bread batter on top of the meat mixture.
- Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the corn bread is brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and chorizo. You can also substitute canned corn with fresh or frozen corn. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try using ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute. To enhance the dish, add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or mix in some shredded cheese into the cornbread batter.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of guacamole and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a Tex-Mex twist, serve it alongside some Taco Crescents or a side of refried beans. Top individual servings with sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Corn Bread Tamale Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes for a crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corn Bread Tamale Pie contains roughly 773 calories, with 9g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1605mg per serving (70% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and cornbread batter separately, then assemble and bake it just before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining, allowing you to save time on busy nights.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with diced tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Adding a bit of sugar to balance the acidity can help replicate the flavor of the soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or beans for protein. Additionally, ensure that your cornbread mix doesn't contain any animal products to keep the dish vegetarian.
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).