Cornbread Tamale Pie(Lo-Fat)
A flavorful cornbread-topped tamale pie with seasoned ground turkey, spicy jalapenos, and melted cheddar, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 3 jalapenos, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can kernel corn, drained
- 15 ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oleo ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat a large nonstick skillet with vegetable spray.
- Over medium heat, brown the ground turkey.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, chopped jalapenos, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, drained kernel corn, sliced ripe olives.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted.
- Spoon the meat mixture into an 8-inch square pan coated with oil spray.
- Combine yellow cornmeal, salt, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and cook, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in oleo (margarine).
- Spoon the cornbread mixture over the meat mixture, leaving about 1 inch of space at the edges.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes or until the topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating black beans or bell peppers into the meat mixture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, replace yellow cornmeal with a gluten-free cornmeal blend. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of jalapenos used. To enhance texture, try adding a layer of shredded zucchini or corn kernels to the cornbread topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cornbread Tamale Pie with a crisp green salad or a side of guacamole for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of sour cream can also complement the dish beautifully. For a more robust meal, pair it with Mexican recipes like Queso Fundido or Turkey Quesadillas, which can round out your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornbread Tamale Pie(Lo-Fat) contains roughly 189 calories, with 12g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1988mg per serving (86% 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 use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chopped jalapenos or include diced serrano peppers. You could also mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture before baking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and cornbread topping in advance. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).