Fiesta Tamale Pie
Fiesta Tamale Pie offers a flavorful combination of seasoned ground beef, pork sausage, and vegetables topped with a cornbread layer. The dish features bold chili and tomato flavors, melted cheddar cheese, and sliced olives, making it perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings with a touch of southwestern flair.
Ingredients
- 8 1/2 oz. corn muffin mix ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. pork sausage ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 12 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- dash of paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the corn muffin mix, egg, and milk; set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, pork sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until browned.
- Stir in drained stewed tomatoes, drained corn, tomato paste, chili powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the meat mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle sliced olives and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
- Sprinkle with a dash of paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use black beans for a vegetarian twist. If you’re short on time, a store-bought cornbread mix can save time without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Fiesta Tamale Pie pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican Salsa Dip for added flavor. Serve with a simple green salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a hearty and satisfying option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will keep the cornbread topping crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Tamale Pie contains roughly 702 calories, with 30g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1734mg per serving (75% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and cornbread batter a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, combine them in your baking dish and follow the baking instructions. This is a great way to save time on busy days!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’d like to enhance the flavor, try adding some taco seasoning or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely. Pairing with sour cream or avocado can also help balance out the heat.
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).