Grandma Polly'S Tamale Pie
Grandma Polly's Tamale Pie combines savory ground beef, creamy corn, and olives with crunchy Fritos for a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, garlic powder, creamed corn, and sliced olives.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Coarsely crumble half of the Fritos chips.
- Mix the crumbled chips into the beef mixture.
- Serve the tamale pie hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a meat alternative or use lentils. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference, and feel free to use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand. This recipe is a great way to explore Mexican recipes while keeping it simple.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tamale pie hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. Don't forget to add some sliced jalapeños for those who like extra heat! For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Grandma'S Enchiladas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until hot. Just add a few extra Fritos on top before serving for a crunchy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Polly'S Tamale Pie contains roughly 889 calories, with 40g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), and calcium (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2574mg per serving (112% 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 tamale pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply mix in the crumbled Fritos and bake or heat it up in the microwave. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or meal prep!
What can I use instead of Fritos?
If you don't have Fritos on hand, you can use any corn chips or tortilla chips as a substitute. Alternatively, crushed tortilla chips can provide a similar texture. Just be mindful of the flavor; some chips may be saltier than others, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it possible to freeze tamale pie?
Yes, you can freeze tamale pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed. If baked, cool completely before freezing, then reheat from frozen for a quick meal.
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).