Hot Tamale Pie
Hot Tamale Pie is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, creamed corn, and a cornmeal topping, baked to perfection. Its rich chili flavors and comforting texture make it a satisfying meal ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet.
- Mix the cooked meat with canned tomatoes, creamed corn, chopped onion, oil, chili powder, and black olives.
- Boil the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of cornmeal, salt to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a long casserole dish.
- Bake in a 300°F oven for 1 hour until set and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. You can also substitute the black olives with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you don't have creamed corn, use regular corn and add a bit of cream or milk to achieve the right consistency. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference, and try adding cheese for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot tamale pie with a side of fresh salad or cornbread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Grandpa'S Goulash for a hearty dinner experience. Top with sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for added flavor, and consider serving with tortilla chips or salsa for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tamale pie in an oven set to 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Tamale Pie contains roughly 1552 calories, with 20g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (201% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 901mg per serving (39% 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 hot tamale pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just assemble the ingredients in the casserole dish and cover it tightly. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and then bake as directed. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute it with polenta or a mixture of flour and cornmeal. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it will still create a delicious base for your hot tamale pie.
Can I freeze hot tamale pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual. This is a great option for meal prep or when you want a quick dinner option.
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).