Impossible Tamale Pie
Impossible Tamale Pie offers a hearty, flavorful twist on traditional tamales, combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a cheesy, cornmeal topping. Its comforting, savory profile makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering a satisfying meal with a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 10-inch by 1 1/2-inch pie plate.
- Cook and stir ground beef in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped onion and taco seasoning mix. Spread the beef mixture in the prepared pie plate.
- Sprinkle with drained chopped stewed tomatoes and thawed, drained frozen corn over the beef mixture.
- In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, buttermilk baking mix, and yellow cornmeal until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the pie plate over the ingredients.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have buttermilk baking mix, make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and a bit of salt. This dish is versatile and can be served as a hearty main or a side for Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Impossible Tamale Pie with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for added creaminess. A side of Mexican Squash or a fresh salad will complement the dish nicely. This pie also pairs beautifully with a side of black beans or corn tortillas for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Impossible Tamale Pie contains roughly 556 calories, with 14g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 483mg per serving (21% 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 filling and batter separately a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and then assemble and bake the pie when you're ready to serve. This can save time and make meal prep easier.
What if I don't have frozen corn?
If you don't have frozen corn, you can use canned corn instead. Just drain and rinse it before adding to the pie. Alternatively, fresh corn cut off the cob can also be used for a seasonal twist.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils can be used in place of ground beef. Adjust the seasoning accordingly if using a milder meat to ensure great flavor throughout the dish.
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).