Incredible Tamale Pie
A hearty and flavorful tamale pie with seasoned ground beef, green chiles, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and Mexican-inspired cuisine enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2/3 c. chopped tomato ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 4 oz. chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1/4 c. margarine
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 c. corn meal ⓘ
- 1/4 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions to the beef and cook until tender.
- Stir in chopped green chiles, tomatoes, chili powder, garlic salt, pepper, and cumin. Mix well.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the cornmeal batter by combining corn meal, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add hot water and margarine to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish and pour the cornmeal batter over the top.
- Bake until the topping is golden brown and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste. If you want extra spice, add some jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Ensure the cornmeal batter is smooth to achieve the perfect topping. This recipe is similar to Mexican recipes like Burrito Pie, so feel free to experiment with flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tamale pie hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side of refried beans or a simple salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with Mexican rice or alongside Glady'S Taco Soup for a hearty dinner.
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 until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the cornmeal topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Incredible Tamale Pie contains roughly 956 calories, with 20g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1672mg per serving (73% 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 tamale pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and cornmeal batter ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
Can I freeze tamale pie?
Yes, tamale pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely after baking, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour.
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).