Joanne'S Tamale Pie
A hearty tamale pie featuring seasoned ground meat, corn, tomatoes, and olives, baked to perfection. Ideal for comforting family dinners and flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground meat, chopped onions, and garlic in a skillet.
- Add creamed corn, canned tomatoes, and chili powder to the meat mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Stir in tomato juice, yellow cornmeal, and drained pitted olives.
- Heat the mixture until it reaches simmering point.
- Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch pan and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version. You can also add black beans for extra protein and fiber. If you prefer more heat, consider adding jalapeños or increasing the chili powder. This dish can be served with a dollop of Avocado Guacamole Dip for added creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tamale Pie with a side of corn salad or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Kathy'S Cranberry Salsa for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving with tortilla chips and your favorite Mexican recipes, such as Enchiladas With 'Refried' Beans And Two Sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute increments until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joanne'S Tamale Pie contains roughly 456 calories, with 14g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (236% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 769mg per serving (33% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative, like lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian Tamale Pie that’s just as satisfying and flavorful.
Can I freeze Tamale Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Tamale Pie! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What can I use instead of yellow cornmeal?
If you don't have yellow cornmeal, you can use polenta or masa harina as substitutes. Keep in mind that masa harina will give a slightly different texture and flavor, but it will still work well in this recipe. Adjust the liquid slightly if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
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).