Kelly'S Tamale Pie
A hearty, flavorful tamale pie featuring seasoned beef, chili peppers, corn, and a cornbread topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute hamburger; drain fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until the onion is tender.
- Add tomato soup, chili powder, chopped chilies, and paprika.
- Heat the mixture until boiling.
- Arrange green pepper rings in the bottom of an 8-inch square pan.
- Top the peppers with Mexicorn down the center of the pan.
- Fill the remaining sides with the burger-soup mixture.
- Prepare Jiffy corn muffin mix according to package instructions and spread over the top.
- Bake until the cornbread topping is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. You can also substitute the tomato soup with crushed tomatoes for a fresher taste. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder. To make it vegetarian, replace the meat with black beans or lentils. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chili or beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kelly's Tamale Pie with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of Spanish rice or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, you might enjoy it alongside Mexican recipes like Dell's Refried Beans or Chile Cheese Bean Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed, about 15-20 minutes. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kelly'S Tamale Pie contains roughly 435 calories, with 18g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 938mg per serving (41% 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat you choose.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and using canned black beans or lentils instead. Replace the meat with an equal amount of beans for protein and add extra vegetables if desired.
What can I use instead of Jiffy corn muffin mix?
If you don't have Jiffy corn muffin mix, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add 1 cup of milk and 1 egg for moisture. This will work well as a substitute for the topping.
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).