Larue'S Tamale Pie
Larue's Tamale Pie offers a comforting combination of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and a savory tomato base topped with fluffy cornbread. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it delivers hearty flavors with a satisfying texture that appeals to both meat lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion with chili powder; drain off the fat.
- Mix the remaining ingredients into the beef mixture.
- Clean the tomato soup can with a little water and add it to the mixture.
- Prepare the cornbread by mixing 1 cup self-rising cornmeal, 2/3 cup milk, and 1 egg.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture.
- Bake in a 450°F (232°C) oven until the cornbread on top is done.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or black olives to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have self-rising cornmeal, use regular cornmeal and add baking powder and salt. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking, making it a great option for busy nights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Larue's Tamale Pie with a side of sour cream and fresh cilantro to enhance the flavors. A simple green salad or corn on the cob pairs nicely as a side dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Meat Gravy or your favorite salsa. This comforting dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the cornbread may lose some texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Larue'S Tamale Pie contains roughly 209 calories, with 10g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 682mg per serving (30% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mixture of beans and vegetables. This will maintain the hearty texture while making the dish suitable for vegetarians.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes along with a bit of tomato paste to achieve a similar flavor and consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance the acidity.
How do I know when the cornbread is done?
The cornbread is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
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).