Mama'S Tamale Pie
Mama's Tamale Pie combines seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and cheesy goodness over a flavorful cornmeal crust, creating a hearty, comforting dish with Mexican-inspired flavors. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a satisfying blend of savory and cheesy notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and green peppers; cook until tender.
- Stir in drained corn, green olives, tomato sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and salt; simmer for 20 minutes. Gently stir in shredded cheese.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine cornmeal and cold water; stir well.
- Add salt and butter, then bring to a boil while stirring.
- Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Pour the cornmeal mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the cornmeal layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. If you don’t have green olives, black olives or even diced pickles can work as a substitute. To make it vegetarian, replace ground beef with black beans and use vegetable broth instead of water in the cornmeal. This dish pairs well with Mexicali Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Tamale Pie is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with sour cream or guacamole on top. Serve alongside a fresh salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican Melt for a themed dinner night. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Tamale Pie contains roughly 776 calories, with 8g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (186% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1292mg per serving (56% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and cornmeal mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, layer them in the baking dish and bake as directed. This can save time on busy weeknights and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I freeze Tamale Pie?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the Tamale Pie but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives if you're looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, black beans or lentils can be used to provide protein and texture. Adjust the spices accordingly to ensure the flavors remain robust and satisfying.
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).