Mildred'S Famous Tamale Pie
Mildred's Famous Tamale Pie offers a hearty blend of cornmeal, tomatoes, and savory chicken, accented with olives and peppers—sure to delight fans of comfort food with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can corn ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 3 chopped onions ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Eagle Brand chile powder ⓘ
- 1 cup pitted olives ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 boned chicken ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend cornmeal and milk together, then mix in tomatoes, corn, and eggs.
- Saute in olive oil the chopped onions, garlic cloves, bell pepper, chili powder, pitted olives, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add boned chicken, vinegar, and sugar to the sautéed mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the boned chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation. If you prefer a spicier dish, add jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder. This tamale pie can also be topped with cheese before baking for an extra layer of flavor, similar to Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tamale pie with a side of fresh salad or corn chips for added crunch. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top can enhance the flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Chicken Taco Bake or Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mildred'S Famous Tamale Pie contains roughly 260 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg 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 tamale pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tamale pie in advance. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can use polenta or even a cornbread mix as a substitute. Keep in mind that using a cornbread mix may add sweetness, so adjust your sugar accordingly if you prefer a more savory dish.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You could also include black beans or lentils for protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal without meat.
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).