Mona'S Tamale Pie
Mona's Tamale Pie offers a hearty combination of seasoned ground beef, corn, and tomatoes topped with cheesy cornbread, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Its savory layers and golden crust make it a crowd-pleaser and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Drain the corn and pureed tomatoes.
- Add the drained corn and tomatoes to the cooked meat.
- Mix in the taco seasoning.
- Pour the meat mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Spread the cornbread mix evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter option. If you don't have cornbread mix on hand, a homemade cornbread recipe can easily be used instead. This dish is versatile and can be topped with your favorite ingredients, making it a great choice for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Serving Suggestions
Mona's Tamale Pie is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some homemade guacamole. For a more festive meal, serve with additional toppings like sour cream, sliced olives, or diced green onions. It also complements well with sides like Mexican rice or refried beans, making it a satisfying meal choice for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the tamale pie cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mona'S Tamale Pie contains roughly 396 calories, with 13g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 731mg per serving (32% 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 mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking. Just be sure to add the cornbread mix right before baking to ensure it rises properly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, kidney beans, or lentils and use a vegetarian taco seasoning. This will maintain the flavor while making it plant-based and suitable for vegetarians.
What can I serve with Tamale Pie?
Tamale Pie pairs wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad. You can also offer toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices to enhance the flavors, creating a more complete and satisfying meal.
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).