Rosie'S Spoon Bread Tamale Pie Bake
A hearty and flavorful tamale pie bake with seasoned beef, cheesy cornmeal topping, and savory olives, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in olive oil.
- Add chopped onions, green pepper, and minced garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cornmeal mixture (cornmeal mixed with water).
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chopped olives.
- Pour the meat mixture into a 3-quart (9 x 13-inch) casserole dish.
- Heat milk, butter or margarine, and salt in a saucepan.
- Slowly stir in 1/2 cup of cornmeal into the heated mixture.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thick.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in grated American cheese and eggs.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the meat layer.
- Refrigerate or bake at 375°F (chilled for 1 1/2 hours) for 35 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the vegetable mix. You can also substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. Be sure to let the dish cool slightly before serving, as the layers will firm up for easier slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spoon bread tamale pie bake with a side of fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top adds creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Open-Faced Sandwiches for a casual gathering or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rosie'S Spoon Bread Tamale Pie Bake contains roughly 608 calories, with 15g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1820mg per serving (79% 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 bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use if I don't have cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute with polenta or even use crushed tortilla chips for a similar texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still yield a delicious result.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger with a combination of black beans and lentils for protein. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture, making it a satisfying vegetarian option.
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).