Skillet Tamale Pie
A hearty skillet tamale pie combining ground beef, corn, tomatoes, and cheesy topping, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, heat oil.
- Add ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart until it loses its red color.
- Add chopped onion, corn, and stewed tomatoes (undrained).
- Slowly stir in cornmeal, salt, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook and stir over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly, hot, and well browned, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating black beans or diced bell peppers into the mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, lean turkey can replace the ground beef. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference. To make it vegetarian, swap the beef for crumbled tofu or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Skillet Tamale Pie with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. A simple green salad or Mexican-style coleslaw pairs well to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Mexican rice or beans, or even alongside the Mexican Cowboy Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Tamale Pie contains roughly 1036 calories, with 23g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1851mg per serving (80% 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 Skillet Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, transfer the mixture to the casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Can I freeze leftovers of Skillet Tamale Pie?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual until hot.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack would work well, adding a nice melt and flavor. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
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).