Spoon Bread Tamale Bake
A hearty, cheesy spoon bread tamale bake combining ground beef, vegetables, and cornmeal for a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 12 ounces canned whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a skillet with olive oil.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped green peppers; cook until onions are golden.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, canned corn, salt, chili powder, and black pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix 1/2 cup cornmeal with water and stir into the meat mixture; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add olives to the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Prepare the cornmeal topping by combining 1/2 cup cornmeal, milk, eggs, butter, and grated cheddar cheese.
- Spread the cornmeal mixture over the meat mixture in the casserole dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Additionally, you can substitute canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes if they are in season, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some warm cornbread on the side. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to enhance the flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mexican rice or refried beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spoon Bread Tamale Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spoon Bread Tamale Bake contains roughly 1175 calories, with 30g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2236mg per serving (97% 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 and cornmeal topping separately a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and then assemble and bake just before serving. This makes it a convenient option for busy nights or gatherings.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground chuck and use black beans or lentils as a protein substitute. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I do if I don't have cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal on hand, you can use polenta or even finely ground oats as a substitute. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still work well in this recipe. Adjust the liquid amounts accordingly to ensure the right consistency.
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).