Tamale Corn Bread Pie
A hearty and flavorful corn bread pie combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until limp.
- Add ground beef and cook just until brown.
- Drain off liquid from the beef and onions.
- Place the cooked meat mixture in a large bowl.
- Add chili beans in chili gravy, drained whole corn, stewed tomatoes, chopped green chilies, chili powder, and salt to the bowl.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Divide the mixture evenly between two 2-quart oblong baking dishes.
- Cover the dishes and refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten up the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using black beans and lentils. Adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika can enhance the flavor profile. You can also mix in some shredded cheese for a cheesy cornbread topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tamale Corn Bread Pie with a side of Easy Tacos for a fun meal combination. A fresh green salad or some Spanish Rice Hot Dish can complement the richness of the pie. For added flavor, top with sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This dish can also be reheated from frozen, though cooking time will vary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Corn Bread Pie contains roughly 1263 calories, with 49g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (98% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.
What can I use instead of chili beans?
If you don't have chili beans, you can use regular kidney beans or black beans mixed with some chili powder and seasoning to mimic the flavors. This will still give you a delicious base for your pie.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini can be added to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté them with the onions to soften them before mixing in.
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).