Tamale Crescent Casserole
A savory crescent roll casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, corn, olives, cheese, and a crispy crust, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cups whole tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2/3 cup ripe olives, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 can Pillsbury refrigerated quick crescent rolls ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/3 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar or American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Stir in drained chopped tomatoes, drained corn with peppers, tomato sauce, chopped olives, catsup, chopped onion, and chili powder.
- Simmer the mixture while preparing the crust.
- Separate the Pillsbury refrigerated quick crescent rolls into 8 triangles.
- Place triangles in an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan or a deep 9-inch or 10-inch pie pan.
- Press the dough over the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.
- Brush the crust with oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Spoon the hot meat mixture into the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicier cheese blend. If you're out of ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. To save time, prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to assemble the casserole. This dish also pairs well with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside a bowl of Rotel Mexican Dip for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
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 until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be mindful not to overheat, as the crust may become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Crescent Casserole contains roughly 508 calories, with 17g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 952mg per serving (41% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
What can I use instead of crescent rolls?
If you prefer a different crust, you can use a homemade pie crust or even biscuit dough for a fluffier texture. Alternatively, a layer of tortilla chips can create a crunchy topping, adding a unique twist to the casserole.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
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).