Tamale Pie Ole
A hearty and cheesy tamale pie with chili, corn, and olives, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. biscuit mix ⓘ
- 1/2 c. yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cold water ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can hot chili with beans ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can green chili peppers, chopped and drained ⓘ
- 1 (3 1/2 oz.) can pitted black olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 carton (8 oz.) sour cream
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 c. grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine biscuit mix, cornmeal, and water; mix to form a soft dough.
- Press the dough evenly on the bottom and sides of a greased 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
- In a bowl, stir together chili, chili peppers, corn, olives, sour cream, and chopped onion.
- Pour the chili mixture over the dough in the baking dish.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle grated cheese on top while hot.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture. If you don't have biscuit mix, you can use a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to create a similar dough. To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the hot chili with a meat-free version. Serve with a side of Cereal Snack Meringues for a sweet contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tamale Pie Ole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes for added freshness. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips and salsa on the side. For a sweet finish, consider serving with a slice of Amaretto Bundt Cake to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tamale Pie Ole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Pie Ole contains roughly 585 calories, with 22g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% 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 Tamale Pie Ole a day in advance. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works well and adds a similar tangy flavor. You can also use cottage cheese blended until smooth for a lower-fat option. Both alternatives will maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
Is it possible to freeze Tamale Pie Ole?
Yes, Tamale Pie Ole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through, or reheat directly from frozen, adjusting baking time as necessary.
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).