Tamale Pie (Scratch)
Tamale Pie offers a fun twist on traditional Mexican flavors with a cornmeal base and savory beef topping. The crispy, shaped cornmeal pieces combined with seasoned ground beef, chilies, olives, and vegetables create a hearty, colorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings that enjoy bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 ounces canned diced green chili peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 medium green or red sweet pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, quartered and sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Use a cookie cutter to cut the cornmeal mixture into fun shapes and fry onions in butter.
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole, combine water, cornmeal, butter, salt, cumin, and pepper.
- Cook uncovered on high power for 4 to 6 minutes or until very thick, stirring every minute.
- Spread the mixture on wax paper into an 8-inch square about 1/4 inch thick.
- Chill the mixture.
- Cut into 18 small shapes.
- Place shapes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Cover and chill or freeze until firm.
- Store frozen shapes in a sealed freezer bag.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils and adjust the spices accordingly. You can also use polenta instead of cornmeal for a richer flavor. If you want extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the filling. Ensure to stir the cornmeal mixture thoroughly as it cooks to prevent lumps and achieve a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tamale pie with a side of guacamole or sour cream for added creaminess. A fresh green salad or a serving of Sop A (Mexican Side Dish) would complement it well. For a fun twist, try pairing it with Claudine's Chili Con Carne for a hearty meal. It also goes well with cornbread for a complete experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place any unconsumed tamale pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the shapes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Pie (Scratch) contains roughly 728 calories, with 18g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (203% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Each option will give a unique twist to the tamale pie's flavor.
What can I do if I don't have cornmeal?
If cornmeal is unavailable, you can use finely ground polenta or masa harina as a substitute. Keep in mind that masa harina may give a slightly different texture and flavor, but it will still work well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more spice, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling. You could also serve it with a spicy salsa on the side for an extra kick.
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).