Tamale Pie(My Husband'S Favorite Food.)
A hearty, flavorful tamale pie featuring seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and cornbread topping—perfect for family dinners and those craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 20 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 12 oz. whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup black olives
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground round in a skillet. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Cook until the onion is golden.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, whole kernel corn, chili powder, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix 1/2 cup of cornmeal with water and stir into the meat mixture. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in black olives. Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and spread evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground round for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with black beans and increase the vegetables. For a different texture, try using Soft Cornmeal Taco Shells instead of cornmeal in the topping.
Serving Suggestions
This Tamale Pie is perfect served with a side of fresh salad or some homemade guacamole. For extra crunch, consider serving it with tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with Hominy With Chipotle for a delightful Mexican-inspired meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Pie(My Husband'S Favorite Food.) contains roughly 1103 calories, with 22g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1691mg per serving (74% 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 Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie just before baking to ensure the best texture. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking and cover tightly with foil.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are excellent alternatives that melt well and add a nice flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cheese substitute that melts.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Certainly! To add more heat, include diced jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder. You can also incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture 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).