Texas Tamale Dinner
A hearty Texan casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, corn, cheese, and olives, baked into a flavorful tamale-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. granulated garlic or garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce with tomato pieces ⓘ
- 2 c. whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 3/4 c. cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; add chopped onion and cook until the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, drained corn, one teaspoon of salt, granulated garlic, and chili powder to the skillet. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Top with sliced ripe olives.
- Prepare the cornmeal batter by combining cornmeal, milk, and well-beaten eggs.
- Pour the batter over the beef mixture in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack for a different taste. If you're short on time, use a pre-made cornmeal mix to speed up the batter preparation. Don't forget to taste and adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Tamale Dinner with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Taco Salad(For A Crowd) for a festive gathering. You can also top individual servings with sour cream or fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Tamale Dinner contains roughly 989 calories, with 34g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (72% of the Daily Value), protein (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2682mg per serving (117% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cornmeal batter ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving for a fresh, hot meal.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! After baking, let the dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Adding a teaspoon of sugar can help balance the acidity if using crushed tomatoes.
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).