Tressia'S Tamale Pie

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty, cheesy tamale pie with flavorful seasoned ground beef and corn topping, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings with bold Tex-Mex flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground chuck
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 large green pepper
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 16 oz tomato sauce
  • 16 oz can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 3/4 c sliced black olives
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 c shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 box Jiffy corn bread mix
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Brown ground chuck, onion, and green pepper in a skillet.
  2. Add chili powder, salt, sugar, and garlic powder; cook and mix well.
  3. Stir in sliced black olives, drained corn, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
  4. Pour the meat mixture into a 9 x 9-inch baking dish.
  5. Prepare the Jiffy corn muffin mix according to box directions and pour over the meat mixture.
  6. Bake at 400°F until the corn bread is done, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider substituting ground turkey for the ground chuck, or use a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. You can also enhance the dish with diced jalapeños for heat or switch out black olives for green olives. Ensure the corn bread is fully cooked by checking with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tressia's Tamale Pie with a side of fresh guacamole or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Brandon's Taco Pie for a festive meal. You can also top it with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes for added freshness.

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 until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. If the corn bread has become too dry, add a splash of water before reheating to maintain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tressia'S Tamale Pie contains roughly 770 calories, with 20g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2493mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).

770 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.3g 41% DV
Total Fat 26.6g 34% DV
Carbs 120g 44% DV
Fiber 16.4g 59% DV
Sugar 20.6g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2492.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 898.6mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 26.2mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 179.5mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 58.3mg 65% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 164.3mg 13% DV
Iron 6.4mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and layer it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply prepare the Jiffy mix and pour it on top before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes! You can increase the chili powder or add diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers to the meat mixture. Additionally, serving it with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side can elevate the heat level according to your taste preference.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly! While Cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a Mexican blend cheese. Each type will give a different taste profile, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.

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).

Mexican recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →