Twenty Minute Tamale Pie
A quick and hearty tamale pie featuring a savory blend of ground beef, corn, tomatoes, and melted cheese, all topped with a cornmeal crust. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines bold flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large skillet with a cover.
- Add chopped onion and ground beef; cook until lightly browned.
- Add stewed tomatoes, corn with liquid, sour cream, corn meal, sliced olives, salt, chili powder, and cumin.
- Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-chopped onions or frozen corn. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. If you want extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or spices like smoked paprika. To enhance the creaminess, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This dish is also great with a side of Easy Taco Casserole for a complete Tex-Mex meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tamale Pie hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor. It pairs nicely with a side salad or tortilla chips for crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it with refried beans or a dollop of guacamole. This dish is satisfying enough on its own but also complements other Mexican recipes well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twenty Minute Tamale Pie contains roughly 653 calories, with 28g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2643mg per serving (115% 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 up to the point of simmering, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply heat it on the stove and let it simmer until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used as substitutes for ground beef. Each option will bring a different flavor and texture, so choose based on your dietary preferences or what you have available.
Can I freeze the Tamale Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked Tamale Pie. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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).