Description
Cheesy Beef Tamale Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup frozen corn
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 box cornbread mix (plus ingredients on the box)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter over the beef mixture and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof tamale pie. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat, breaking up the meat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat thoroughly. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this flavorful filling simmer for 5 minutes to meld the spices. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter exactly as directed on the package box. Pour the batter evenly over the beef layer, using a spatula to gently spread it to the edges. Finally, sprinkle the full cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with simple sides. Serve slices with a dollop of cool sour cream, a scoop of creamy guacamole, or a fresh pico de gallo. For a lighter contrast, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a lime vinaigrette. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave for a quick lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
In short: Brown beef with aromatics, simmer with tomatoes and spices, layer in a dish, top with prepared cornbread batter and cheese, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the pie completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. For a vegetarian version, use two cans of drained black beans.
My cornbread topping is soggy. What happened? This is often caused by not draining the canned diced tomatoes or the cooked beef thoroughly. Excess moisture will steam the topping instead of letting it bake.
Can I use homemade cornbread batter? Absolutely. Use your favorite cornbread recipe for about an 8×8 pan. The batter should be pourable but not too thin.
How do I know when the pie is done baking? The edges will be deep golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread layer should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining Liquids: Failing to drain the fat from the beef and the liquid from the canned tomatoes is the top cause of a soggy crust.
- Over-spicing the Filling: Remember the cornbread topping is mild. Season the beef layer robustly so the final dish is balanced.
- Under-preheating the Oven: Ensure the oven is fully at 375°F before baking for proper cornbread rise and texture.
- Using a Dish That’s Too Small: Using a deep, small dish can result in an undercooked, dense cornbread layer. Use the recommended 9×13 size.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Tamale Pie is the ultimate comfort food hack, delivering all the beloved flavors of tamales without the intricate work. With its savory, spiced beef base and fluffy, cheesy cornbread topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a delicious, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.