Texas Tamale Pie
A savory dish bursting with flavor and heartiness, Texas Tamale Pie is the perfect meal to warm your belly and soul. The combination of seasoned ground beef, zesty beans, and cheesy cornmeal crust makes for a comfort food experience unlike any other.
This dish is an ingenious blend of Tex-Mex flavors, traditionally served in a pie format, showcasing the inherent deliciousness of tamales without the labor-intensive process of making them from scratch. Texas Tamale Pie brings together ingredients that are often staples in any kitchen, creating a meal that’s both accessible and satisfying. It’s a delightful way to introduce a beloved regional dish into your home, capturing the essence of Texas cooking.
Why make this recipe
Texas Tamale Pie is not just comfort food; it is a versatile dish enjoyed by families and friends, perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can modify the level of spiciness and additional toppings to cater to various tastes, making it an excellent choice for gatherings where participants have different preferences or dietary restrictions. Additionally, the simple preparation allows busy home cooks to put together a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s a heartfelt dish that encourages communal dining, bringing people together to enjoy hearty forkfuls from a shared pan.
This recipe speaks to the soul, reminding us of warm evenings spent with family and friends, echoing the sentiment of comfort in every bite. Its vibrant colors and enticing aroma promise to bring a piece of Texan cuisine right to your table. The crunchy layer on top gives way to a soft, flavorful filling underneath, making each slice a delightful revelation. It’s the kind of dish that not only fills the stomach but also nourishes the spirit.
How to make Texas Tamale Pie
Making Texas Tamale Pie is a straightforward process that even novice chefs can master. Begin by preparing your ingredients, ensuring everything is chopped and ready to go before you start the cooking process. This will streamline your cooking experience, making it enjoyable rather than rushed. Utilizing a large skillet to cook your beef with onions creates a flavor base that enhances the entire dish. As the beef browns and the onions soften, the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma that sets the stage for the dish to come.
Simmering the black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices elevates the flavor profile, creating a rich and zesty filling that melds beautifully with the crust. After preparing the ground beef mixture, the cornmeal batter acts as the vehicle for your hearty cuisine, providing a delightful contrast in texture when baked. Layering the beef mixture and cornmeal in a baking dish is a therapeutic exercise, allowing for creativity in presentation. Topping it all off with cheese and olives enhances both flavor and visual appeal, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness to the dish when serving.
Once the pie has baked and formed a golden crust, allowing it to cool slightly helps the layers set, making slicing easier and cleaner. The anticipation builds as you present your beautiful creation, knowing that everyone is in for a treat. Whether served during a casual dinner with loved ones or at a festive gathering, Texas Tamale Pie will undoubtedly be a focal point of the meal, eliciting rave reviews and requests for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
How to serve Texas Tamale Pie
Texas Tamale Pie is best served warm, allowing the layers to be cut neatly while still maintaining their integrity. Cut into squares or wedges, the pie can be plated individually or served directly from the baking dish for a rustic touch. Accompanying the pie with a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy element that complements the spices beautifully. Salsa and guacamole provide additional flavor options and a refreshing contrast to the hearty filling.
Serving this dish alongside a fresh green salad can lighten the meal and enhance the dining experience. This combination not only balances the richness of the pie but also introduces a vibrant note of color and nutrition to the table. For a truly festive touch, consider topping the pie with additional cilantro or even avocado slices before serving, which will enhance the dish’s visual appeal and freshness.
How to store Texas Tamale Pie
If you happen to have leftovers, storing Texas Tamale Pie is quite simple. Allow the pie to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Alternatively, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The pie will keep well in the refrigerator for about three to four days. If you choose to freeze it, ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, where it can last up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience. This ease of storage and reheating adds to the allure of the dish, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or a no-fuss dinner on a busy night.
Tips to make Texas Tamale Pie
When crafting Texas Tamale Pie, it pays to layer your flavors thoughtfully. Sautéing the onions with the ground beef until they are truly softened will ensure a more integrated taste. Don’t rush the simmering process with the seasoning; this step is crucial for allowing the spices time to bloom and infuse the mixture thoroughly.
You might also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a smoky kick, enhancing the flavors even further. If you prefer a spicier bite, adding jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture can elevate the dish’s heat level. Using fresh herbs not just as a garnish but also mixed into the filling can make a delightful difference—cilantro, for instance, contributes to the overall freshness of the pie.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or sautéed vegetables. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to enhance flavor.
Q: Can I customize the toppings on Texas Tamale Pie?
A: Yes! Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as sliced jalapeños, green onions, or additional avocado, according to your taste.
Texas Tamale Pie
Ingredients
For the beef mixture
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with plant-based alternative for vegetarian option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 15 ounces size.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 15 ounces size.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the cornmeal crust
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can experiment with other cheeses.
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives Optional.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Cornmeal Mixture
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Assembly
- Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
