Texas Tamale Pie
Why Make This Recipe
Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty dish that combines flavors from Tex-Mex cuisine, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. This recipe is easy to prepare and offers a wonderful balance of protein, vegetables, and spices. Plus, it’s perfect for those cool evenings when you want something warm and filling.
How to Make Texas Tamale Pie
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 (175°C).
- 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. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, milk, and egg 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.
How to Serve Texas Tamale Pie
Serve Texas Tamale Pie warm, straight from the oven. It pairs nicely with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or a simple green salad. You can also add more chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Texas Tamale Pie
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Texas Tamale Pie
- Feel free to add more vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, to boost the nutrition.
- If you like it spicy, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with additional beans or lentils. You can also use vegetable broth instead of milk for added flavor without meat products.
FAQs
1. Can I make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
2. What can I serve with Texas Tamale Pie?
Serving with sour cream, guacamole, or a fresh salad works great!
3. Is Texas Tamale Pie spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on personal preference by adding more or less chili powder and cumin.
Texas Tamale Pie
Ingredients
Main 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)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
- Grease a 9x13-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.
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.
