If you’re hankering for a taste of Texas, you can’t go wrong with this Texas Tamale Pie recipe. This dish is loaded with flavors reminiscent of traditional tamales, yet conveniently presented as a pie, making it perfect for a weekday dinner or a special occasion. Its hearty flavors and comforting textures promise to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
The hallmark of a memorable tamale pie lies in its rich flavors and quality ingredients. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef, ideally 80/20 for flavor and juiciness.
- Onion: 1 medium-sized, chopped finely.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained.
- Green Chilies: 1 can (4 oz), mild or hot based on preference.
- Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon.
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Cornbread Mix: 1 (8.5 oz) box, prepared according to package directions.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded.
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish, approximately 2 tablespoons, chopped.
Equipments
Before diving into this recipe, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- A large skillet for preparing the filling.
- A 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the pie.
- A mixing bowl for preparing the cornbread topping.
- A spatula or large spoon for mixing and serving.
How to Make Texas Tamale Pie Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. As the beef cooks, add in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, approximately 3 minutes. Be sure to drain excess fat if necessary, to keep the pie from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Once your beef is ready, it’s time to enhance the flavor. Add canned black beans, diced tomatoes, and green chilies into the beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Sprinkle the chili powder and ground cumin over the mixture; add salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for around 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
While your beef mixture is simmering and marinating in flavors, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your baking dish is lightly greased to prevent any sticking. This will make serving your tamale pie a breeze later on!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix following the instructions on the package. Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture evenly, using a spatula to gently spread it out. This cornbread layer turns into a delectable topping that crisps perfectly while baking.
Step 5: Bake
Place the assembled pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted into the cornbread comes out clean. This baking time allows the flavors to perfectly blend, with the cornbread acting as a beautiful crust over the savory beef mixture.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove your Texas Tamale Pie from the oven, and while it’s still hot, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. The heat from the pie will melt the cheese into a glorious topping. Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a burst of freshness to each serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Texas Tamale Pie Recipe
Serve your pie warm with a side of sour cream or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs well with a cold, fizzy drink like a Mexican soda or a crisp lager. For a vibrant presentation, garnish with avocado slices or a sprinkle of green onions.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To heighten the flavors, consider roasting your own green chilies or adding a hint of lime juice to the beef mixture before baking. Don’t be afraid to play with spices; paprika or cayenne pepper can increase the warmth. If the cornbread topping is a bit too thick for your taste, feel free to make only half the mix, providing just a thin crust.
High Protein Texas Tamale Pie – Boosting Your Meal
Looking to up the protein in your meal? Consider switching out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, which are both lean meats that offer a high protein content. You can also add quinoa to your beef mixture, increasing the protein without altering the taste significantly.
Incorporating a can of drained chickpeas along with the black beans also elevates this dish’s protein quotient significantly. Add some corn kernels for sweetness, and you’ve got a filling, protein-packed pie!
Low Carb Texas Tamale Pie – Delighting on a Diet
If you’re watching those carbs, don’t fret! You can easily adapt this delicious dish. Swap out the cornbread completely and top the beef mixture with cheese and enjoy it as a casserole.
Alternatively, consider using an almond flour ‘cornbread’ to sit atop your beef mixture. Mixing almond flour, eggs, and a touch of cheese creates a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the essence of this classic dish intact without the carb counting stress.
Storage Instructions
Any leftovers from your tamale pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until warmed through. For longer storage, cut into portions, wrap them well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
FAQs
- Can I make this pie vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the meat with a mix of beans or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- What if I don’t have cornbread mix? You can make your own cornbread using cornmeal, flour, milk, butter, and egg.
- How spicy is this pie? This dish has a mild spice level. Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot chilies and adjusting the chili powder to your preference.
- Is it necessary to top with cheese? While not necessary, cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that complements the spices beautifully.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pie, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What sides go best with this pie? A simple green salad or a bowl of guacamole works splendidly with this hearty dish.
Final Thoughts on Perfecting Your Texas Tamale Pie
This Texas Tamale Pie gem is an enticing fusion of comfort and tradition in an easy-to-make meal that’s sure to please diverse palates. It’s not just a recipe but an experience of flavors that echo through each enchanting bite. Give it a try, share your experience in the comments, and if you loved it as much as we do, spread the word by sharing this recipe! 🌟🏆
Authentic Texas Tamale Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- onion
- garlic
- black beans
- diced tomatoes
- green chilies
- chili powder
- ground cumin
- salt and pepper
- cornbread mix
- cheddar cheese
- cilantro
Instructions
Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned. Add onions and garlic; cook until onion is translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir in chili powder and cumin, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon beef mixture into the baking dish. Prepare cornbread mix and pour evenly over beef.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown. Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes and top with cheese and cilantro before serving.