Get ready to bring a taste of the Southwest right to your table with texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! This cozy casserole stitches together the rich, savory layers of ground beef, black beans, and spicy tomatoes, all tucked under a blanket of golden, cheesy cornmeal topping. It’s as comforting as your favorite weekend dinner, but with a bold Tex-Mex flair you can throw together in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty and simple, this dish delivers big flavor and big smiles every single time.

texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms everyday staples into something truly unforgettable. Every ingredient earns its place, bringing depth of flavor or vibrant color to the final dish. Ready your pantry and let’s check off what we need!

  • Ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty flavor and ensures the pie is satisfyingly filling.
  • Onion: Provides sweetness and subtle depth that rounds out the beef.
  • Black beans: Bring creaminess, fiber, and a little extra protein punch.
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Infuse the mix with tang, moisture, and a gentle heat.
  • Chili powder: Delivers classic Tex-Mex warmth and color.
  • Cumin: Gives everything that earthy Southwestern aroma.
  • Garlic powder: Seasoning the filling with mellow, aromatic notes.
  • Salt: Enhances and ties all the flavors together.
  • Black pepper: Punches up the overall seasoning without overpowering.
  • Cornmeal: The base for our pie’s fluffy, golden crust – classic tamale style.
  • Milk: Moistens the cornmeal, creating just the right bake.
  • Large egg: Gives structure and lightness to the cornmeal topping.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden deliciousness on top.
  • Sliced black olives (optional): Add a pop of briny contrast and visual flair.
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Perks up the final dish with freshness and color.

How to Make texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now!

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion

Start by getting your oven preheating to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté them together, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally, until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions are softened and fragrant. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, just drain it off before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Filling

With your skillet still hot, stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The mixture should immediately come alive with magical aromas! Let everything simmer for 5 minutes, stirring now and then, so the beans soak up those spices and the flavors mingle nicely.

Step 3: Mix Up the Cornmeal Batter

While your filling simmers, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the cornmeal, milk, and egg. Whisk until you have a smooth, pourable batter. This mix is key for that signature tamale crust that makes texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! such a crowd-pleaser.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to ensure easy serving later. Pour in half the cornmeal batter and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the bottom. Next, gently spoon the beef and bean mixture over the cornmeal layer, spreading it right to the edges for maximum flavor in every slice. Pour the remaining cornmeal batter over the top and nudge it with a spoon to cover the filling.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Shower the top of the pie with your shredded cheddar cheese and scatter the black olives (if using) across the surface for extra zip. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set in the center.

Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve

Once the pie emerges, let it rest for 10 minutes so the layers firm up and it’s easier to slice. Sprinkle the whole thing with fresh cilantro just before serving to create a color pop and a lift of herbal freshness. Now dig in to your freshly baked texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now!

How to Serve texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now!

Garnishes

Bring your pie to life with garnishes that add both beauty and a flavor boost. Try a big sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or even a fan of sliced jalapeños for those who love a little extra heat. Fresh lime wedges on the side can add a lively citrus finish.

Side Dishes

texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! is wonderfully versatile alongside vibrant sides. I love pairing it with a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, or serving it next to Mexican rice or cilantro-lime cauliflower rice. A side of sweet, roasted corn or pickled jalapeños also brings out those classic tamale flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to mix it up, try baking the pie in individual ramekins for personal servings—adorable and impressive for guests. Or, serve squares of the pie with festive paper flags for a Tex-Mex party vibe. For a potluck, you can even scoop it into bowls and let everyone top theirs with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado slices. However you present it, this hearty pie is always a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully, making texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! a fantastic meal-prep or next-day lunch option. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, let the baked pie cool completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap and a layer of foil (either the whole dish or individual slices). Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for another taste of Texan comfort, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in the microwave for quick lunches, or for best texture, warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. The cornmeal topping stays fluffy and the cheese melts beautifully again, so every bite tastes freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for a rainbow medley of sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and even zucchini. You’ll still capture all that Tex-Mex spirit in a meat-free bite.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic for its sharpness and melting quality, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy pepper jack if you want extra kick. Any cheese that gets gooey and golden is a win!

Can I make texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pie up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

How do I add more heat?

You can turn up the spice by using hot diced tomatoes with chilies, adding extra chili powder, or layering in sliced jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce on each serving is also a quick way to please heat-seekers.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Since the crust is made with cornmeal instead of flour, texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! is a naturally gluten-free comfort food. Double check your specific brands of cornmeal and spices to make sure, just in case.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a comforting, bold, and utterly delicious twist on weeknight dinner, this texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! promises to steal the spotlight. I hope you love sharing it with your family and friends as much as I do!

Print

texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! Recipe

texas tamale pie: discover the flavorful recipe now! Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

Texas Tamale Pie is a flavorful dish that combines ground beef, black beans, and a cornmeal topping, baked to perfection. This satisfying Tex-Mex inspired casserole is a sure crowd-pleaser!

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

  • 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

For the Cornmeal Topping:

  • 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. 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.

  3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  5. In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
  6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

  8. Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
  11. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
  12. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
  • Add a layer of sliced jalapeños for extra heat or serve with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star