Texas Tamale Pie Recipe
Introduction
Texas Tamale Pie is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with a fluffy cornbread topping. This easy-to-make casserole brings bold chili flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 box cornbread mix
- Ingredients required for cornbread mix (usually water, milk, and eggs) as per package instructions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 2: Add the chili seasoning and a little water according to the seasoning packet instructions. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Step 3: Spread the cooked beef evenly in a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Step 4: Prepare the cornbread batter following the instructions on the cornbread mix package. Pour the batter evenly over the cheese layer.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Use homemade cornbread batter for a fresher taste and texture.
- To add more depth, include sautéed onions and bell peppers with the ground beef.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, using the same chili seasoning for flavor.
PrintTexas Tamale Pie Recipe
Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty and flavorful casserole that combines seasoned ground beef with a cheesy cornbread topping. This classic Tex-Mex dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner and delivers a satisfying blend of spices and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
For the Cornbread Topping
- 1 cup cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, about 1/4 cup)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the chili seasoning mix along with a little water (as per seasoning package instructions), then simmer for 5 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated and the mixture is thickened.
- Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and egg. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to ensure a tender topping.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cooked and seasoned beef evenly in the bottom of a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking casserole dish. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef layer. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this recipe gluten free, use a gluten-free cornbread mix.
- For added moisture and flavor, stir in a can of diced green chilies or tomatoes into the beef mixture.
Keywords: Texas Tamale Pie, tamale casserole, cornbread topping, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef tamale pie, easy dinner recipe
