Print

Texas Tamale Pie Recipe

4.8 from 115 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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