Tamale Pie (Easy Recipe)
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Want a new dish for comfort?
Try this simple tamale pie recipe.
It just takes 15 minutes to make.
It’s perfect for a quick and hearty family dinner.
It combines the best of American and Mexican tastes in one delicious dish.
This recipe has a cornbread crust and enchilada sauce.
It’s a hit with everyone who tries it.
You can change it up with different meats too.
This dish is in a cookbook with 60 easy comfort food recipes.
Try it, and it could be your new family favorite!
Exact Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tamale pie, gather simple, tasty ingredients:
- Butter
- Ground beef
- Chopped onion
- Whole kernel corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Black olives
These ingredients mix into a delicious filling. For crust and topping, you’ll need:
- Yellow cornmeal
- Milk
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Enchilada sauce
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
This mix gives the tamale pie the best taste. With a golden crust, it blends perfectly with enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.
Don’t miss these extras for a complete recipe:
- Jiffy corn muffin mix
- Sour cream
- Can of creamed corn
With these tamale pie ingredients, you’ll make a top comfort food. It’s simple to make and everyone will love it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start your tamale pie journey by preheating the oven. This step ensures everything bakes evenly. Butter your baking dish to avoid sticking and ease clean-up. Then, cook the ground beef and onion until they are browned and crumbly. This makes the heart of the pie’s filling.
Combine all the ingredients is a key step. While the beef is cooking, add corn, diced tomatoes, vegetable oil, and spices to the skillet. Let it boil. This step adds rich flavors to your dish.
Now for the easy tamale pie directions. Make the cornmeal mix by whisking milk, cornmeal, and eggs together. After, mix in the meat and olives. Make sure it’s all mixed well. This mix of textures and tastes is what makes the pie so good.
Time to put everything together. Pour the mix into your buttered baking dish. Smooth the top for even baking. Bake until the top is golden and the filling is set. This key step ensures your pie is cooked just right.
To make your tamale pie extra special, think about adding a cornbread layer. Mix Jiffy corn muffin mix with an egg, sour cream, and creamed corn. Then layer it with cooked veggies, beef, taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Follow these easy tamale pie directions and homemade tamale pie steps. You’ll make a dish that warms the hearts of your family and friends.
Tips & Tricks
Making the perfect tamale pie takes practice and caring for the details. Below are key tips to make a great tamale pie and bake it well:
- Preheat your oven: Warm it up first to make sure your pie cooks perfectly and without cold spots.
- Brown your ground beef thoroughly: Doing this not only makes it taste better but also makes the pie’s texture nicer.
- Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh veggies, herbs, and everything else for the tastiest results.
- Adjust the heat to your preference: Like it mild or hot? Pick the taco seasoning that suits your taste.
- Experiment with cheese varieties: Use different cheeses for a cool flavor. And remember, shred your own for the best melt.
- Get creative with your toppings: Add chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or onions on top for extra taste and your unique style.
With these hints, you’re ready to make a tamale pie that’s sure to win hearts at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Discovering the perfect tamale pie sides can lift your meal higher. A simple side salad balances the pie well. It brings a fresh and light taste.
When thinking about what to serve with tamale pie, kick off with tasty appetizers. Try a three-ingredient chili dip or beef queso to make your meal shine.
Add guacamole, salsa, or sour cream on your tamale pie. This gives it more flavor and style. Your guests will love this well-thought-out meal.
How to Store
To keep your tamale pie fresh, store it right. First, let it cool down completely. Then, cover it or put it in an airtight container. Doing this stops moisture from building up. It also keeps the pie’s texture and flavor.
If you have leftover tamale pie, it can stay fresh in the fridge for a few days. Want to eat it again? Reheat it in the oven. This way, you get a warm pie with crunchy crust again.
Got too much tamale pie? No problem, it freezes well. Put the cooled pie or slices in airtight containers or bags. When you want to eat it, simply let it thaw in the fridge. Then warm it up. Following these steps lets you enjoy your tamale pie a second time as much as the first.
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.