Description

This Hot Tamale Pie is a cozy, family-friendly casserole layered with a flavorful beef and bean filling, melty cheese, and a golden cornbread topping. It delivers all the bold, tamale-inspired flavors without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it’s ready in under an hour and guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
1 box cornbread mix (prepared according to package instructions)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Build Flavor: Stir in diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
Season: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
Add Sauce and Veggies: Mix in tomato sauce, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble the Pie: Spread the meat mixture evenly into the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Top with Cornbread: Prepare cornbread mix and pour evenly over the filling.
Bake: Place dish in oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until cornbread is golden and cooked through. Check with a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
Rest and Serve: Let pie cool for 5 minutes. Slice and serve warm with sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the filling. You can also make this vegetarian by skipping the meat and doubling the beans and corn. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of dish)
Calories: 460
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg