You know, there’s just something magical about a dish that takes you on a journey without ever leaving home—Easy Tamale Pie does exactly that. Imagine layers of savory, spiced meat and fluffy cornbread melding together like a cozy quilt on a stormy night. My family can never resist its charm; it’s like creating a fiesta in your kitchen, whether it’s a Tuesday or Taco Tuesday.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper, then season with salt, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until the beef is evenly browned.
- Once browned, remove the skillet from heat and drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped Anaheim chiles, corn, olives, raisins, cheese, and water. Adjust seasonings to taste with additional chili powder and cumin if needed.
- Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Transfer the beef mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a large bowl, prepare the cornbread batter following the package instructions. Pour the batter over the beef mixture in the casserole dish, ensuring it covers the filling completely.
- Bake the tamale pie in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons cumin (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (4-ounce) can green Anaheim chiles, drained and chopped
- 1 (16-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can sliced ripe olives
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (approximately 4 ounces)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 (16-ounce) package prepared cornbread mix (e.g., Jiffy or Bob’s Red Mill)
- Water, egg, oil, or milk as needed to prepare the cornbread batter according to package directions
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3892 | Fat: 192g | Saturated Fat: 64g | Cholesterol: 695mg | Sodium: 6569mg | Carbohydrates: 362g | Dietary Fiber: 28g | Sugars: 63g | Protein: 245g | Vitamin C: 157mg | Calcium: 1968mg | Iron: 36mg | Potassium: 4986mg
FAQ
- What is Tamale Pie?
- Tamale pie is a classic American casserole dish that mimics the flavors of traditional tamales but is not authentically Mexican. It’s a budget-friendly meal that can serve a large number of people, typically featuring ingredients like ground beef, chiles, olives, corn, and a cornbread topping.
- What ingredients are commonly found in Tamale Pie?
- Typical ingredients for tamale pie include ground beef, green chile, olives, whole corn, and a cornbread topping. Variations might use pulled pork or traditional tamale fillings, and you can tailor the dish to your preference with different meats or vegetarian options.
- Where did Tamale Pie originate?
- Tamale pie is believed to have originated in Texas in the early 1900s. It gained popularity in school cafeterias and during times of wheat shortages, such as during World War II. The dish has evolved to include various meats, vegetables, and toppings.
- Can I make substitutions in a Tamale Pie recipe?
- Yes, you can make several substitutions to suit your taste. For example, you can omit raisins if you prefer less sweetness, use spicier chiles like jalapenos, swap ground beef for beans to make it vegetarian, or use a variety of cheeses instead of just cheddar.
- How should I store and reheat Tamale Pie?
- To store tamale pie, keep it covered in the refrigerator for several days. For reheating, cover it loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze the pie by cooling it to room temperature and then freezing it in a suitable container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips
- If you prefer a less sweet tamale pie, consider omitting the raisins or substitute them with a savory ingredient of your choice.
- For a spicier version, swap out the Anaheim chiles for roasted poblanos or jalapenos, depending on your heat preference.
- To make the dish vegetarian, replace the ground beef with beans or brown lentils for a hearty and satisfying alternative.
- Feel free to use a mix of cheeses, such as a Mexican-style blend, instead of just cheddar, for a more complex flavor profile.
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
