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Texas Tamale Pie Casserole

Texas Tamale Pie Casserole: Amazing Comfort 1


  • Author: Anna
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting Southwestern classic, Texas Tamale Pie Casserole features a savory seasoned ground beef filling layered with corn and black beans, topped with a golden, cheesy cornbread crust. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delicious blend of Tex-Mex flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 0.5 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
  • 0.25 cup sour cream (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté diced onions for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, corn, and black beans. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  6. In a small bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the meat filling in the skillet. Smooth the top gently. Sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese if desired.
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
  9. Let the Texas Tamale Pie Casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  10. Top with diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Prepare the meat filling a day in advance and refrigerate it for quicker assembly.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and texture.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the cornbread topping.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or additional beans and vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg