Description
Texas tamale pie casserole is a bold, comforting dish that combines a savory, spiced beef and tomato filling with a soft, golden cornbread topping. Inspired by the flavors of classic tamales, it’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
- Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or Rotel (with green chiles)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup black or pinto beans (optional)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cornbread Topping:
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a batter.
- Pour beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread cornbread batter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean. Optionally, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 5 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream or salsa if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For more spice, add jalapeños or green chiles to the filling.
- Use boxed cornbread mix to save time.
- Let filling thicken before topping to prevent soggy cornbread.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
