why make this recipe
Texas Tamale Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. This recipe is not only packed with tasty ingredients but is also simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of seasoned beef, black beans, and a cornbread topping provides a wonderful blend of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate beans into your meal, adding both protein and fiber. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a hearty meal, Texas Tamale Pie is a recipe that can easily please everyone.
how to make Texas Tamale Pie
Making Texas Tamale Pie is a straightforward process that begins with some basic cooking techniques and ends with a delicious, hearty dish ready to serve. Just follow the simple steps outlined below, and you’ll have a wonderful meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is vital to ensure that your pie cooks evenly.
Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Add the flavor: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
Mix the cornbread batter: In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg. Mix until smooth, creating a nice cornbread base for your pie.
Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the pie from sticking.
Layer the ingredients: Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, spoon the beef mixture over the cornmeal base, ensuring it’s well distributed. Finally, pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and, if using, the sliced black olives over the top of the pie. This will create a beautiful layer of melted cheese.
Bake the pie: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and set.
Cool and garnish: Once done, let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it. This resting time helps it hold its shape. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
how to serve Texas Tamale Pie
Texas Tamale Pie can be served in a variety of ways to suit your preference. You can cut it into squares and serve it straight from the baking dish. Consider adding a side of sour cream and fresh salsa for dipping. This dish is delicious on its own, but if you want to enhance the meal, serve it with a simple side salad or a dish of Mexican rice. For those who enjoy a little extra heat, provide chopped jalapeños or hot sauce on the side.
how to store Texas Tamale Pie
Storing Texas Tamale Pie is easy and can help you save leftovers for later. Once the pie has cooled completely, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. Wrap individual slices tightly in aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. Frozen Tamale Pie can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
tips to make Texas Tamale Pie
Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble it and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Customize the beans: If you prefer other types of beans, you can easily swap the black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans, depending on your taste.
Add more veggies: Feel free to sneak in additional vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Spice it up: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin according to your heat preference. If you like it spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Cheese options: While cheddar cheese is a popular choice, you could also try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
variation (if any)
While Texas Tamale Pie is delicious as is, there are several creative variations to try. You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with lentils or extra black beans and including more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn. For a southwestern twist, consider adding a layer of guacamole on top after baking. Another fun variation is to turn this dish into mini tamale pies using muffin tins, which is perfect for serving at parties or gatherings.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly, and you might want to adjust the seasonings to balance the flavors.
2. What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to cornmeal, you can use a gluten-free cornbread mix or even polenta as a substitute for a similar texture.
3. How can I reheat Texas Tamale Pie?
To reheat, place the pie in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power.
Enjoy making and sharing this Texas Tamale Pie, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion!
Print
Texas Tamale Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and hearty dish featuring seasoned beef, black beans, and a cornbread topping.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour half of the cornmeal mixture into it.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the cornmeal base, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and sliced black olives over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
Serve with sour cream, salsa, or a side salad for a complete meal. Can be prepared a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tamale pie, Tex-Mex, comfort food, easy dinner