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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups frozen corn kernels - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cornmeal - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish - Sour cream for serving (optional) Texas Tamale Pie is all about bold flavors and comfort. Each ingredient plays a key role. Ground beef gives it a hearty base. The chopped onion and minced garlic add warmth and depth. Black beans and diced tomatoes bring color and nutrition. The frozen corn adds sweetness and texture. Spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika kick things up a notch. They give the dish a rich, savory taste that warms your soul. Salt and pepper round out the flavor. Cornmeal is the magic for the crust. It thickens nicely when mixed with hot chicken broth. This creates a solid layer that holds everything together. Shredded cheddar cheese on top melts beautifully, making it ooey-gooey. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a bright touch. If you like, serve the pie with sour cream. This adds a cool contrast to the spiciness. With these ingredients, you can craft a Texas Tamale Pie that’s both delicious and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Chop one medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. - In a large skillet, brown one pound of ground beef over medium heat. - Drain any excess fat after the beef is cooked. - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion turns clear, about five minutes. - Stir in one can of black beans, one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and two cups of frozen corn. - Season your mixture with one tablespoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Mix everything well and let it simmer for ten minutes. - In a separate pot, bring two cups of chicken broth to a boil. - Gradually whisk in one cup of cornmeal while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until it thickens, about three to five minutes. - In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the beef and bean mixture evenly on the bottom. - Pour the thickened cornmeal mixture over the beef layer, spreading it out evenly. - Finally, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cornmeal layer. - Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. - Look for bubbly and golden brown cheese on top. - Once done, take it out and let it cool for five minutes before slicing. To make your Texas Tamale Pie truly shine, adjust the spice level to your taste. Start with one tablespoon of chili powder. If you like heat, add more. You can also mix in fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick. For a smoky flavor, try adding more smoked paprika. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Getting the cornmeal layer just right is key. Use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture. When you cook the cornmeal, stir constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Bake it until golden and bubbly for the best finish. Pair your Texas Tamale Pie with a fresh side salad or some rice. Cornbread also makes a great side! For garnishes, fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream on top makes it creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal with friends and family for a cozy gathering. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish, making it healthier and allowing the flavors of the spices and vegetables to shine. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce! Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans and vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of this tamale pie. Let It Rest: Allow the tamale pie to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier, resulting in a neater presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch up the proteins in your Texas Tamale Pie. Ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option. For a plant-based dish, use lentils or crumbled tofu. These swaps keep the dish tasty and can cater to different diets. You can also change the beans. Try pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flavor. Adding fresh or frozen vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can boost nutrition too. Spice is key in Texas Tamale Pie. Consider adding Southwestern spices like oregano or coriander. These spices enhance the pie's flavor. If you like heat, add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can mix in fresh herbs like cilantro for a fresh twist. Experimenting with flavors can make your pie unique and exciting. If you need gluten-free options, use cornmeal that is certified gluten-free. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the beef and add more beans and veggies. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth adds depth to the flavor. These changes make the pie accessible to various diets while keeping it delicious. After you enjoy your Texas Tamale Pie, store any leftovers properly. Here are some best practices: - Cool down: Let the pie cool to room temperature before storing. - Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. - Label: Write the date on the container, so you know when you stored it. To enjoy your leftover pie, reheating is key. Here are some methods to keep it tasty: - Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. - Microwave method: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. For longer storage, you can freeze your pie: - Freezing: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. - Shelf life: It can last up to three months in the freezer. Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty dish made with layers of meat, beans, cornmeal, and cheese. Its roots trace back to Texas, where cooks blended Mexican and American flavors. This dish is comforting and perfect for family meals. You get a warm, savory bite with every forkful. Yes, you can make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time. Prepare the beef and bean mixture and the cornmeal layer separately. Store each in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, layer them in a dish and bake as directed. This saves time and lets flavors meld. Look for bubbly, golden cheese on top. The edges should be slightly crispy. You can also check the center with a knife. If it comes out clean, your pie is ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the layers intact. Yes, Texas Tamale Pie freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot. Enjoy your tasty comfort food anytime! To sum it up, Texas Tamale Pie combines ground beef, beans, cornmeal, and cheese. We prepped, cooked, and baked a tasty dish that can please anyone. You can even adjust spices or swap ingredients. Remember, don’t hesitate to get creative with the flavors. Follow these tips, and you'll impress your family or friends. This dish is great for leftovers too, so make more! Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delicious pie!

Texas Tamale Pie

A hearty and flavorful tamale pie made with ground beef, beans, and a cornmeal topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tex Mex
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • optional sour cream for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the beef and bean mixture evenly on the bottom.
  • Pour the cornmeal mixture over the beef and bean layer, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cornmeal layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream if desired.

Notes

Serve with sour cream for added creaminess.
Keyword beef, cornmeal, tamale pie, Tex Mex