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Easy Tamale Pie

This easy one-dish meal features the flavors of tamales in the simplicity of a pie. It will definitely be making another appearance at our house! Try it if you're a fan of Mexican-inspired recipes.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For the meat layer
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 bell pepper cored, seeded and diced (any color)
  • 1/2 Jalapeño or other hot pepper, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 oz can diced tomatoes fire roasted variety is a good option for this
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
For the tamale topping
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 cup cornmeal finely ground
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup Monterey jack cheese finely shredded
Suggested accompaniments
  • sour cream
  • avocado
  • cilantro

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a cast iron skillet (or other oven-proof large skillet) heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onions while stirring until they begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook while breaking it up with a spatula until almost brown all the way through, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the bell and hot peppers and cook until soft, another 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the seasonings onto the beef mixture and stir until well combined. Add the diced tomatoes and corn kernels and bring to a light boil then turn off the heat.
  5. Meanwhile, in a small pot combine the milk, cornmeal, butter, and salt. Bring to a light boil while whisking constantly. As soon as the mixture begins to thicken, only takes a minute or two, scrape out of the pot and spread on top of the meat mixture into one even layer.
  6. Top with shredded cheese and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. If preparing in advance may take longer to bake if putting it in the oven cold.
  7. Garnish with sour cream, avocado and/or cilantro (if desired) and serve.

Notes

  • We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
  • Nutrition Facts Easy Tamale Pie Amount Per Serving Calories 727 Calories from Fat 441 % Daily Value* Fat 49g75%Saturated Fat 22g138%Cholesterol 137mg46%Sodium 943mg41%Potassium 680mg19%Carbohydrates 37g12%Fiber 5g21%Sugar 7g8%Protein 34g68% Vitamin A 1925IU39%Vitamin C 41.1mg50%Calcium 344mg34%Iron 3.9mg22% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
  • Calories 727
  • Calories from Fat 441
  • % Daily Value*
  • Fat 49g
  • 75%
  • Saturated Fat 22g
  • 138%
  • Cholesterol 137mg
  • 46%
  • Sodium 943mg
  • 41%
  • Potassium 680mg
  • 19%
  • Carbohydrates 37g
  • 12%
  • Fiber 5g
  • 21%
  • Sugar 7g
  • 8%
  • Protein 34g
  • 68%
  • Vitamin A 1925IU
  • 39%
  • Vitamin C 41.1mg
  • 50%
  • Calcium 344mg
  • 34%
  • Iron 3.9mg
  • 22%