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5.0 from 6 votes

Tamale Pie with Brown Butter Cornbread Topping

This Tamale Pie is loaded with tasty and hearty ground beef chili that seeps through a delicious homemade brown butter cornbread topping. This easy tamale pie recipe is cooked in one skillet and is bursting with layers of flavor!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 650 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped finely
  • 1/3 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (15-ounces) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup salsa (medium or mild)
  • 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
For the Brown Butter Cornbread Topping
  • 1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 ounces sour cream (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1/4 cup cultured buttermilk
Optional Toppings for Serving
  • sour cream
  • chopped cilantro

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
To Make the Brown Butter
  1. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally to achieve even cooking. The butter will foam and then it will start to turn golden brown. Your brown butter is perfectly done when it has a nutty aroma and is toast-brown in color.
  2. Transfer the brown butter to a heatproof cup or bowl. Reserve until ready to use,
To Make the Filling
  1. Return the skillet to high heat and add the ground beef. Cook breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 6 - 8 minutes or until browned.
  2. Add the onions, garlic and green peppers. Cook stirring frequently for about 4 minutes or until the vegetables softened. Add the cumin, chili, oregano, seasoned salt, clove and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Turn the heat to medium  and stir in the crushed tomatoes and salsa. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the beans, corn and chicken stock and simmer on medium low heat, stirring occasionally while you make the topping. Stir in the fresh cilantro if using and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
To Make the Cornbread Topping
  1. In a large bowl combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
  2. In a separate bowl combine the eggs, sour cream and buttermilk, Whisk until all combined. Whisk in the brown butter.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined and smooth.
The Rest
  1. Using a large spoon, place dollops of the cornbread batter mixture on top of the beef filling. With a spatula spread the batter into an even layer.
  2. Transfer the skillet into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until pale golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a skewer into the cornbread. If it comes out clean, is ready!
  3. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 650kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 57g (19%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 37g (57%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Cholesterol 155mg (52%) Sodium 850mg (35%) Potassium 778mg (22%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 13g (26%) Vitamin A 1580IU (32%) Vitamin C 9.6mg (11%) Calcium 166mg (17%) Iron 5.2mg (29%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 650

% Daily Value*

Calories 650kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 57g 19%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 37g 57%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Cholesterol 155mg 52%
Sodium 850mg 35%
Potassium 778mg 17%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 13g 26%
Vitamin A 1580IU 32%
Vitamin C 9.6mg 11%
Calcium 166mg 17%
Iron 5.2mg 29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.