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Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie is a delightful and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, and a cornbread topping, making it a healthy comfort food option.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef Main source of protein in this dish.
  • 1 small onion, chopped Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed Provides fiber and plant-based protein.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained Adds sweetness and texture.
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles Adds a spicy kick and moisture.
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Infuses the dish with authentic tamale flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin Lends an earthy flavor.
  • to taste salt and pepper Helps balance the flavors.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Brings cheesy goodness.
  • 1 box cornbread mix Quick and convenient for topping.
  • as needed ingredients to prepare cornbread mix (typically eggs and milk) Follow the instructions on the box.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Spread the meat mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
  5. Prepare the cornbread mix in a mixing bowl according to package instructions, adding necessary eggs and milk.
  6. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the cornbread mixture.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Let the tamale pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For meal prep, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.