Print

Texas Tamale Pie

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A warm, one-dish Tex-Mex comfort meal featuring a savory beef-and-bean filling layered under a moist cornmeal crust, baked to cheesy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred — 90/10 is a good balance)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cornmeal (medium grind)
  • 1.5 cups milk (any milk works; whole milk gives a richer cornbread)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
  2. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until meat is browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt and pepper; simmer for 4–5 minutes.
  4. Whisk together the cornmeal, 1½ cups milk, egg, baking powder, and ½ tsp fine salt until smooth; let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over that layer. Pour the remaining batter over the filling.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and sliced black olives over the top.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until set and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro.

Notes

For a quicker option, use a prepared cornbread mix. Can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for beef.

Find it online: https://www.mealbreeze.com/texas-tamale-pie/