why make this recipe
Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Southwest to your table. It combines ground beef, beans, and spices with a delicious cornmeal topping. This dish is not only easy to make but also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a comforting family dinner, this recipe will satisfy everyone. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings or side dishes.
how to make Texas Tamale Pie
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
how to serve Texas Tamale Pie
Texas Tamale Pie is great on its own, but you can serve it with your favorite toppings. Consider adding sour cream, avocado slices, or extra cheese. You can also pair it with a simple salad or some corn on the side for a complete meal.
how to store Texas Tamale Pie
To store leftovers, let the Tamale Pie cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Texas Tamale Pie
- For extra flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier touch.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein.
variation
You can customize Texas Tamale Pie in many ways. For a spicier version, add jalapeños to the beef mixture. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using taco seasoning instead of the spices listed. You can also create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cornbread mix.
FAQs
1. Can I make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cornmeal topping ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of cornmeal?
Brown rice won’t work as a direct substitute for cornmeal in the topping, but you can try adding cooked brown rice to the beef mixture for a heartier pie.
3. How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The Tamale Pie is done when the top is golden brown and firm. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Texas Tamale Pie
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cornmeal topping
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, and egg, mixing until smooth.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and black olives over the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
