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A delicious Texas Tamale Pie, fresh from the oven, served on a rustic dish

Classic Texas Tamale Pie

A hearty and flavorful Classic Texas Tamale Pie featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with a cheesy cornbread crust. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Medium bowl
  • Wooden skewer

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn drained
  • 1 (1.25 oz) packet taco seasoning

Cornbread Topping

  • 1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread mix
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese divided

Optional Toppings

  • sour cream
  • fresh cilantro
  • sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until fully browned, then drain any excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, undrained diced green chilies, drained corn, and taco seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Pour the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Assembly

  • In a bowl, combine cornbread mix, egg, and milk; stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.
  • Spoon and gently spread the cornbread mixture over the meat filling, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese.

Baking and Serving

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into it comes out clean.
  • Allow the tamale pie to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Top with sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños if desired.

Notes

This tamale pie is a fantastic weeknight meal, offering a comforting blend of savory meat and a sweet cornbread topping. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.