Tamale Pie
I may not be Texan but I have whole heartedly embraced the food, although I am still intimidated by a smoker. Tamale Pie is a Texas treasure and for good reason, it is flipping delicious. This is my weeknight version, using the shortcut of a box of cornbread mix. Jazz up the cornbread mix and spread it over a delicious meat mixture or even beans if you want to make a vegan dinner everyone can enjoy. My girls love it and my husband always is stoked when it is on the menu. It is a simple but delicious dinner, make it and you will love it.
Tamale Pie
2 Tablespoons oil
1 onion, diced
1 1/2 peppers, diced
1.25 pounds ground beef or 2 cans beans
1 can (7oz) can of green chiles
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 1/2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 box cornbread mix (prepare as directed)
1 can corn, drained
4 green onions, sliced
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high heat, add the onions and salt. Cook until softened and slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the meat and cook while breaking it up with a spoon. Once it is browned, season with taco seasoning.
- Pour in the green chiles, salsa, and peppers. Stir and let reduce. If using beans, stir those in at this point.
- Prepare the cornbread mix as directed stir in the green onions and corn to the batter.
- Spray a baking dish with oil, spoon in the meat mixture and flatten to make an even layer. Spread the cornbread mixture over the top of the meat.
- Bake 25-40 minutes depending on how large your baking dish is. It is ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let sit and cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
The meat filling is made in one pan and it is just adding ingredients in order, cooking along the way. Start with the onions and then follow with the ground beef if you are using. Once the beef is cooked, add in the peppers, green chiles, and salsa. This is also where you would add beans if you are making this meat free. Season with taco seasoning and set aside.
This is the corn bread mix I used but there are so many good options, gluten free, vegan, dairy free, whatever is your favorite. Stir in the sliced green onions and the drained corn for extra flavor and texture.
In your baking dish, spread an even layer of the meat mixture and then pour over the cornbread batter. Now it’s time to bake. Mine took about 40 minutes because I used a deep but smaller size dish and the cornbread layer was large. If you use a larger dish, baking will take about 25 minutes. Check if it is done by using a toothpick and looking for it to come out clean.
