Quick Cornbread Tamale Pie Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Cornbread tamale pie erupts with southwestern charm, transforming humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Bold spices dance through layers of seasoned meat, creating a tantalizing feast for hungry souls.

This one-pan wonder bridges comfort and excitement on your dinner table.

Tender ground beef nestles beneath a golden, pillowy cornbread crown that melts in your mouth.

Every forkful tells a story of culinary tradition and home-cooked love.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish promises to silence grumbling stomachs and spark joyful conversations.

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible classic.

How to Serve Cornbread Tamale Pie with Sides

• Pair with Zesty Toppings: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños on top for an extra burst of flavor and color that complements the hearty meat filling.
• Serve with Cool Companions: Add a dollop of sour cream or creamy guacamole alongside the pie to balance the warm, spicy notes and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create a Complete Meal: Complement the dish with a crisp side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or quick pickled vegetables to cut through the richness and add a light, tangy element.
• Enhance with Cheese Love: Grate sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese over the hot cornbread topping just before serving to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer that adds depth and richness.

How to Store Cornbread Tamale Pie

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them refrigerated for maximum taste and safety.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Seal the pie tightly in glass or plastic containers, which will maintain quality for 3-4 days when kept at 40°F or below.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual portions or entire pie in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving deliciousness for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Cornbread Tamale Pie Ingredient Guide

• Ground Meat: Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist.
• Onions: Select firm, fragrant onions with no soft spots or discoloration.

• Corn, Beans: Opt for canned or fresh ingredients at peak ripeness.
• Tomato Sauce: Pick a rich, robust sauce with minimal additives.
• Broth: Select low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
• Bell Pepper: Choose crisp, brightly colored peppers for maximum freshness.

• Cornmeal, Flour: Use fresh, finely ground varieties for smooth texture.
• Sugar: Select pure cane sugar for natural sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Ensure it's fresh and not expired for proper rising.
• Salt: Use fine-grain table or kosher salt.
• Egg: Select large, fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Milk: Whole milk provides richer flavor and texture.
• Oil: Opt for neutral vegetable or canola oil.

Cast Iron and Prep Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing onions over medium-high heat.
• Casserole dish (3-quart): Essential for layering meat mixture and cornbread topping.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy dish removal.
• Medium bowl: Used for mixing dry cornbread ingredients.
• Small bowl: Ideal for whisking wet cornbread mixture.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
• Oven: Bakes the pie to golden-brown perfection.

Cooking Joy’s Cornbread Tamale Pie

• Fire Up the Oven and Prep Your Dish

Get your oven roaring at 425°F and give a baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

• Brown and Sizzle the Base

Toss ground meat and chopped onions into a hot skillet, letting them dance and sear until the meat is perfectly browned and onions turn soft and translucent.

• Build a Flavor-Packed Filling

Kick up the heat and stir in corn, beans, tomato sauce, broth, and a sprinkle of spices. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a rich, robust mixture that’ll make taste buds sing.

• Whip Up the Cornbread Topping

Grab a bowl and quickly blend cornmeal, flour, and other dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and oil until smooth. Marry these two mixtures, stirring until they become a harmonious batter.

• Layer and Bake

Pour the saucy meat mixture into your prepared dish, then crown it with the cornbread batter. Slide into the hot oven and bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and puffs up with pride, about 20-25 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your bubbling, aromatic pie and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and savor the hearty, comforting flavors of this killer skillet pie.

Tips for Moist Cornbread and Zesty Filling

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.

Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for those craving extra heat and bold flavor profiles.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the cornbread batter before baking to create a melty, irresistible golden crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or a mixture of lentils and mushrooms to craft a delicious meat-free version that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Savory Cornbread Tamale Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty cornbread tamale pie from Texas kitchens blends comforting Southwestern flavors with layered meat and cornmeal magic. Home cooks savor this rustic casserole that delivers rich, satisfying textures you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup corn (drained, canned, or frozen, thawed)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• ½ cup green bell pepper (optional)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp chile powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• ¾ cup cornmeal
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, simultaneously sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate corn kernels, black beans, tomato sauce, broth, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture. Allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together, stirring occasionally for 12-15 minutes.
3. Cornbread Batter Setup: Combine dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
4. Liquid Integration: Whisk egg, milk, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl until smooth, then gently fold into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a light texture.
5. Assembly and Baking: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a lightly sprayed 3-quart casserole dish, spreading evenly. Pour the cornmeal batter over the top, creating a complete covering. Bake in a preheated 425°F (218°C) oven for 22-27 minutes, or until the cornbread topping achieves a golden-brown color and passes the toothpick test.

Notes

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version, ensuring the meat is well-browned for maximum flavor development.
• Spice Adaptation: Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match your personal heat preference, creating a customized taste profile.
• Batter Blending Technique: Mix wet and dry ingredients gently to prevent tough cornbread; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and contribute to a tender texture.
• Doneness Precision: Check cornbread topping with a toothpick test, looking for a clean insertion and golden-brown color to guarantee perfectly cooked pie.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg