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The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Tamale Pie with Cheesy Cornbread Topping

A close-up of a hearty slice of tamale pie showing a golden cornbread top over a rich, spiced ground meat and corn filling.
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This Texas Tamale Pie delivers the comforting, bold flavors of traditional tamales in a simple, satisfying casserole format. It is a quick, family-friendly dinner ready fast.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (8.5 ounce) package corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
  • Ingredients listed on corn muffin mix package (milk, eggs, oil)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the rinsed black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and drained corn into the meat mixture. Spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Prepare the cornbread batter according to the package directions, usually mixing the dry mix with eggs, milk, and oil.
  7. Pour the prepared cornbread batter evenly over the meat filling in the baking dish.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot cornbread topping. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
  10. Let the Tamale Pie rest for 5 minutes before you slice and serve it.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute the water in the filling with 1/2 cup beef broth.
  • If you want a spicier kick, use hot Rotel or add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/easy-tamale-pie-recipe-comfort-casserole/