Texas Tamale Pie: A Delicious Recipe for a Classic Comfort Food

Texas Tamale Pie is a dish that brings a taste of the Lone Star State right to your kitchen. This hearty and flavorful meal combines the rich traditions of Tex-Mex cuisine with the comforting essence of a classic casserole. Originating from the vibrant culinary landscape of Texas, tamale pie has become a beloved staple, often served at family gatherings and community events. Its history is steeped in the fusion of Mexican and American flavors, making it a true representation of cultural harmony.

People love Texas Tamale Pie for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The savory filling, typically made with seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, is topped with a cornbread crust that bakes to golden perfection. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, as it can be prepared in advance and easily reheated, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a Texan at heart or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons, Texas Tamale Pie is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Jalapeños, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
6. After simmering, remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Preparing the Cornmeal Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Let the batter sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the masa harina absorb the liquid and improves the texture.

Assembling the Tamale Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
3. Spread the beef and bean filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Pour the cornmeal batter over the filling, spreading it out gently with a spatula to cover the filling completely.
5. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the batter.

Baking the Tamale Pie

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Once baked, remove the tamale pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the pie set up a bit more.

Serving Suggestions

1. Cut the tamale pie into squares and serve warm. I love to garnish mine with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
2. For a complete meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad.
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips and Variations

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Texan cuisine, then this Texas Tamale Pie is an absolute must-try! With its rich layers of cornbread, savory meat, and zesty spices, it’s a comforting meal that brings warmth to any table. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.

  When serving your Texas Tamale Pie, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad or some homemade guacamole for a refreshing contrast. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to elevate the flavors even further. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some jalapeños for an extra kick or swapping out the meat for a vegetarian option using black beans or lentils. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so special!

  I encourage you to give this Texas Tamale Pie a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family! I would love to hear how your version turned out and any unique twists you added.

  So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! This Texas Tamale Pie is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!

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  Texas Tamale Pie: A Delicious Recipe for a Classic Comfort Food

  This Tamale Pie features a savory ground beef and bean filling topped with a fluffy cornmeal batter, baked until golden. It's a comforting dish perfect for family dinners, easily customizable to suit your taste, and great for gatherings.

  Prep Time20 minutes

  Cook Time30 minutes

  Total Time50 minutes

  Category: Healthy & Comfort Food

  Yield: 6-8 servings

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Jalapeños, sliced (optional, for garnish)

  Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  6. After simmering, remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
  8. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
  9. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  10. Let the batter sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the masa harina absorb the liquid and improves the texture.
  11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  12. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
  13. Spread the beef and bean filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  14. Pour the cornmeal batter over the filling, spreading it out gently with a spatula to cover the filling completely.
  15. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the batter.
  16. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  17. Once baked, remove the tamale pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the pie set up a bit more.
  18. Cut the tamale pie into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
  19. For a complete meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad.
  20. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

  Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables or additional beans.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference.