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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients of Texas Tamale Pie create a warm and rich flavor. Ground beef gives the dish its hearty base. The bell pepper and onion add sweetness and depth. Black beans and corn bring texture and a pop of color. The diced tomatoes with green chilies offer a nice kick. You can control the heat with chili powder and cumin. Salt and pepper tie it all together, enhancing every bite. - 1 ½ cups cornmeal - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 cup milk - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Cornmeal is the star of the cornbread batter. It adds a nice crunch and a sweet flavor. Baking powder helps the batter rise, making it light and fluffy. Milk gives the batter moisture and richness. Finally, cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess to the finished dish. - Fresh cilantro - Additional cheese variations Garnishes make your Texas Tamale Pie shine. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for more richness. Get creative with your toppings; they can enhance the dish’s taste and appeal. Consider sliced jalapeños or avocado for a fresh twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by chopping 1 medium onion and 1 bell pepper. - Mince 2 cloves of garlic. - Drain and rinse 1 can of black beans. - Drain 1 can of corn. - Open 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes. - Next, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it until it is browned. Drain any excess fat. - Mix in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. - In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 cup of milk to make a smooth cornbread batter. - Grease a 9-inch pie dish. Layer the beef mixture evenly at the bottom. - Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean. - Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. - Best methods for browning meat: Start with a hot skillet and add olive oil. Use medium heat to cook ground beef evenly. Break the meat apart with a spatula. This method helps create a nice brown color. Brown it until it’s no longer pink. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. - Ensuring cornbread batter is smooth: Combine the cornmeal and baking powder first. Then slowly add milk, stirring gently. Mix until you see no lumps. A whisk can help with this. A smooth batter will rise better when baking. - Adding spices or herbs to elevate flavor: Feel free to add cayenne pepper for heat. A touch of smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten the dish. Experimenting with spices makes each pie unique. - Suggestions for extra toppings: Consider adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Sour cream on top cools down the heat nicely. You can also sprinkle more cheese before serving. Avocado slices add creaminess and flavor. - What to serve alongside Texas Tamale Pie: A fresh salad pairs well with this dish. A simple green salad with lime dressing works great. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. - Best pairings for flavor balance: Pair the pie with a light, fruity salsa. Mango salsa brings sweetness that contrasts with the pie's spice. A cold drink like iced tea or lemonade complements the heat too. Pro Tips Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the ground beef is browned thoroughly to enhance the flavor of the dish. Customize Your Beans: Feel free to swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans for a different taste and texture. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor. Let It Rest: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it set and make serving easier. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These options lower fat and calories. They still keep the dish tasty and filling. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, use lentils or mushrooms. They add great texture and flavor. You can also replace the milk with plant-based milk for a vegan touch. Switching beans can change the taste. Try pinto beans or kidney beans for a new flavor. You can also mix in black-eyed peas for a Southern twist. Adding different vegetables can bring fresh ideas. Zucchini, corn, or even spinach work well. Each veggie adds its own flair and color. Texas is big, and each area has its own style. In some places, cooks add jalapeños for a spicy kick. Others might use local meats or beans. This makes the dish more authentic and flavorful. Using local ingredients also supports nearby farms and markets, making it a win-win! To keep your Texas Tamale Pie fresh, store it in the fridge. First, let the pie cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can also use an airtight container for better storage. The pie stays good for about three to four days in the fridge. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Cut the pie into individual portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double wrap keeps the pie safe from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy it, take a piece out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This warms it through and keeps the cornbread nice and soft. Leftover Texas Tamale Pie is a treat. You can enjoy it just as it is, or get creative! Try making taco bowls by adding fresh toppings, like lettuce and salsa. You can also chop it up and mix it with scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast burrito. If you’re busy during the week, pack it for lunch with a side salad. This way, you have a quick meal ready to go! Texas Tamale Pie is a hearty dish with layers of beef, beans, and cornbread. It brings together flavors of Texas and Mexican cooking. You start with a savory meat mixture, then top it with cornbread batter. After baking, you get a delicious pie with a crispy top and a warm filling. To spice up your Texas Tamale Pie, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy diced tomatoes instead of regular ones. For more heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. Yes! You can swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese. These cheeses melt well and add a different flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese. It works nicely in the pie and keeps it creamy. Sure! To make Texas Tamale Pie gluten-free, use gluten-free cornmeal. Check the labels on canned beans and tomatoes, as some may contain gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty and safe meal. To prevent a soggy bottom, use a hot skillet when cooking the meat and vegetables. This helps to seal in flavors and moisture. Also, let the meat mixture cool slightly before adding the cornbread batter. This step helps keep the cornbread crisp. To check if the cornbread is cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. If the top is golden but the toothpick is wet, cover the pie with foil. Bake a bit longer until it is fully cooked. You've learned how to make a tasty Texas Tamale Pie with simple steps. We covered ingredients like beef, beans, and spices, plus the cornbread batter. I shared cooking tips to ensure great flavor and texture. You can also try different ingredients or flavors to make it your own. Enjoy your meal, whether fresh or as a leftover treat. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so keep experimenting!

Texas Tamale Pie

A hearty and flavorful tamale pie featuring ground beef, black beans, and a cornbread topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1.5 cups cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Mix in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, baking powder, and milk to create the cornbread batter. Stir until smooth.
  • In a greased 9-inch pie dish, layer the beef mixture evenly on the bottom, followed by the cornbread batter poured on top.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword beef, cornbread, tamale pie, Tex-Mex