Mexican Tamale Pie is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a traditional tamale with the ease of a casserole. Imagine layers of savory ground beef or chicken, nestled between a fluffy cornbread topping infused with spices and topped with melted cheese. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends, offering a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in every bite.
To begin, the base of the Mexican Tamale Pie typically consists of a flavorful filling made with ground beef or shredded chicken seasoned with Mexican spices such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano. The meat is cooked until tender and juicy, then combined with ingredients like onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes to create a robust and aromatic mixture.
Next comes the cornbread topping, which mimics the texture and flavor of traditional tamale masa. It’s made from a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and butter, seasoned with a pinch of salt and sometimes a hint of sweetness from a touch of sugar or honey. This batter is poured over the meat filling, spreading evenly to cover all corners of the casserole dish.
As the Mexican Tamale Pie bakes in the oven, the cornbread topping puffs up and turns golden brown, forming a crusty layer that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat filling beneath. The aroma of spices fills the air, promising a mouthwatering experience that is both comforting and satisfying.
Once baked, the pie is often garnished with shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, which melts over the top to create a gooey and indulgent finish. Additional toppings may include fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream, adding freshness and a burst of color to the dish.
Each forkful of Mexican Tamale Pie offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures — from the hearty meat filling with its layers of spices to the fluffy, slightly sweet cornbread topping and the creamy melted cheese. It’s a dish that brings together the best elements of tamale-making and casserole cooking, ensuring every bite is a comforting embrace of Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a dish for entertaining guests, Mexican Tamale Pie is sure to become a favorite. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexico in a convenient and delicious format. Prepare to enjoy a taste of tradition with each spoonful of this delightful casserole.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Mixture:
- – 2 pounds lean ground beef
- – 1 medium onion, diced
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1 teaspoon black pepper
- – 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or substitute Cajun seasoning)
- – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- – 19 ounce can red enchilada sauce
- – 4 ounce can diced green chilies
- – 2.25 ounce can sliced black olives, drained
- – 15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
- – 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- – 1 1/2 cups Colby jack or pepper jack cheese, shredded
For the Cornbread:
- – 2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix
- – 2 (15 ounce) cans creamed corn
- – 1 cup sour cream
- – 2 large eggs
Directions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a large, deep 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the Cornbread:**
– In a large bowl, combine the Jiffy cornbread mix, creamed corn, sour cream, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. **Bake Cornbread:**
– Spoon the cornbread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. **Prepare the Meat Mixture:**
– While the cornbread is baking, in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
5. **Season and Combine:**
– Sprinkle the cooked meat and onions with garlic powder, black pepper, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
6. **Add Sauce and Vegetables:**
– Pour in the red enchilada sauce, diced green chilies, drained black olives, and whole kernel corn. Stir well to combine and let simmer for a few minutes to heat through.
7. **Melt Cheese:**
– Add the sharp cheddar cheese to the meat mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
8. **Assemble and Bake:**
– Pour the prepared meat mixture over the baked cornbread in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded Colby jack or pepper jack cheese.
9. **Bake Again:**
– Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. **Serve:**
– Serve the Mexican Tamale Pie hot, with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Mexican Tamale Pie!