Craving satisfying mexican dinner recipes? This Cheesy Beef Tamale Pie brings all the comforting flavors of tamales into an easy, family-friendly casserole. You get a rich, savory beef filling topped with a fluffy, cheesy cornbread crust – perfect for a weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Cornmeal: Essential for the “tamale” crust. Use fine or medium grind.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Adds flavor and a little heat. Use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer no spice.
- Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works well too.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (8 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools: 9×13 inch baking dish, large skillet, mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prepares your kitchen for a delicious mexican dinner.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Filling Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook gently for 5 minutes.
5. Make the Cornbread Topping
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Assemble the Pie
Spread the beef filling evenly into your prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the top of the beef filling, spreading it gently to cover. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
7. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade mexican dinner!
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño to the beef filling or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers or zucchini with the onion.
- Different Beans: Use kidney beans or pinto beans instead of black beans.
- Creamy Topping: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Cheesy Beef Tamale Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What kind of cornmeal should I use?
Fine or medium-ground cornmeal works best for the cornbread topping.
Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the filling.
Is this recipe spicy?
The diced tomatoes with green chiles add a mild heat. You can omit them or choose a milder diced tomato if you prefer no spice.
What should I serve with Cheesy Beef Tamale Pie?
A simple green salad, a side of rice, or some fresh salsa and guacamole are great accompaniments for this mexican dinner.
Can I freeze Cheesy Beef Tamale Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.