Texas Tamale Pie Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, I’ve got just the ticket — my Texas Tamale Pie Recipe is an absolute game-changer. When I first tried this dish, I fell in love with the cozy layers of seasoned beef, beans, and creamy cornmeal topping. It’s like a warm, savory hug in every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together beautifully for a filling comfort dish that’s bursting with flavor. When I shop for this recipe, I always grab fresh cilantro because it adds such a bright touch at the end.

• Ground beef: Use lean ground beef to keep it juicy but not too greasy.
• Onion: Chopped finely for that perfect balance of sweetness and aroma.
• Black beans: Drained and rinsed to keep things fresh and avoid extra saltiness.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: This adds a mild kick and moisture to the filling.
• Chili powder: The heart of the Tex-Mex flavor in this dish.
• Cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth, complementing the chili powder perfectly.
• Garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better!
• Salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials to brighten up the whole dish.
• Cornmeal: The base of the tamale topping — look for medium grind for the best texture.
• Milk: To keep the cornmeal mixture creamy and tender.
• Egg: Helps bind the tamale topping so it sets nicely in the oven.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: A melty, golden finish that gives you all the yummy gooeyness.
• Sliced black olives (optional): I love this little salty pop, but feel free to skip if olives aren’t your thing.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on what we’re in the mood for. This Texas Tamale Pie recipe is a great base for variations, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

• Vegetarian version: I swapped the ground beef for a sauté of bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini once — it was just as hearty and definitely satisfying.
• Extra heat: For a spicy kick, throw in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Cheese options: Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend if you want a bit more zing and variety.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe already fits the bill, but double-check your cornmeal and spices just in case.

How to Make Texas Tamale Pie Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and tossing in the ground beef and chopped onion. I usually break up the beef with my spatula while it cooks to get nice, even browning. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until the beef’s browned and the onions are soft. I always drain the excess fat afterward — it makes the pie less greasy and lets those spices really shine.

Step 2: Spice It Up and Simmer

Next, stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes — this step lets the flavors meld beautifully. You’ll notice the kitchen fills with that classic Tex-Mex aroma I just adore.

Step 3: Prepare the Cornmeal Mixture

While the beef simmers, whisk together the cornmeal, milk, and egg in a bowl until everything is smooth and well combined. When I mix it, I check the consistency to make sure it’s pourable but a little thick — it’ll bake into a tender crust that holds everything together perfectly.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour half the cornmeal mixture into it, spreading evenly to form the base layer. Then, spread the beef mixture over this base like you’re creating a flavorful blanket. Pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top, smoothing it out gently. Don’t forget to sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and black olives (if you’re using them) over the top — that cheese melts into a glorious golden crust in the oven.

Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and set. You’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing — I know, it’s hard to wait, but this helps everything firm up just right so your slices stay intact.

How to Serve Texas Tamale Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my Texas Tamale Pie with fresh chopped cilantro because it adds a burst of color and brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I throw on a dollop of sour cream or some sliced jalapeños if we want an extra pop of creaminess or heat.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this dish are a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or some roasted corn on the cob. You could also pair it with refried beans or Spanish rice for an extra Tex-Mex feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For family get-togethers, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins — it feels special and personal, plus everyone gets their own cheesy, spicy pie. It’s also fantastic when served in a cast iron skillet for rustic vibes at potlucks or casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Texas Tamale Pie tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is a breeze and the flavors even deepen overnight — always a good thing. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! I usually cut the pie into portions and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When I want a quick meal, I just thaw a piece overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To keep the crust nicely textured when reheating, I pop slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes instead of microwaving. This revives the golden top and warms everything evenly without getting soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Texas Tamale Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone around the table for seconds and smiles. It’s simple enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests, so it’s truly versatile. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — grab your skillet and let’s make some comfort food magic happen!

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