Southwestern Tamale Pie

This Southwestern Tamale Pie is proper comfort food! A spiced beef filling with a cheesy cornbread crust – think shepherd’s pie meets tamale. Get the easy recipe!

Right, let's get stuck in, shall we?

Recipe Introduction: Southwestern Tamale Pie is Calling Your Name!

Ever get that craving for something proper comforting? something with a bit of a kick and bags of flavour? i definitely do.

This tamale pie ticks all those boxes. honestly, it's a winner.

A Taste of Texas: What’s Tamales Pie About, Then?

Mexican tamale pie isn't actually from mexico, you know. it's more of a southwestern/tex-mex thing. think of it as a comforting casserole.

It's basically a spiced beef filling topped with a kind of cornbread crust. proper homely stuff. this version gives you a great texas tamale pie recipe vibe.

It's surprisingly easy to make. Ready in around an hour, give or take. This Tamales Pie Recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry people. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Why This Tamale Pie Is Special

One of the best things about a good tamale pie is how filling it is. it's a proper all-in-one meal.

Plus, you get a good dose of fiber from the beans and corn. good for your gut, innit? this beef tamale casserole is perfect for a cold night when you just want something warm and satisfying.

Oh my gosh, I nearly forgot. What makes this Easy Tamale Pie special? It's the cheesy cornbread topping. I chuck in a load of cheddar. Makes all the difference.

Right, are you ready to get cooking? Let's have a look at the ingredients we need.

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. here’s what you’ll need for my southwestern tamale pie : a proper, cozy classic, if i do say so myself! this tamales pie recipe brings together the best of mexican flavours in one bubbling dish.

Let's Gather Our Bits and Bobs: Ingredients & Equipment

First, the ingredients. Don't skimp on quality; it makes all the difference, honestly! We're making the best Tamale pie here.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Measuring

• For the Scrumptious Filling:

  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Use a good extra virgin!
  • Onion: 1 large , chopped. Should be firm and not too smelly!
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
  • Ground beef: 1 lb (450g). Look for lean, but not too lean, you know?
  • Red bell pepper: 1 , chopped. Bright, firm and happy!
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g), undrained.
  • Corn: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g), drained.
  • Black beans: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g), rinsed and drained.
  • Taco seasoning: 1 packet (1 ounce) (approx. 28g).
  • Chili powder: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml).
  • Cumin: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml).
  • Salt and pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy!
  • Beef broth: 1/2 cup (120ml).

• For the Cornbread Marvel:

  • Yellow cornmeal: 1 cup (150g). Go for a medium grind if you can find it.
  • All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g). Plain flour, nothing fancy.
  • Granulated sugar: 1 tbsp (12g). Just a smidge.
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp (5g).
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp (2.5g).
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp (1.25g).
  • Egg: 1 large . Free-range, if possible.
  • Milk: 1 cup (240ml). Full fat’s best, but any will do.
  • Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup (60ml).
  • Cheddar cheese: 1 cup (100g) shredded. (Optional, but highly recommended.) A sharp cheddar works wonders on this Mexican Tamale Pie .

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

Honestly, the taco seasoning is a cheat's win, but you can always make your own. chili powder and cumin are must-haves for that authentic southwestern kick in this amazing easy tamale pie .

For a bit of extra depth, chuck in a pinch of smoked paprika. you won't regret it. don't forget the salt and pepper!

Equipment Needed: No Need to Break the Bank

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. Essential for the filling.
• 9x13 inch baking dish. Size matters!
• Mixing bowls. One for wet, one for dry.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A wooden spoon and spatula.
• Oven preheated to 375° F ( 190° C) .

Don't stress if you don't have a fancy skillet. a regular frying pan will do in a pinch. no 9x13 dish? a similar size will work fine.

The texas tamale pie flavour will still be spot on.

Right, let's get cooking this Texas Tamale Pie Recipe and make a real showstopper. It's the perfect Beef Tamale Casserole .

Cooking Method: Making a Cracking Tamale Pie

Honestly, who doesn’t love a proper tamale pie ? it’s proper comfort food. a hug in a dish, you know? we are going to explore the cooking method of mexican tamale pie , particularly, southwestern style.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential Mise en Place: Chop your 1 large onion and 1 red bell pepper . Mince your 2 cloves garlic . Get your cans of 1 (15 ounce) diced tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) corn, and 1 (15 ounce) black beans, ready to rock. Don't forget your 1 lb ground beef .
• Time-Saving Organization Tips: Measure out your spices now. 1 packet taco seasoning, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp cumin . This speeds things up.
• Safety Reminders: Don't be a clot! Watch your fingers when chopping. Hot oil and spitting fat is no joke, so take care over the stove.

Step-by-Step Process: Get Cooking!

1. Sauté your onion and garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil until softened. This takes about 5 minutes .
2. Brown 1 lb ground beef . Drain off any excess grease. No one wants a greasy Beef Tamale Casserole .
3. Add bell pepper, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Give it a good stir.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Simmer with 1/2 cup beef broth for 10- 15 minutes , stirring occasionally.
6. Pour the beef filling into your 9x13 inch baking dish .
7. Evenly spread cornbread batter over the filling.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 40 minutes , until golden brown.

Pro Tips for an Epic Tamales Pie Recipe

• Expert Technique: Don't overmix the cornbread! Makes it tough as old boots. Mix until just combined.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Not draining the beef properly. Drain off all that fat, seriously!
• Make-Ahead Option: The beef filling can be made 1-2 days ahead. Just store it in the fridge. This makes things way easier if you are going to be doing the Texas Tamale Pie Recipe .

It's like a savory hug, this texas tamale pie . honestly, it's proper nice. the spiced beef filling with that slightly sweet cornbread topping? bangin', as they say.

My nan used to make a simpler version; she'd use jiffy cornbread tamale pie recipe . but this, this is next level.

Making a easy tamale pie , is all about getting the basics right. don't overthink it. if you like things a bit spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Boom! a proper hot tamale pie with a kick. so go on, give it a whirl. i reckon you'll love it.

This tamales pie is great for a crowd, too.

Right, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of our Southwestern Tamale Pie ! Think of this section as your "secret weapon" for Tamales Pie mastery.

Recipe Notes: Your Tamale Pie Cheat Sheet

Honestly, every recipe has those little quirks. This is where we cover them for our Mexican Tamale Pie .

Serving Up Some Style: Plating & Sides

Texas Tamale Pie Recipe shouts for a bit of flair, doesn't it?

• Plating: A good dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is a must. Fresh coriander? Absolutely. A wedge of lime? Chef's kiss! Seriously though, think rustic. Straight from the oven, onto a plate, boom!
• Sides: A simple green salad with a zingy lime dressing cuts through the richness nicely. Got some leftover guacamole? Even better! And don't forget the hot sauce.
• Drinks: A cold beer or a margarita is the obvious choice. But hey, iced tea works too.

Storage 101: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftover Hot Tamale Pie ? Lucky you!

• Fridge: This Beef Tamale Casserole will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's properly cooled and in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Fancy batch cooking? This freezes pretty well. Wrap it tightly or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Oven's best for reheating. 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch, but the topping might get a bit soggy.

Remix Time: Variations on a Theme

Want to mix it up from the standard Easy Tamale Pie ? No problem!

• Veggie Vibes: Swap the beef for lentils or black beans. Boom, vegetarian Tamales Pie . Use veg broth instead of beef.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Use plant-based milk and oil for the cornbread. Ditch the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition Lowdown: The Good Stuff

Okay, so this Texas Tamale Pie isn't exactly a salad. But it's packed with goodness!

• We're talking a good hit of protein from the beef and beans.
• Plus fiber, which we all need.
• Calories wise, expect around 450-550 per serving.

Don't let that scare you, it's worth every single calorie. Nutritional values are just estimates!

Jiffy Cornbread Tamale Pie Recipe is pretty good but this version is better. Go on, give it a go. You might just find your new favourite tamale pie !

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a tamale pie, anyway? Is it anything like a real tamale?

That's a fair question! Think of a tamale pie as a delicious Tex-Mex casserole. It's got all those great Southwestern flavours like spiced ground beef, corn, and beans, but instead of being wrapped in a corn husk and steamed like a traditional tamale, it's baked in a dish with a yummy cornbread topping. It's a bit like a shepherd's pie, but with a Mexican twist!

Can I make this Southwestern tamale pie ahead of time? I'm a busy bee, you know!

Absolutely! You can definitely prep this dish in advance. You can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. On the day you want to bake it, just whip up the cornbread topping and assemble. You could also assemble the whole pie (unbaked) and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

My tamale pie cornbread topping always seems a bit dry. Any tips for a moist crust?

Ah, the dreaded dry cornbread! A couple of tricks can help. First, don't overmix the cornbread batter – mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and makes it tough. Second, make sure you're using enough liquid in the batter. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two more milk. You can also try adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra moisture and tang – a proper Mary Berry approved tip!

Can I adapt this recipe for dietary needs? I'm trying to cut down on the meat and dairy!

No worries, adapting is easy peasy! For a vegetarian tamale pie, swap the ground beef for lentils, crumbled tempeh, or extra black beans. And for the dairy, you can replace the milk with plant-based milk, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a lighter version, you can also substitute some of the flour in the cornbread topping with oats.

How long does tamale pie last, and what's the best way to store leftovers? I always end up with tons!

Tamale pie is usually good for 3-4 days in the fridge. Once it's cooled down (but not sat out for longer than two hours, mind!), cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick fix or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Is Tamale Pie healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Like most comfort foods, Tamale Pie can be enjoyed in moderation. It provides protein from the ground beef and fibre from the beans and corn. To make it healthier, use leaner ground beef, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more vegetables to the filling. Remember to factor in sodium content from the taco seasoning. Balancing is key, isn't it?

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