Texas Tamale Pie

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Texas Tamale Pie

Texas Tamale Pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Southwest cuisine right to your kitchen. This robust recipe hails from Texas, where bold flavors are a way of life. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to create a dish that has a delightful combination of ground beef, black beans, spicy tomatoes, and a golden cornmeal topping, finished off with melty cheddar cheese. This hearty dinner is not just a meal; it’s an experience that the entire family can enjoy together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Texas Tamale Pie. For starters, it embodies a unique blend of flavors, combining savory beef with the subtle heat of chilies. Preparation is straightforward and stress-free, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Plus, it’s family-friendly—kids and adults alike appreciate its delightful textures and flavors. This dish also offers versatile adaptations, so you can easily cater it to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients

To make Texas Tamale Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

The blend of these ingredients creates a symphony of hearty flavors and satisfying textures, making every bite a pleasure. The ground beef brings richness, while the black beans add protein and fiber. The diced tomatoes introduce a tangy zest, enhanced by warm spices like chili powder and cumin. Finally, the beautiful cornmeal base, topped with cheese, offers a comforting, slightly sweet crunch.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating your Texas Tamale Pie is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple step-by-step directions for a delicious outcome:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your dish lighter.

3. Add Beans and Spices: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

4. Prepare the Cornmeal Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth. This mixture will form the delicious, fluffy topping of your pie.

5. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

6. Layer the Cornmeal Mixture: Spread half of the cornmeal mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. This acts as the base layer of your pie.

7. Layer with Beef Mixture: Next, layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal base, spreading it out evenly.

8. Top with Remaining Cornmeal Mixture: Add the remaining cornmeal mixture on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.

9. Sprinkle with Cheese: Generously sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. If you wish, you can also add sliced black olives for a touch of extra flavor and texture.

10. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.

11. Cool and Garnish: Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before garnishing it with fresh cilantro.

12. Serve: Cut into portions and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy!

Tips & Tricks

• Ingredient Variations: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute, making it a great option for varying dietary needs.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot diced tomatoes based on your heat preference. You can also add fresh or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Toppings Galore: Experiment with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or additional cheese to elevate the dish further.
• One-Pot Wonder: You can create this dish in a slow cooker by browning the beef first and then layering in the other ingredients. Cook on low for 4–6 hours for a hands-off approach.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Texas Tamale Pie pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad topped with avocado and a zesty lime dressing. For a more traditional pairing, serve with Mexican rice and refried beans. You could also add some crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch on the side. When entertaining, consider adding a pitcher of homemade margaritas to really set the Southwestern mood!

Nutritional Information

A single serving of Texas Tamale Pie contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 9g

Please note that these values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Storing Tips & Variations for Texas Tamale Pie

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions of Texas Tamale Pie for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before wrapping and storing in a freezer-safe container.
• Vegetarian Version: Make a vegetarian version by using lentils or mushrooms in place of the ground beef. You might also add additional veggies like corn or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cornmeal product to make this dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion for Texas Tamale Pie

Texas Tamale Pie is more than just a filling meal; it’s a heartwarming dish perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinner routines alike. With its rich flavors and straightforward preparation, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation. Gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step directions, and watch as your family dives into a plate of deliciousness. This dish encourages people to work together in the kitchen and savor the flavors of home-cooked goodness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

2. How can I make it spicier?
   You can use spicy diced tomatoes or add more chili powder and fresh jalapeños to the beef mix for an extra kick.

3. Is there a substitute for ground beef?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beans and vegetables can work well in this dish.

4. What type of cheese works best?
   While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for added spice or a Mexican cheese blend.

5. Can I incorporate different veggies?
   Yes! Bell peppers, corn, and zucchini are great additions to make the dish even more nutritious.

Now you’re ready to create a delicious Texas Tamale Pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends! Happy cooking!

Texas Tamale Pie

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A comforting dish from Texas featuring ground beef, black beans, spicy tomatoes, and a golden cornmeal topping with melted cheddar cheese.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southwestern
• Diet: Omnivore

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Spread half of the cornmeal mixture in the dish as the base layer.
7. Layer the beef mixture over the cornmeal base.
8. Top with the remaining cornmeal mixture.
9. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and optionally add sliced black olives.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
11. Cool for 10 minutes before garnishing with cilantro, then serve.

Notes

For variations, substitute ground beef with turkey or use lentils for a vegetarian option. Adjust spice levels according to preference.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

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