Tamale Pie is a hearty casserole made with chili seasoned meat and topped with a homemade cornbread that captures the delicious flavors of a tamales without all the work. This Mexican Tamale Casserole is sure to be a family favorite.
This tamale pie is a great way to use up leftover Beef Chili, Pork Carnitas, Vegetarian Chili, or Chicken Chili.
I adore authentic Tamales.
But I do NOT have the patience or time to make tamales on a busy weeknight.
But what I DO have time for is a tamale casserole. And while not tamales, this Tamale Casserole is a family favorite.
Tamale Pie
This recipe for Tamale Pie is incredibly versatile and most importantly unbelievably tasty. It is a everything you love about Tamales--creamy cornbread and rich, seasoned meat. Instead of steamed in corn husks, this Tamale Casserole is baked up in a casserole dish for a quick and family friendly recipe.
You can make this tamale casserole with leftover chili, leftover shredded chicken, leftover pork, leftover taco meat, or even vegetarian chili.
You can add beans, cheese, onions, peppers or additional spices, or you can keep it super simple and stick to just meat and seasoned tomato sauce.
So let's Break this Tamale Casserole Down.
Tamale Base
- In a large skillet, heat oil.
- Once oil is heated,add in onion and saute until onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add in leftover shredded meat (or brown hamburger meat at this time.)
- Season with chili seasoning, garlic, and tomato puree.
- Stir in beans if desired.
- Spread Tamale Base in 2 quart casserole dish.
- At this point, you can top your meat mixture with cheese if desired.
Cornbread Topping
I prefer using a homemade cornbread topping for this Tamale Pie, however, feel free to use a boxed cornbread.
- Sift together flour, corn meal, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together milk, yogurt, honey and eggs together.
- Pour into flour mixture and mix until just combined.
Tamale Casserole
- Dollop cornbread mixture over meat mixture.
- Gently spread with a spatula over meat mixture.
- Bake until cornbread is set.
- Serve with cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Variations on Tamale Pie
Chili Tamale Pie
- Use leftover Chili or Leftover Chicken Chili for the base of your tamale casserole.
- Top with cornbread mixture and bake as directed.
Chicken Tamale Pie
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken for the meat in this tamale casserole.
- Top with cornbread mixture and bake as directed.
Beef Tamale Pie
- In a large skillet, heat oil.
- Once oil is heated, add in diced onion and 1 pound ground beef.
- Cook until beef is browned.
- Season with chili seasoning, garlic, and tomato puree.
- Stir in beans if desired.
- Spread Tamale Base in 2 quart casserole dish.
- Top with cornbread mixture and bake as directed.
- You can also use Slow Cooker Chili to make this Tamale Pie.
Pork Tamale Pie
- Use leftover pork carnitas for the base of your tamale casserole.
- Top with cornbread mixture and bake as directed.
Vegetarian Tamale Pie
- Use leftover lentil chili for the base of your tamale casserole.
- Top with cornbread mixture and bake as directed.
More Family Friendly Casserole Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Creamy Parmesan Chicken Casserole
- Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice
- Healthy Hamburger Casserole from Fit Foodie Finds
- The Best Chicken Pot Pie
Tamale Pie
Ingredients
For the Tamale Pie Base
- 1 teaspoon oil canola or olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 3 cups leftover cooked meat
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups pinto beans or kidney beans
- 16 oz tomato puree or sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 1 tablespoon Chili Seasoning
For the Cornbread Topping
- 1 cup whole white wheat flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Heat oil in large skillet.
- Add in onion and saute for 3-5 minutes, or until onion is softened.
- Add leftover meat to skillet, along with beans, seasonings, garlic, and tomato puree. Saute until the mixture is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Spread out meat mixture in 2-quart casserole. Top with shredded cheese if desired.
Cornbread mixture
- Mix together the dry ingredients for the cornbread. Add the milk, eggs, hobey, and yogurt/sour cream to the flour and mix until just combined.
- Dollop the cornbread batter over the top of the casserole and spread to cover.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until bread is golden brown.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
Emily
Would this freeze well? I’m trying to figure out some meals I can have on hand when my second baby arrives in a month.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Emily! Congratulations on the upcoming of your new baby 🙂 This casserole does freeze well. Prepare as directed and allow to fully cool. Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, remove from freezer and remove foil. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Then cover with a new piece of foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until filling is bubbly.
Joanie
What a fantastic recipe! I love tamales but like you mentioned, do not have the patience or time to make them. This recipe totally satisfies that tamale craving - so easy to make and delicious too!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Joanie! I love making EASIER versions of classic recipes--so perfect for busy nights.
Suzy
What a great idea! I like the different options. Might start with the vegetarian
Kristen Chidsey
I love the vegetarian version myself! Enjoy Suzy!
Janegramza
I would really love to make this tonight but all I have is cornbread mix. Is there a way I could sub this instead and maybe add a little honey and sour cream since I don't have yogurt either.
Kristen Chidsey
Absolutely! Cornbread mix will work perfectly, as will sour cream and honey! But you can follow the directions for the cornbread mix and top your casserole with that as well. Enjoy!
Renee
I love tamale pie! This looks like a simple recipe for a delicious meal!
Kristen Chidsey
Super simple and a great way to enjoy tamales!
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo
Yummm this sounds delicious. I love anything Mexican flavored, and especially pork carnitas so I'm sure this is fantastic!
Kristen Chidsey
If you love Mexican Judy, you are sure to love this dish!
Susan@LunaCafe
Tamale Pie! What a great concept. And a lot easier than making tamales, that's for sure. 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
So much easier Susan!
Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily
I've made tamales a few times and they sure are time consuming! Tamale pie is an excellent way to get your tamale fix in a hurry! oxox
Kristen Chidsey
Traditional tamales are fabulous, but this is much easier way to enjoy them for sure!
Amber | Caleigh's Kitchen
OMG this looks so good and reminds me of growing up. We used to eat this all the time!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Amber. Nothing like a dish that reminds you of childhood.
Abigail
This absolutely looks delicious and should land on our dinner table soon! Pinned. 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing that Abigail. I hope your family enjoys!