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    Tamale Pie

    Beef Recipes Kid Friendly Main Courses Real Food March 11, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 68 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Tamale Casserole features all the flavors of tamales minus the work! Made with a seasoned beef mixture and topped with homemade cornbread, this Tamale Pie delivers on flavor with ease. This is an easy family favorite recipe!

    Made with a seasoned beef mixture and topped with homemade cornbread, this Tamale Pie delivers all the flavors of tamales minus the work!

    Looking for additional easy, family-favorite casserole recipes? You must try Tater Tot Casserole and Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole!

    Slice of tamale pie on white plate with casserole dish in the background.

    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 an easy casserole that tastes like tamales.

    This recipe for Tamale Casserole, AKA Tamale Pie, features all the flavors you love about tamales, from the richly seasoned meat to the creamy cornbread, with less than 20 minutes of hands-on work.

    Why You'll Love Tamale Pie

    • Easy. This recipe comes together with minimal effort to create a quick and easy family dinner.
    • Affordable. The most expensive ingredient in this recipe is ground beef. The rest of the ingredients are likely things you already have on hand. Purchase ground beef (or ground turkey) when on sale and you can enjoy a hearty, filling family meal for less than the cost of one large pizza.
    • Filling. This Tamale Pie is an all-in-one meal that is filled with protein and carbs to fill your family up.
    • Family-Favorite. Tamale Pie is a flavorful, kid-friendly dinner that will have your family licking their plates clean!

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for tamale casserole labled on counter.
    • Ground Beef: While I love the flavor of lean ground beef in the tamale pie, you can opt to use ground turkey or chicken if that is what you have on hand or prefer.
    • Onions, Peppers, and Garlic: The combination of diced onions, bell pepper, and garlic is the building block to developing incredible flavor to the base of this casserole.
    • Jalapeno: If you want to add a bit of heat to the meat mixture, a bit of finely minced jalapeno goes a long way to really waking up your palate. For those sensitive to heat, I recommend omitting the jalapeno completely.
    • Diced Green Chiles: A small can of diced green chiles adds the perfect subtle kick of heat and a lot of flavors to the tamale casserole base.
    • Corn: I love adding frozen corn to the beef mixture as it pairs beautifully with the cornbread topping and adds a nice bit of natural sweetness to contrast with the heat of the chiles and jalapeno. However, this addition is completely optional.
    • Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce gives the tamale pie base moisture and a rich flavor, often traditional in tamale filling.
    • Seasonings: I use my blend of homemade taco seasoning which is a combination of cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
    • Lime Juice: If you have a fresh lime on hand, add the juice of the lime to the tamale pie base, as it will wake up all the flavors! It really takes this dish over the top!
    • Cheese: If you love cheese in your tamales, don't forget to add a layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese to this casserole.
    • Cornbread: Use your favorite boxed cornbread or easily prepare homemade cornbread using my recipe that combines, flour, cornmeal, baking powder, milk, honey, egg, and oil.

    How to Make Tamale Pie

    • In a large nonstick skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add in the ground beef, minced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced jalapeno if suing. Saute the mixture, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion and peppers have begun to soften.
    • If needed, drain off any excess grease and return the skillet to the heat.
    Beef and peppers and onions in skillet next to cilantro.
    • Add in the seasonings, green chiles, tomato sauce, and corn if using, and bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-8 minutes, or until the tomato sauce has thickened and everything is warmed through.
    Seasoned beef mixture in skillet.
    • While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread topping by whisking together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, oil, and honey, and then combine the wet and dry ingredients together until the mixture is fully moistened.
    Cornbread mixture next to saute pan with beef.
    • At this point, turn off the heat on the meat mixture and stir in the juice of fresh lime.
    • Pour the beef mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, generously sprinkle with cheese, dollop the cornbread mixture over the meat mixture, and then gently spread out the batter using a spatula if needed.
    Three side by side photos of assembled tamale pie.
    • Bake until the cornbread is set.
    Tamale Casserole baked in white casserole dish sprinkled with cilantro.

    Storage Instructions

    Store leftover cooled Tamale Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoying.

    ∗Speed It Up Using Leftovers ∗

    While this Tamale Pie is already a quick and easy casserole recipe, you can make it EVEN faster by swapping out the Tex-Mex beef mixture with 3-4 cups of your favorite leftover chili, like Instant Pot Beef Chili or Chicken Chili, and then top with the cornbread mixture and bake as directed. It is a great way to transform leftover chili into something new and delicious.

    More Family-Friendly Casserole Recipes

    • Buffalo Chicken Casserole
    • Creamy Parmesan Chicken Casserole
    • Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice
    • The Best Chicken Pot Pie
    • Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    • Tater Tot Casserole

    Need more inspiration for planning meals that your family will love? Sign up for my FREE Meal Plans and each week you will get a meal plan with a shopping list.

    Slice of tamale pie on white plate with casserole dish in the background.

    Tamale Pie

    Made with a seasoned beef mixture and topped with homemade cornbread, this Tamale Pie delivers all the flavors of tamales minus the work!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 404kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    For the Tamale Casserole Base

    • 2 teaspoons canola oil
    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • 1 small onion finely minced
    • 1 small red or yellow bell pepper seeded and minced
    • 1 jalapeno seeded, and finely minced
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning see note
    • 4 ounces diced green chiles
    • 16 oz tomato sauce
    • 1 cup frozen corn
    • 1 small lime juiced
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

    For the Cornbread Topping

    • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¾ cup cornmeal
    • 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • â…“ cup honey
    • ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
    • 4 tablespoons canola oil or melted, cooled butter
    • 2 eggs
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Over medium-high heat, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add in ground beef, onion, pepper, and jalapeno and saute, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the meat is fully browned and the onions and peppers are softened.
    • If needed, drain off any excess grease and return the skillet to the heat. Add in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, green chiles, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened and warmed through, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice.
    • Spread out the meat mixture in a 9x13 pan and top with shredded cheese if using.
    • Prepare the cornbread topping by whisking together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt together. Add the milk, honey, whisked eggs, and oil/butter, and mix until the flour is fully moistened and everything is nice and combined.
    • Dollop the cornbread batter over the top of the casserole and spread to cover.
    • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden and set.

    Equipment Needed

    • 9x13 pan

    Notes

    Ground Beef: Feel free to use ground chicken or turkey in place of the beef if desired. 
    Corn: Use frozen or canned corn, that has been rinsed and drained. 
    Jalapeno: Optional, omit for sensitive palates. 
    Taco Seasoning: In place of taco seasoning, use 1 teaspoon of chili powder and ½ teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
    Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. 
    Using Packaged Cornbread: Use a 15-ounce Cornbread mix prepared according to package directions in place of the homemade cornbread.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 765mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 303mg | Iron: 4mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This recipe was originally published in 2018 but has been updated in 2022 with new photos and tips.

    « Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
    Peanut Butter & Jelly Baked Oatmeal Cups »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Emily

      July 25, 2019 at 5:05 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 25, 2019 at 6:25 am

        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.

        Reply
    2. Joanie

      November 27, 2018 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 28, 2018 at 7:27 am

        Thanks Joanie! I love making EASIER versions of classic recipes--so perfect for busy nights.

        Reply
    3. Suzy

      November 27, 2018 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      What a great idea! I like the different options. Might start with the vegetarian

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 27, 2018 at 7:35 pm

        I love the vegetarian version myself! Enjoy Suzy!

        Reply
    4. Janegramza

      November 27, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 27, 2018 at 7:33 pm

        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!

        Reply
    5. Renee

      May 14, 2015 at 11:50 am

      I love tamale pie! This looks like a simple recipe for a delicious meal!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 14, 2015 at 2:23 pm

        Super simple and a great way to enjoy tamales!

        Reply
    6. Judy@ImBoredLetsGo

      April 12, 2015 at 11:31 am

      Yummm this sounds delicious. I love anything Mexican flavored, and especially pork carnitas so I'm sure this is fantastic!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 13, 2015 at 8:00 am

        If you love Mexican Judy, you are sure to love this dish!

        Reply
    7. Susan@LunaCafe

      April 12, 2015 at 12:12 am

      Tamale Pie! What a great concept. And a lot easier than making tamales, that's for sure. 🙂

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 13, 2015 at 8:01 am

        So much easier Susan!

        Reply
    8. Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily

      April 11, 2015 at 6:45 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 13, 2015 at 8:03 am

        Traditional tamales are fabulous, but this is much easier way to enjoy them for sure!

        Reply
    9. Amber | Caleigh's Kitchen

      April 11, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      OMG this looks so good and reminds me of growing up. We used to eat this all the time!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 13, 2015 at 8:03 am

        Thanks Amber. Nothing like a dish that reminds you of childhood.

        Reply
    10. Abigail

      April 11, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      This absolutely looks delicious and should land on our dinner table soon! Pinned. 🙂

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 13, 2015 at 8:04 am

        I love hearing that Abigail. I hope your family enjoys!

        Reply
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    Tamale Casserole features all the flavors of tamales minus the work! Made with a seasoned beef mixture and topped with homemade cornbread, this Tamale Pie delivers on flavor with ease. This is an easy family favorite recipe!

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

    A Picture of A Mind"Full"Mom

    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    Tamale Casserole features all the flavors of tamales minus the work! Made with a seasoned beef mixture and topped with homemade cornbread, this Tamale Pie delivers on flavor with ease. This is an easy family favorite recipe!

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