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Classic Texas Tamale Pie Casserole: Easy Weeknight Dinner

A square slice of homemade tamale pie featuring a savory meat and bean filling topped with cornbread and melted cheddar cheese.
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Make this hearty Texas Tamale Pie Casserole for a comforting, Tex-Mex inspired meal. It layers seasoned ground beef, black beans, and corn beneath a golden, cheesy cornbread crust. This is a perfect one-dish dinner for busy nights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can mild red enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the rinsed black beans, enchilada sauce, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef mixture. Heat through for 2 minutes. Spread this meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt for the topping.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and eggs until combined.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently spread the cornbread batter over the meat layer in the baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cornbread batter.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese over the top while warm. Cut into squares and serve hot.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with 1 pound of cooked lentils or an extra can of black beans mixed with 1 cup of cooked sweet potato.
  • Serve this hearty casserole with toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
  • You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/easy-tamale-pie-weeknight-casserole/