Tamale Pie Recipe

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2

To make cornbread: whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add oil until soft crumbles form. Whisk in milk and egg. Gently fold in chiles and corn. Pour into greased large cast iron skillet. Bake until set (a toothpick should come out clean) about 20-25 minutes.

Step 3

While cornbread is baking, cook the beef until done. Add onion and the 4 dry spices, cook until onion is softened, about 4 minutes; drain fat and set aside.

Step 4

Once cornbread is done baking, reduce oven to 350 degree F.

Step 5

Poke holes in baked cornbread with a fork and pour enchilada sauce over it. Top with ground beef mixture then shredded cheese, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and back until cheese begins to brown, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 6

Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving with desired toppings.

Tips

Large cast-iron skillet

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Ingredient substitutions

For the beef mixture, replace the ground beef with ground turkey. This substitution will make the dish lower in fat and calories, while still providing a flavorful, protein-packed meal.
For the cornbread, replace the oil with melted butter. This substitution will add a richer flavor to the cornbread and provide a more moist texture.

Variations

Vegetarian Tamale Pie Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked black beans and 1 cup of cooked corn. Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil. Replace the enchilada sauce with your favorite salsa.

Serve with

Mexican Rice: Mexican Rice is a great side dish to serve with Tamale Pie. It is a flavorful combination of long-grain rice, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce that is cooked until fluffy. The Mexican flavors pair perfectly with the Tamale Pie and will make the meal even more delicious.

Refried Beans: Refried Beans are a classic Mexican side dish that pairs perfectly with Tamale Pie. They are made with pinto beans that are cooked and mashed, then simmered with onion, garlic, and spices. The creamy texture of the beans provides a great contrast to the crunchy Tamale Pie and adds a delicious flavor to the meal.

FAQ

Q: What type of skillet should I use?

A: A large cast iron skillet is recommended for this recipe. It will help give the cornbread a crispy texture.

Q: How long should I bake the cornbread?

A: The cornbread should be baked for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Fun facts:

The first tamale pie was created in the late 1800s in San Antonio, Texas. It was created by the famous chef and restaurateur, Charles Goodnight, who was known for his innovative cooking.

Tamale pie has been featured in several Hollywood movies, such as The Iron Giant, The Parent Trap, and The Goonies. It has also been served at the White House during the Obama administration.