This easy tamale recipe one pot tamale pie is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making over and over again. It's simple, delicious, and always gets rave reviews. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, you're going to love how easy and tasty this turns out!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is tamale pie?
A deconstructed tamale baked as a casserole — seasoned meat filling topped with a cornbread-like masa crust. All the tamale flavors without the hours of wrapping and steaming.
2. How is tamale pie different from traditional tamales?
Traditional tamales are individually wrapped in corn husks and steamed for hours. Tamale pie layers all the same ingredients in one pot and bakes in 30 minutes — same flavor, fraction of the effort.
3. What is the masa topping made of?
Masa harina (corn flour) mixed with butter, broth, baking powder, salt, and sometimes cheese. It bakes into a tender, cornbread-like crust on top of the seasoned meat filling.
4. What meat filling is traditional?
Seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, corn, and beans. The filling should be thick and saucy — not watery.
5. Can I use cornbread mix instead of masa harina?
Jiffy cornbread mix works as a convenient topping shortcut. It produces a slightly sweeter, more cake-like topping compared to the more authentic masa harina version.
6. What temperature and time for tamale pie?
375 degrees for 25-30 minutes until the masa topping is golden brown and set, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
7. What toppings go on tamale pie?
Sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and salsa. The fresh toppings brighten the rich, hearty casserole.
8. Can I make tamale pie in a cast iron skillet?
Yes — cook the meat filling in the skillet, spread the masa topping over it, and transfer to the oven. The cast iron goes from stovetop to oven to table seamlessly.
9. Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the meat with seasoned black beans, corn, zucchini, and peppers. The masa topping and Mexican seasonings provide plenty of flavor without any meat.
10. Can I freeze tamale pie?
Freeze baked and cooled casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350 degrees covered for 30 minutes. The masa topping holds up well during freezing and reheating.
Watch How to Make This
easy tamale recipe one pot tamale pie
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add diced onion and cook for another 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add diced bell peppers, oregano, cilantro, chili powder, and stir to combine. Add water and chicken bouillon cube, dissolving the cube. Season with black pepper and cook until the water evaporates. Taste and adjust seasoning. Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add egg, milk, and creamed corn, mixing until combined. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeño.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture in an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Pour the cornbread mixture over the cheese, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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