Name: Texas Tamale Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 42 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for leaner option); 1 cup chopped onion (yellow or white); 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (no added sugar); 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white); 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1 large egg; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack/pepper jack); 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional); 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

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Introduction

Texas Tamale Pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines a savory beef and bean filling with a creamy cornmeal topping. Perfect for family dinners, it delivers a taste of Tex-Mex with every bite.

A close-up of a deep skillet showing a layered casserole with three main layers: a bottom layer with dark brown chili and yellow corn kernels, a middle layer of light yellow cornbread with a soft texture, and a top layer of melted bright orange cheese evenly spread with slightly browned edges. On top, there is a large dollop of white sour cream, garnished with small chopped red tomatoes, green sliced jalapeños, and finely chopped fresh green cilantro scattered over the whole dish. A slice is cut out, revealing the three layers inside. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred white bowl containing lime and cilantro in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
1 cup chopped onion (yellow or white)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)
1 large egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack/pepper jack)
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, milk, and egg until smooth to prepare the topping.
Step 5: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Layer the beef mixture over it, then pour the remaining cornmeal mixture on top.
Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and black olives evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
Step 7: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder.
Swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans for a different texture.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little extra heat and flavor.
Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or textured vegetable protein.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A round skillet holds a layered dish with three main parts: the bottom layer is dark brown ground meat mixed with yellow corn; above that is a thick, soft, yellow cornbread layer; the top layer is melted golden cheese with a slightly browned crust. In the center of the dish, a scoop is missing showing the inside layers. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream, and it is garnished with bright red chopped tomatoes, green sliced jalapeño peppers, and fresh green cilantro leaves. The skillet is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred white bowl of lime wedges and greens in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Texas Tamale Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and cornmeal mixture in advance, then assemble and bake when ready. This saves time on busy days.

What can I use if I don’t have cornmeal?

Cornmeal gives the dish its unique texture, but if unavailable, you can try using polenta or a cornbread mix as a substitute, adjusting liquid quantities accordingly.